How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Your Kids' Room
Bunk beds can add excitement and functionality to a kids' room, especially if you have limited space. If you opt for the traditional twin-over-full bed or a loft bed with storage, we have options that will meet your budget and space requirements.
Look for features like stairs that jut out, angled ladders and more, which make the bunks more accessible and safer for older children. Other additions include under-bed trundles for sleepovers and storage areas that double as play areas.
Size
Size is important when looking for bunk beds. Be sure that the beds are placed in the room with enough space to move up and down. Consider the dimensions of furniture pieces, such as dressers or desks, in the event that you intend to add them. Be aware that the bunks at the top and bottom are only able to support the weight of a certain amount if they are used as furniture for adults.
The height of your ceilings is also important. Klugh says that the best rule of thumb to follow is to ensure that there's five inches between the ceiling and the bottom of the bed. This will ensure that kids can safely reach the upper part of the bed.
Some bunk beds have ladders, while others have stairs. "Stairs are generally more convenient than ladders, however they do take up more space," says Fenton. There are stairs that have built-in storage drawers, which are especially helpful for those who need more space for bedding or toys. They are more expensive than straight ladders.
Bunk bed materials differ in cost and also. The cheaper sets are usually constructed of medium-density fiberboard and the more expensive models often feature a solid wood construction or metal frame. Wood is durable and beautiful, however it is susceptible to warping by water or pests, so some parents prefer to avoid this type of material.
The majority of the bunks listed in this guide can be purchased in your choice of finish, including a clean white for a crisp look and a smoky grey or rich walnut that can fit into any color-clad bedroom. The Sherwin-Williams Shyann Twin over Full Over Queen Bunk Bed, for instance, offers extra headroom between the bottom and top bunks to reduce the chance of hitting heads while reading or sitting in the bed.
Some of our choices even can be transformed into two beds, which could be a good option for those who plan to sell the bunks when your children are old enough or are planning to move at some point in the future. best childrens bunk beds -Profile Twin Over Full Bunk Bed with Staircase and Drawers is a permanent solution that works with twin-over-twin 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, however there are a few safety issues. You should select frames for your bed constructed of strong, high-quality wood. You should also ensure that the bunk bed is equipped with guardrails for the top bed and is in compliance with all safety standards that are applicable. The guardrails should be a minimum of 5 inches high, and they should be continuous across all sides of the top mattress. You should also look for openings, gaps or holes in the guardrails that are big enough to hold the child's head, limbs or torso.
Most manufacturers of bunk beds have weight limits on their products. It is essential to follow these guidelines as overstepping them could cause the bunk bed collapse and pose serious injury risks. Many of these manufacturers also have age restrictions for use of their bunk beds, usually requiring that children have to be at least 6 years old to sleep on the top level.
Another factor to consider is the type of ladder that comes with the bunk bed. While some models come with a simple metal ladder some come with more elaborate staircases. Staircases are easy for children to climb, but not as secure as ladders made of solid steel. They can be a challenge to navigate if your children are very tall or have trouble climbing up and down.
It is also crucial to ensure that the bunk beds are secured to the wall and the floor and that they aren't located near any windows or other objects where children are at risk of falling while sleeping. It is also recommended to regularly check the bunk bed for any broken or loose parts that might require repair or replaced. Keep additional bolts and screws at your home in case they are lost or become loose after a while.
Then, you must place the bunk bed in a corner of the room so that it has walls on two sides. This will help prevent any falls from the top or side of the bed and also make it more comfortable for your kids to climb in and out of bed.
Style
There are a variety of stylish bunk beds that offer more than a place to sleep. Some include additional storage, an integrated desk, or even a slide. While it's essential to think about your child's preferences before buying a bunk bed, it's also wise to consider the design of the room and how the bunk bed will integrate with other furniture.
The best bunk beds for kids are simple in design. They are stylish full-size or twin beds that stack together with a ladder. These minimalist styles can be ideal for small spaces or rooms with low ceilings. They are an affordable option. Many of these models also are able to be separated into two separate beds, which is a great option if your kids outgrow the bunk beds or you decide to relocate to a new home.
Some bunk beds are more aesthetically pleasing and can be paired with other furniture in the bedroom. For instance this triple bunk from Pottery Barn offers an elegant neutral finish that blends well with both vibrant and muted hues. The angular design gives it a modern, clean look. The staircase features open-air shelves to store items out of sight. The stairs are fitted with a stylish handrail with slats and are sturdy enough to hold the weight of an adult. You don't have to worry about your children falling off the top bunk.
If your children are lovers of the outdoors, this rustic-style bunk bed from Max and Lily might be just the solution. The bunk bed is eco-friendly, as it's made from solid wood that was sourced sustainably and meets sustainable forestry practices. The wire brush technique that was used to create the bunk's unique texture celebrates the wood's natural knots and grain, giving the bunk a unique appearance. This bed is ideal for older children as the bottom bunk can fit the size of a twin mattress (sold separately) and the top bunk is designed to hold the full size mattress.
Stores
Bunk beds can be a great way to save space, however some models have extra storage, making them more suitable for families or Airbnb guests. Some include a trundle bed, which pulls out from underneath the bunk's bottom for with a child or another, while others offer drawers for clothes and other things that could clutter small spaces. The Ilariana Heavy Duty Wood Safety Staircase Bunk Bed is a good example. It comes with two under-bed storage drawers and a bookcase with three shelves in different sizes, which can be great additions to a room that has limited closet or shelf space.
When you are looking for bunk beds, you must take into consideration whether you prefer ladders or stairs to reach the top of the bed. Ladders are more traditional, and could be more suited to the decor of a room than stairs. Stairs are more efficient and easier to climb. They can also be multi-functional, with some models sporting hollow stairs that double as storage drawers.
There are also bunk beds that are minimalist that simply have two sleek twin or full mattresses that are able to be joined. These are ideal for tight spaces or rooms with lower ceilings and are generally the least expensive option. A majority of these beds can be disassembled and used as two separate beds. This is a great option if you plan to move or change the layout of your room in the future.
The Walters Twin-Over-Twin Solid Wood Bunk Bed with Trundle is a fashionable option made of knot-free New Zealand pine wood and includes stylish slatted headboards as well as footboards. It also has sturdy 14-inch guardrails along the edges of the upper bunk and a stationary built-in ladder, which cannot be moved however it provides plenty of space on the lower level to play.
For a more modern option, check out the Harper & Bright Designs Solid Pine and Plywood Bunk Bed. The modern bunk bed is available in various colors and is able to be split into two beds later. It can hold up to 300 pounds on the top bunk and twin or full-size beds can be used.