How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Your Kids' Room
Bunk beds are a great option to add function and fun to a child's bedroom, especially when you're working with a limited space. It doesn't matter if you choose the traditional twin-over-full bed or a loft bed with storage, we've got options that meet your budget and space requirements.
Look for features such as angled ladders, stairs that protrude to the side, and more. These features make bunk beds easier to climb for older children, and also safer. best white bunk beds include storage spaces that can be used as play areas or under-bed trundles.
Size
When looking for bunk beds the size is important. Make sure the beds fit in the room and have enough space to climb up and down. Consider the dimensions of other furniture pieces, such as dressers or desks in the event that you intend to add them. Also, keep in mind the weight capacity for both top and bottom beds if you'll be using the bunks as furniture for your adult bedroom also.
The height of your ceilings is also important. "A good rule of thumb is to ensure there's at least 5 inches of clearance between the ceiling and the base of the bed," says Klugh. "This makes sure that kids are able to safely enter the upper sleeping area."
Some bunk beds are equipped with ladders, whereas others have stairs. "Stairs are generally more convenient than ladders, but they take up more space," says Fenton. You can find stairs with built-in storage drawers that are especially helpful if you need extra space for toys or bedding. They are more expensive than straight ladders.
Bunk bed bedding materials vary in price. The less expensive sets are typically constructed of medium density fiberboard. The more expensive ones usually feature a metal frame or solid wood construction. Wood is beautiful and sturdy but it can also be warped when it comes into contact with water or pests. Some parents opt to stay clear of this type of material.
The majority of the bunks listed in this guide are available in a variety of finish, such as white for a clean, sleek look, and a smoky gray, or rich walnut that will fit into any color-clad bedroom. Sherwin Williams Shyann Twin Over Full Over Queen Bunk Bed provides extra headroom, reducing the possibility of head bumps while reading or sitting in bed.
A few of our choices can be converted into two separate beds. This is great for those who plan to sell them once your children have outgrown them, or if you are planning to move in the near future. This Woodcrest Kids Low-Profile Twin Over Full Bunk Bed with Staircase & Drawers is a permanent solution that can be used with twin-overtwin and full over-full mattresses. It also comes in a classic neutral color that will fit into any style of interior.
Safety
Bunk beds can be fun and exciting for kids however, they're not without some security concerns. You should choose frames for your bed made of sturdy and high-quality wood. You should also ensure that the bunk bed is equipped with guardrails for the top mattress and meets all safety standards applicable. The guardrails should be at least 5 inches high and should be affixed to the entire upper mattress. Look for any gaps, openings, or holes that could trap a child’s head or torso, limbs, or head.
The majority of manufacturers of bunk beds set weight limits for their products. Following these guidelines is crucial, as exceeding them can cause the bunk bed to collapse and create an extremely high risk of injuries. Many of these manufacturers impose age restrictions on their bunk beds. In general children must be at least 6 years old older to be able to sleep on the upper levels.
Another thing to take into consideration is the kind of ladder that is included with the bunk bed. Some models come with a simple metal staircase, while others have more elaborate staircases. Staircases are easy for children to climb but not as safe as sturdy ladders. It can be difficult for children who are tall or have difficulty climbing up and down.
It is also essential to ensure that the bunk beds are fixed to the floor and wall and that they are not situated near windows or other items where children are at risk of falling while sleeping. You should also regularly inspect the bunk bed for any broken or loose parts that may need to be repaired or replaced. It's a good idea to keep additional screws and bolts nearby in case some are lost or become loose in time.
You should also place the bunk beds in a corner so that they have walls on both sides. This will prevent falls from the top or side of the bed and it will also make it easier for your kids to get into and out of bed.
Style
There are many elegant bunk beds that provide more than a place to sleep. Some include additional storage, with a built-in desk or even a slide. While it's important that you take into account your child's preferences prior to purchasing a bunk bed it's also important to think about the layout of the room and how the bunk bed will fit in with the furniture.
Some of the best bunk bed designs for kids are modern in design. They are elegant full-size or twin beds that can be stacked together with ladders. These minimalist designs are ideal for rooms with small spaces or with low ceilings. They're also a great alternative for those on a budget. A lot of these models come apart into two beds, which is great for when your children grow out of the bunks or you decide to move to a different home.
Some bunk beds are more attractive and can be paired with other bedroom furniture. The triple bunk bed from Pottery Barn, for example is a neutral-colored finish that works well with both vibrant colors and subtle ones. The design is angular, giving it a contemporary, clean style. The staircase features open-air shelves that can be used to store things out of sight. The stairs also feature elegant slatted railing, and are sturdy enough to support the weight of an adult, so you don't have to worry about your children falling off the top bunk.
If your children are lovers of the outdoors, this rustic bunk bed from Max and Lily might be just the solution. Made from sustainably sourced solid wood that adheres to responsible forestry practices This bed is both eco-friendly as well as striking. Wire brushing was used to create the distinctive texture of this bed. It accentuates the wood's knots and natural grain, giving it an original design. This bunk bed is perfect for children who are older as the bottom bunk can fit the size of a twin mattress (sold separately) and the top bunk is designed to accommodate an entire size mattress.
Stores
Bunk beds are an excellent way to reduce space, but some models include additional storage options that make them even more practical for families and Airbnb guests. Some models come with a trundle, which can be removed from beneath the bottom bunk, to accommodate an additional person or child, while others come with drawers to store clothes and other things. The Ilariana Heavy-Duty Safety Staircase bunk bed for instance, has two drawers under the bed, as well as an open bookcase with three shelves of different sizes. This is a great option for small rooms with a limited storage space, or a closet.
When shopping for bunk beds, it is important to also consider whether you prefer ladders or stairs to reach the top of the bed. Ladders tend to be more traditional and can fit into the style of a room more easily than stairs, which can appear less modern. Stairs are more efficient and easy to climb. They can also be multi-functional, with some models featuring hollow stairs that double as storage drawers.
There are also minimalist bunk beds made of two full or twin mattresses that simply fit together. They are the best choice for small rooms or rooms with low ceilings. They are also usually the most affordable. A lot of them can be dismantled and put up as two separate beds, which is useful in the event that you plan on changing layouts of rooms or relocating your home in the future.
The Walters Twin-Over-Twin Solid Wood Bunk Bed with Trundle is a stylish option made of knot-free New Zealand pine wood and has stylish slatted headboards and footboards. It also comes with solid 14-inch guardrails on the edges of the upper bunk as well as an adjustable ladder that isn't movable however it allows plenty of space on the lower level for play.
If you are looking for a modern alternative, check out the Harper & Bright Designs Solid Pine and Plywood Bunk Bed. The sleek bunk bed is available in a variety of color options and can be divided into two beds at a later date. It can support a weight limit of 300 pounds on the top bunk and can accommodate full-size or twin-sized mattresses, so it's suitable for teenagers and kids of all different ages.