How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Your Kids' Room
Bunk beds are a great way to add function and fun to a child's bedroom, especially when you have limited space. It doesn't matter if you choose the traditional twin-overfull or loft bed with storage, we have options that fit your budget and room needs.
Be sure to look for features like stairs that are angled, ladders that protrude, and more. These features make bunk beds easier to climb for older children, and also safer. Other features include storage areas that can be used as play areas, and under-bed trundles.
Size
Size is important when shopping for bunk beds. Be sure that the beds are placed within the space with enough space to move up and down. Think about the size of other furniture pieces, like dressers or desks should you decide to add them. Be aware that the top and bottom bunks can only hold a certain amount of weight when used as adult bedroom furniture.
The height of your ceilings is also important. "A good rule of thumb is to ensure there's at least 5 inches of space between the ceiling and the bed's bottom," says Klugh. "This ensures kids can safely enter the upper sleeping area."
Some bunk beds come with ladders, while others have stairs. Fenton states that stairs are easier to use, but take up more space. There are stairs with built-in drawers to store things, which is great for those who want to store bedding or toys. However, they are more expensive than straight ladders.
Bunk bed bedding materials differ in cost. The cheapest sets are typically composed of medium density fiberboard. The more expensive ones typically feature frames made of metal or wood construction. Wood is beautiful and sturdy however it can warp if it comes into contact with water or insects. Some parents choose to stay clear of this material.
The majority of the bunks featured in this guide are available in a variety of finishes, including white for a crisp look and a smoky gray or rich walnut that can be incorporated into any bedroom with a color scheme. Sherwin Williams Shyann Twin Over Full Over Queen Bunk Bed offers extra headroom to minimize the risk of bumping heads while reading or relaxing in bed.
Some of our choices even can be transformed into two separate beds, which could be a good option if you expect to sell the bunks after your children are old enough or plan on moving at some point in the future. This Woodcrest Kids Low-Profile Twin Over Full Bunk Bed with Staircase and Drawers is a long-lasting solution that can be used with twin-overtwin mattresses and full over-full ones. It's also available in a classic neutral color that will fit into any style of interior.
Safety
Bunk beds can be enjoyable and thrilling for kids However, they do have some security concerns. It is essential to choose the appropriate bed frame material that is made of high-quality sturdy wood. You should also ensure that the bunk bed has guardrails for the top mattress and is in compliance with all safety standards that are applicable. The guardrails should be a minimum of 5 inches tall, and they should be continuous on both sides of the upper mattress. Examine for gaps, openings, or holes that could entrap a child's head or torso, limbs, or head.
The majority of bunk bed manufacturers set weight limits for their products. It is crucial to adhere to these guidelines as exceeding them can cause the bunk bed to collapse and create serious injuries risks. Many of these manufacturers have age limits on their bunk beds. Usually children must be at least six years old to sleep in the upper level.
Another aspect to consider is the kind of ladder that is included with the bunk bed. While some models feature a simple metal ladder while others have more elaborate staircases. Staircases are easy for children to climb but are not as safe as ladders made of solid steel. It isn't always easy for children who are tall or who have difficulty climbing up and down.
It is also crucial to ensure that the bunk beds are properly fixed to the floor and wall and are not situated near windows or other items where children could fall when they sleep. You should also inspect the bunk bed on a regular basis for any loose or damaged parts that may require repairs. Keep additional bolts and screws in your home just in case they get lost or become loose after a while.
It is also recommended to put the bunk beds in a corner, so they have walls on both sides. This will keep your children from falling off the side or top of the bunk bed. It will also help them to get into and out of the bed.
Style
There are many stylish bunk beds that offer more than a place to sleep. Some come with additional storage, a built-in desk, or even slides. While it's essential to take into account your child's preferences prior to purchasing a bunk bed it's also wise to consider the layout of the room and how the bunk bed will integrate with other furniture.
Some of the most popular bunk beds for children are minimal in design, featuring sleek twin or full-size mattresses that stack and are coupled with a ladder for stairs. These minimalist styles are great for small rooms or rooms with low-ceilings. They're also a great budget option. Many of these designs come apart into two beds, which is a great option if your kids outgrow the bunks or you decide to move to another home.
Some bunk beds are more aesthetically pleasing and can be paired with other bedroom furniture. For instance this triple bunk from Pottery Barn offers an elegant neutral finish that works with both muted and vibrant color palettes. The design is angular, giving it a modern, clean look. The staircase has open-air shelves to store items that are not visible. The stairs feature a chic handrail with slats and are sturdy enough to support the weight of an adult. You don't need to be concerned about your children falling off the top bunk.
This rustic-style bunk bed from Max and Lily is perfect for children who love to be outdoors. The bunk bed is eco-friendly because it's made of solid wood that was sustainable sourced and complies with responsible forestry practices. The wire brush technique that was used to create this bunk's unique texture celebrates the wood's natural knots and grain, giving the bed a unique look. This bunk bed is perfect for older children since the bottom bunk is able to accommodate the size of a twin mattress (sold separately) and the top bunk is designed to accommodate a full size mattress.
Stores
Bunk beds are already a great option to reduce space, but many models also come with storage options that make them more suitable for families and Airbnb guests. Some include a trundle bed, which pulls out from underneath the bottom bunk to sleep another person or extra kids and others have drawers for clothes and other items that could clutter the space. The Ilariana Heavy-Duty Wood Safety Staircase bunk bed for instance, has two drawers underneath the bed, and a bookcase that has three shelves of different sizes. This is a great addition to smaller rooms that have a tiny storage space or shelves.
Another factor to consider when purchasing a bunk bed is whether you'd like ladders or stairs to reach the top of the stairs. Ladders tend to be more traditional and can fit into the decor of a room better than stairs, which can appear less modern. Stairs are more efficient and simpler to climb. They can also be multi-functional with some models sporting hollow stairs that double as storage drawers.
There are also minimalistic bunk beds made up of two full or twin mattresses that can be arranged to fit together. They are the best choice for small rooms or rooms with low ceilings. They are also the most affordable. A majority of these beds can be dismantled and used as two separate beds. This is a great option if you plan to move or alter the layout of your room in the future.
The Walters Twin-Over-Twin Solid Wood Bunk Bed with Trundle is a stylish option that is made of knot-free New Zealand pine wood and features stylish slatted headboards and footboards. It also comes with solid 14-inch guardrails around the edges of the upper bunk, as well as a stationary built-in ladder, which cannot be moved but leaves plenty of space on the lower level for play.
Check out the Harper &