How to Find the Best Bunk Beds
The right bunk bed can make all the difference, whether you're looking to save space, encourage siblings to bond or host a large number of guests for an overnight party. Consider safety features that are appropriate for your needs. This includes the size of the mattress, ladder placement, and height.
A lot of models offer the option of straight or inclined ladders. The former are simpler to climb, but require a certain amount of height. The latter are more substantial but are more secure and easy to use.
Aesthetics
Having a bunk bed doesn't just give kids a thrill but can also be an attractive addition to your home. Bunk beds are becoming increasingly popular in homes of all sizes as designers and manufacturers recognize the benefits of bunk beds, while retaining an elegant design. Wooden bunk beds are generally a better choice for homeowners due to the fact that they tend to be more durable than metal models and their natural wood finish is able to adapt well to a variety of styles.
Bunk beds aren't just attractive they can also be a practical option for families that share a home or have limited space. For instance a triple-bunk design can easily be converted into two separate beds and some models come with an under-bed trundle that slides out from beneath the bed to allow for sleepovers at the drop of a hat.
A bunk bed can transform your child's bedroom into a treehouse. This Max & Lily set takes this idea one step further by adding a detachable sliding that can send children soaring down with their friends and sending their favorite animals on the ride of their lives.
Other styles, such as this set from NE Kids take a minimalistic style to the design. Its clean, simple lines and neutral colors make it an excellent fit for any home that is modern or traditional. It's our cheapest choice, and includes a ladder for storage for convenience.
A few families choose a twin-over-double bunk bed for siblings who share rooms and need to make space in their bedroom. This model is smaller than a full-over-full model and can be set with dressers and other storage pieces to create a unified bedroom.
Another advantage to a twin-over-full configuration is that it can accommodate two mattresses at a time, so you'll have the flexibility to make use of it as your family expands. It's the most cost-effective choice on our list, and can be combined with storage drawers for extra organization.
Safety
A bunk bed should be as solid as is possible, and that starts with the materials it's constructed of. Solid wood is a durable and sturdy choice, but it can be costly. Consider using metal as an alternative. It is cheaper and is simply a sturdy.
Be sure to look for guard rails that are at least 5 inches higher than the mattress, and stairs or ladders that are securely attached to the frame. This prevents them from being pulled away. This creates a dangerous gap through which children could slip or fall. Some manufacturers offer safety treads on ladders which could prevent slips or getting injured.
Also, ensure that your bunk bed meets the British Safety Standard BS/EN7472012+A1 and that it includes any age-restrictions that are recommended for its use. Also, you should carefully review the instructions provided by the manufacturer on installation and use, as well as maintenance.
Children enjoy bunk beds, but they can be risky when not properly set up. Most bunk bed accidents happen when children climb over the side to the upper bunk, and they may fall or be trapped. To avoid this it is recommended that children sleep on the top bunk when they are at least six years old. Ensure that the ladder is positioned at the end of the bunk so that children aren't able to climb over it.
The ladder must also be securely attached to the frame of the bed and angled so that makes it difficult for children to climb onto the sides. Parents should teach children how to use the ladder correctly, discourage horseplay and regularly examine the ladder and bed frame for loose connections.
It's also a good idea, should you be able to, select a bed that can be divided into two separate beds. This allows you to reuse the space after your children outgrow the top bunk. IKEA's Mydal bunk beds, for instance, are a budget-friendly alternative that doesn't sacrifice safety or durability. They can also be separated into two beds when your children have outgrown the top bunk.
Mattress
A bunk bed is insufficient without a mattress. You'll see that many manufacturers provide a mattress in addition to the frame. This is a great option for you and help you save money. However, it's best to shop separately if you want to get the most comfortable sleep possible from your bunk bed. The mattress you choose will make a big difference in how comfortable and supportive it is for your child or adults.
Selecting the best bunk bed mattress requires considering your budget, desired level of comfort, and your sleep position preferences. For example the memory foam mattress might be ideal for side and back sleepers however stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer option with more pressure relief. You'll also want to consider the capacity of your bunk bed because too many people sleeping on it could cause the mattress to slide beneath its most heavy areas.
The majority of bunk bed mattresses are available in twin-over-twin or full-over-full dimensions, and a smaller version for the trundle below. Some bunk beds offer innerspring, all-foam or hybrid mattresses. All-foam mattresses typically cost between $900 and $1,200 for a queen-size model. They come with a high-density foam support core.
In addition to the durability, it's important to look for a bed mattress that doesn't produce squeaks or creaks. This can disrupt your kids' sleeping environment and may even lead to them waking up throughout the night. In order to avoid these issues, select a latex or memory foam mattress that has great pressure relief while allowing sleepers to easily reposition themselves.
If you want your bunk bed to be a focal point of the space, go for an eye-catching finish such as walnut or gray. You can keep the bunk bed simple with the classic white finish which will work well with any design. Bunk beds that are flat packed can be put together without tools. However, you might require assistance if the bed is heavy. Many manufacturers include instructions and videos on their websites to help you get started.
best low profile bunk beds with built-in storage are an excellent option for your child's bedroom. You can build or buy pre-made drawers that easily attach to bunk beds and provide additional storage space for clothes bedding, toys, and bedding. This is a great option for smaller rooms because it maximizes unused space and eliminates the need to store items on the floor. A lot of these drawers are available in various colors and finishes to complement any decor.
You may be able depending on the kind of bed you choose, to incorporate creative storage solutions. Some bunk beds have shelves and cubbies that can be used to store items such as books and art materials. This allows children to organize their belongings in a neat manner and easily accessible without taking up too much space. It's also recommended to pick bunk beds that have hooks on either side that can be used to hang bags or other clothing items.
There are numerous drawers and shelving units you can incorporate into your child's bed if you prefer a more traditional style. They are typically placed under the bottom bunk bed and provide ample storage space for blankets, clothes and toys. These units are great for both boys and girls bedrooms as they can easily be customized to meet the needs of each person.
Desks that fold out with storage and study space are also available as bunk beds. They are ideal for bedrooms with limited space, as they allow you to make use of the space underneath the top bunk while keeping the lower bed free for sleeping. These beds are available in many colors and are customizable with accessories such as trundles to increase storage space.
Another great way to maximise storage space is to put shelves on the wall above your bunk bed. They can be used to store books, toys, and other items that you would like to keep away from view. You can even add baskets to to keep your belongings organized and neatly arranged.