How to Select the Best Bunk Bed
The best bunk bed is one that has sturdy construction and stylish design. It can accommodate twin- and full size mattresses, allowing you to maximize the number of people that can sleep in a room.
Look for a bunk bed with a fixed ladder, rather than stairs that take up valuable floor space. Some models have angled ladders which are more comfortable to climb, but may not be safe for older children.
Size
When selecting a bunk bed, you need to take into consideration the size of your space and the height of your ceiling. You want the bed to be able to fit, but you must also allow room for children to safely climb in and out, and also room for other furniture, such as bookcases or decorative objects. If the bed's top is too close to the ceiling, it can cause children to hit their heads when they turn over or get up. They may also feel claustrophobic. Ideally you should have at least 36 inches between the top of the mattress and the ceiling.
Look into best childrens bunk beds that can be divided into two separate beds if you want an option for a bunk bed that grows with your children. This option is more expensive than the fixed bunk bed, but could save you money over the long term if your kids eventually decide to sleep separately.
The Perch bunk bed made by PB Teen, for example is a chic investment piece that will look amazing in both modern and traditional rooms thanks to its sleek lines and neutral finish. It also offers an optional Trundle bed beneath the bunk's bottom, so it can be used for sleepovers, without sacrificing floor space.
Check out the low-cost bunk beds available from brands like RC Willey if you're on an extremely tight budget. These beds come in multiple designs and come with a ladder and guardrails, making them easy to build. Some have slide-out drawers under the bunk to provide additional storage. To ensure safety, select the bed that has been tested to comply with CPSC standards. Find a bed with a low center of gravity to ensure it will not fall over.
Style
Style is also a significant factor in picking the best bunk bed's design. Most commonly, they are twin-over-twin models however, there are options with full-over-full beds and even queen-over-queen bunks for older children and adults who need more space to stretch out while they sleep. Some designs have staggered beds where the lower bed is larger than the top. These are ideal for children who prefer a more comfortable sofa-like bed on the bottom, which can be used as a study desk or office.
For a modern, sleek look that will appeal to both girls and boys, try a wooden bunk bed with slatted headboards as well as footboards. The open panels of this model from Ikea for instance, allow light to flow through the bunks, enhancing the room while providing security and safety. This bunk bed is simple to use due to the angled ladder and guardrails.
Other types of bunk beds include loft beds that hang from the ceiling in a T-shape. ideal for smaller spaces where floor and storage are limited. These require a higher clearance on the upper bunk, so check that your ceilings are tall enough prior to purchasing one. Bunks that are placed against the wall, on the other hand, do not require as much clearance and are good for maximizing square footage.
If your children enjoy reading at night, you can add an reading light to their bunk beds. You can also add a shelf for books. Ms. Keenan often includes these elements in her projects when installing bunks over windows, which makes the sleeping nook feel more like a cozy place to relax. She's also seen them coupled with motorized shades which can be raised or lowered according to the need, making it easy to control the amount of light and warmth in a space while being able to relax and read.
Safety
Many parents are worried about bunk bed safety however, they're actually more secure than one might think. Because they have guardrails on the sides of the sleeping area above bunk beds are less prone to fall than single beds. They've also been tested for safety and anti-tip to ensure that they are safe for children to sleep in. Check the capacity of a bunk bed to ensure it can support your children's combined body weight without sliding. If you are planning to host guests or have older children then a full-overfull bunk bed is a better choice. It can accommodate adult bodies.
Selecting a bunk bed built with solid wood is another excellent option to add a layer of safety. Solid wood bunks tend to last longer than metal and generally have stronger supports. It is also important to ensure that the foundation area of the bunk bed has no gaps that are large enough to allow children to get trapped.
When assembling a bunk bed, ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations. Keeping the bunk bed away from hanging light fixtures and curtains, which may hinder the climb or exit of the top bunk, is a good method to reduce the risk. Set the bunk beds in a corner for greater stability.
Be sure to teach your children the basic bunk bed safety rules and supervise them as they climb onto and off. Keeping the area around the bunk free of clothing, shoes and backpacks is a good idea, as well. The children should also be taught to make use of the ladder in a safe way and to never hang anything on the bed posts or the ladder.
Materials
The top bunk beds are built from durable materials that will stand up to the rigors of children's use. Choose wooden frames that are able to safely support two sleepers as well as sturdy ladders and stairwells. Many brands also include extra features like drawers, shelving, or trundle beds, which provide more space for sleeping when needed. Spampanato claims that this flexibility is useful for families with children who are likely to outgrow bunk beds or into their own bedrooms.
When choosing a bunk bed, you'll need to consider the material and color of your bedroom furniture, in addition to the design and the height of your room. You should also examine how the bunk bed will fit into your home's architecture, including any fixed elements, like closets or windows. A good suggestion is to apply blue painter's adhesive to draw out the outline of the bunk bed in your room and be aware of how it will abut fixed structures and the distance it will be from the ceiling.
Some bunk beds made of wood are constructed of solid, sustainably harvested wood or are GreenGuard Gold certified, which may appeal to families who prefer eco-friendly furniture. These types of beds are generally more expensive than wood-composite or metal bunk beds.
The cheapest option on our list is a bunk bed constructed of plywood and medium density fiberboard. This bunk bed is ASTM certified, durable and comes in neutral colors that fit in with the majority of furniture. This bunk bed is also distinguished by its angled ladder, which allows children to climb up and down. It also features sturdy guardrails on the top bunk, as well as ample storage space underneath.
Ladder
If you want to opt for a bunk bed with ladder or stairs is a decision that is based on the space available to your family and children's ages. Stairs occupy more floor space and are more expensive than basic ladder options. However, they are safer and more comfortable for children to climb. Certain models also have additional safety features, such as side handrails, as well as an locking mechanism.
Ladders are more affordable and take up less space than stairs, but they can be difficult for smaller youngsters to navigate. Look for ladders that have hand holes and grooves that prevent slips. These features make climbing easier for older children and toddlers. Some bunk bed ladders are angled so that it is simple to climb to the top bunk.
If you decide to get a bunk bed with stairs, consider adding an upholstered mat or rug on the side of the ladder. This will keep children from accidentally stepping on the ladder and causing injury when climbing up or down. This will also stop children from sliding and sliding, which can be dangerous for young kids.
Bunk beds with ladders are a great solution for families that have small space or low ceilings. They're simple to put together and come in various designs, from classic wooden ladders to modern metal alternatives. Some bunk beds come with two ladders. This is useful for families who want to accommodate children who prefer sleeping on the lower bunk. There are ladders with adjustable heights, allowing you to alter the position of your bunk bed as your children develop. For example, if your children want to move their desks from one side of the room to the other, a movable bunk ladder allows them to do this without moving the bunk bed itself.