How to Find the Best Bunk Beds
Whether you want to make space, promote siblings to bond or even accommodate a sleepover crowd, the right bunk bed makes all the difference. Find safety features that are compatible with your needs in terms of the size of the mattress, height and stairs/ladder placement.
Many models come with the option of straight or angled ladders. The ones with straight ladders are easier to climb, but require a certain extra height, whereas the latter require more room but are safer and easier to reach.
Aesthetics
Bunk beds are not only for kids. They can be stylish and attractive to your home. Bunk beds are becoming more popular in homes of all sizes as designers and manufacturers appreciate their practicality while delivering a contemporary aesthetic. Wooden bunk beds are more durable than steel models and their natural look is compatible with many interior styles.
In addition to their aesthetics bunk beds also offer practical benefits for families who share a home or have limited space. For example triple-bunk beds can be easily transformed into two separate bed options. Some designs also have hidden trundles that slide out from underneath the bottom bunk to allow for short sleepovers.
A bunk bed can transform your bedroom into a treehouse for your child. This set from Max & Lily takes this idea to the next level by adding the ability to detach a slide, which will see kids soaring down the slide with their friends and bringing their stuffed animals on the most thrilling ride of their life.
Some styles, like this set from NE Kids take a minimalistic style to the design. It's simple clean lines and neutral colors make it a great choice for any room regardless of whether the house is modern or more traditional. It's the least expensive option on our list and comes with an included ladder for storage for added convenience.
Some families opt for a twin over double bunk bed for their siblings who share in a bedroom and want to reduce space. This design is smaller than a full over full model and can be set with dressers and storage pieces to create a unified bedroom.
A twin-over-full-bed configuration has the added benefit of accommodating two full mattresses. This allows you to utilize it as you require regardless of how large your family grows. It's also the most affordable option on our list. You can also pair it with storage drawers to provide extra organization.
Safety
The materials used to construct bunk beds are essential. Solid wood is a great choice because it's strong and durable but it can be costly. Consider best bunk beds for adults uk as a possible alternative. It's less expensive and can be simply a sturdy.
Make sure you have guard rails at least 5 inches above the mattress, as well as stairs or ladders that are secured to the frame. This prevents them from being pulled away. This creates a dangerous gap that children can fall or become stuck. Some manufacturers also offer an optional safety treads on ladders which can prevent slips or injury.
Also, ensure that your bunk bed meets the British Safety Standard BS/EN7472012+A1 and that it has any age restrictions that are recommended for the use of the bed. It's also a good idea to read the instructions of the manufacturer for assembly, usage and maintenance.
Children love bunk beds, but they can be risky if not set up properly. Most bunk bed accidents happen when children climb over the side to reach the upper bunk where they can fall or be trapped. To prevent this from happening, let your child sleep on the top bunk once they reach the age of six. Also, make sure the ladder is set at the end of the bed so that kids cannot reach it.
The ladder should be secured to the bed frame, and angled to the point that it is difficult for children to climb up the sides. Parents should instruct their children to use the ladder safely, discourage horses on the stairs, and check the ladder regularly and bed frame for loose connections.
In the end, it's recommended to select a bunk bed that can be divided into two beds, which will allow you to repurpose the space when your children are no longer in the top bunk. IKEA's Mydal bunk beds for instance, are a reasonable option that does not compromise on safety or durability. They can also be easily separated into two beds as your children grow out of the top bunk.
Mattress
A bunk bed isn't complete without an appropriate mattress. You'll usually find that a manufacturer's sales strategy includes providing a mattress as well as the frame, which can be convenient and can save you money. However, it is best to shop for a mattress on your own 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 the bed will feel to your child or adults.
When choosing the right bunk bed mattresses take into consideration your budget, desired level of comfort and sleeping position. For instance a mattress made of memory foam might be ideal for back and side sleepers but stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer option with more pressure relief. You should also take into consideration the weight capacity of your bunk bed. A large number of people could cause the mattress's heaviest parts to slide.
Most bunk beds come in twin-over-twin or full-over-full sizes, as well as a smaller option for the trundle below. Some bunk beds come with hybrid, all-foam or innerspring mattresses. All-foam models typically cost about $900 to $1,200 in the size of a queen and include an inner support core comprised of high-density polyfoam.
It's also important to choose the mattress for your bunk bed that's sturdy and doesn't squeak or creak. This could disrupt your child's sleep and cause them to wake up during the night. To avoid this, you should choose a memory foam or latex mattress that has great pressure relief while permitting sleepers to move their positions easily.
If you're planning to make your bunk bed the center feature of your room, choose a bold finish like gray or walnut. You can keep the bunk bed minimalist with an elegant white finish which is a good match for any colour scheme. Bunk beds that come flat-packed are generally simple to put together and require no tools, but you'll require help to get them in place, especially if they're heavy. A lot of manufacturers have videos and instructions on their websites to make the process easier.
Storage
Bunk beds with built-in storage are a great option to add additional functionality and space to your kids their room. You can build or purchase drawers that can be easily attached to bunk beds, providing extra storage for bedding, clothes, and other toys. This option is ideal for smaller spaces, since it maximizes space and eliminates the need to keep items on the floor. Many of these drawers are available in a variety of colors and finishes to complement any style.
You might be able depending on the style you choose, to incorporate creative storage solutions. Some bunk beds come with shelves and cubbies which can be used to store items like books and art supplies. This lets kids keep their possessions neatly organized and easily accessible without taking up too much space. It's also a good idea to choose bunk beds with hooks on both sides that can be used for hanging bags or other clothing items.
There are many drawers and shelving units you can put in your child's bedroom if you prefer a more traditional style. These units are often positioned under the bed's lower part and provide plenty of space for storage of blankets, clothes toys, and other things. These units are ideal for both girls' and boys bedrooms as they are easily customizable to suit each individual's preferences.
Desks with storage that can be pulled out and study space are also available as bunk beds. They are ideal for small bedrooms, as they allow you to make use of the space underneath the top bunk while keeping the lower bed free to sleep. They also come in a variety of color options and can be customised with accessories like trundles for additional storage space.
Another excellent way to maximize storage space is to build shelves on the wall above your bed. These can be used to store books, toys and other items you would like to keep out of sight. You can add baskets on the shelves to keep everything neatly arranged and organised.