How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Your Kids' Room
Bunk beds can add excitement and practicality to a child's room, particularly if you have limited space. If you opt for the traditional twin-over-full bed or a loft bed with storage, we've got options that will meet your space and budget requirements.
Look for features such as staircases that are angled, angled ladders that protrude and more. These features make bunk beds safer for older children and more secure. Other features include storage spaces that can be used as play areas, and under-bed trundles.
Size
When shopping for a bunk bed the size of the bed is crucial. Make sure that the beds fit into the room and have enough space for you to climb up and down. Consider the size of other furniture pieces, such as a desk or dresser, if you plan to add them. Keep in mind the capacity to carry weight for both top and bottom beds if you're planning to use the bunks as adult bedroom furniture, too.
Another important aspect is the height of your ceilings. "A good rule of thumb is to make sure that there's at minimum 5 inches of clearance between the ceiling and the base of the bed," says Klugh. This will ensure that children can safely reach the upper sleeping area.
Some bunk beds come with ladders, while others have stairs. "Stairs are generally more convenient than ladders, but they take up more space," says Fenton. There are stairs that have built-in storage drawers that are particularly useful when you require extra space for bedding or toys. They are more expensive than straight ladders.
Bunk bed bedding materials differ in cost. The less-expensive sets are typically made of medium-density fiberboard, while the more expensive ones typically have a solid wood construction or metal frames. Wood is durable and beautiful, however it can be warped by pests or water and some parents choose to skip this type of material.
best futon bunk bed of the bunks listed in this guide can be purchased in your choice of finishes, including a clean white for a modern look and a smoky gray or rich walnut that can fit into any bedroom with a color scheme. The Sherwin-Williams Shyann Twin over Full Over Queen Bunk Bed for instance, has additional headroom between the top and bottom bunks to reduce the chance of bumping into heads when sitting or reading in bed.
Some of our picks even convert into two beds, which may be ideal if you expect to sell the bunks when your kids outgrow them or you plan to move them at some point in the near future. This Woodcrest Kids Low-Profile Twin Over Full Bunk Bed with Staircase & Drawers is a durable solution that fits both twin-overtwin and full over-full mattresses. It's also available in a classic neutral color that is compatible with any interior design scheme.
Safety
Bunk beds can be fun and exciting for kids, but they're not without some security concerns. It's important to look for the best bed frame material that should be made of high-quality sturdy wood. Also, you should ensure that the bed meets all safety standards and features guardrails on the top of the bed. The guardrails should be at least 5 inches tall and should run along the entire upper mattress. Check for any gaps or holes that could entrap a child's head or torso, or limbs.
Most bunk bed manufacturers stipulate weight limits for their products. Adhering to these guidelines is vital, as overstepping them could cause the bunk bed to collapse and pose a serious risk of injury. Many of these manufacturers impose age restrictions on their bunk beds. Usually children must be at least 6 years old to sleep in the upper level.
Another thing to take into consideration is the type of ladder that comes with the bunk bed. While some models have an ordinary ladder made of metal, others come with more elaborate staircases. Staircases are generally easier for children to climb, but they're not as safe as a solid ladder. It isn't always easy for children who are tall or have difficulty climbing up and down.
You should also ensure that the bunk bed is properly fixed to the floor and wall and that it's not near any windows or items that children could fall upon while they sleep. Also, you should inspect the bunk bed on a regular basis for any damaged or loose parts that might require repairs. It is a good idea to keep extra screws and bolts nearby in case some are lost or become loose in time.
Finally, you should place the bunk bed in a corner of the room, so that it has walls on two sides. This will stop your children from falling off the side or top of the bunk bed. It will also allow them to climb into and out of the bed.
Style
If you're looking to update your children's bedroom decor There are plenty of modern bunk beds that provide more than a place to sleep. Some offer additional storage space, an integrated desk, or even slides. It's also crucial to consider your child's design preferences before buying a bed It's also a good idea to think about how the bunk bed will work with other furniture in the room and the overall layout of the room.
Some of the most popular bunk bed designs for children are simple in design. They feature sleek twin or full-size beds that can be stacked together, paired with a ladder. These minimalist styles are great for small spaces or rooms with low-ceilings. They're also a great budget option. These models can be split into two beds if you want to move or when your children grow out of them.
Others are a bit more decorative, adding a bunk bed to your children's room with a lively design or color that complements furniture in the bedroom. This triple bunk bed from Pottery Barn, for example has a neutral finish that is compatible with vibrant colors as well as muted ones. Its angular design gives it a clean modern, contemporary look. the staircase has open-air shelves that can be used for storage out of sight. The stairs also feature elegant slatted railing, and are strong enough to withstand the weight of an adult, so you don't have to worry about your children falling off the top bunk.
If your kids are avid fans of the outdoors, this rustic bunk bed from Max and Lily may be just the ticket. The bunk bed is eco-friendly because it's made of solid wood that was harvested sustainably and is in compliance with responsible forest practices. The wire brush technique that was used to create this bunk's unique texture celebrates the wood's natural knots and grain, making the bunk a unique appearance. The bottom bunk can be able to accommodate twin mattresses (sold separately) and the upper bunk is designed to fit an entire mattress, which means this bunk bed is suitable for older children.
Stores
Bunk beds can be a great space-saver, but some models have extra storage options that make them more suitable for families or Airbnb guests. Some include a trundle bed that pulls out from underneath the bottom bunk to sleep with a child or another, while others offer drawers for clothes and other items that could clutter the space. The Ilariana Heavy Duty Wood Safety Staircase Bunk Bed For instance, it comes with two under-bed storage drawers as well as a bookcase that has three shelves of various sizes. It can be great additions to a room with small shelves or closet space.
When shopping for bunk beds, it is important to take into consideration whether you prefer ladders or stairs to get to the top. Ladders are more traditional, and can be more appropriate for a room's decor than stairs. Stairs are more efficient and easier to climb. They are also multi-functional, with some models featuring hollow stairs that double as storage drawers.
There are also minimalist bunk beds made up of two full or twin mattresses that can be arranged to fit together. These are ideal for tight rooms or rooms with low ceilings and are typically the least expensive option. A lot of these beds can be disassembled and used as two separate beds. This is ideal when you are planning to move or alter the arrangement of your bedroom in the near future.
The Walters Twin-Over-Twin Solid Wood Bunk Bed with Trundle is a chic option that is made of knot-free New Zealand pine wood and has stylish slatted headboards and footboards. It also has solid 14-inch guardrails on the edges of the upper bunk as well as a built-in ladder that is stationary, which cannot be moved, but which provides plenty of space on the lower level to play.
Check out the Harper & Bright Designs Solid Pine and Plywood Bunk Bed for a more contemporary option. The stylish bunk bed comes in various colors and can be divided into two separate beds later. It can accommodate up 300 pounds on the top bunk, and twin or full-size beds are also available.