How to Find the Best Bunk Beds
If you're looking to reduce space, encourage sibling bonding or allow for a sleepover, the right bunk bed makes all the difference. Consider safety features that are suitable for your requirements. This includes the size of the mattress and ladder position, as well as height.
There are many models that offer a choice of straight or angled ladders. The one is easier to climb but requires some more height, whereas the latter require more space, but are safer and easier to reach.
Aesthetics
Bunk beds don't just provide kids with a thrilling experience but can also be an elegant addition to your home. Bunk beds have become increasingly popular in homes of all sizes as designers and manufacturers take on the practicality of bunk beds while maintaining an elegant design. Wooden bunk beds are more durable than metal ones and their natural appearance is compatible with many styles of interiors.
Aside from their aesthetic, bunk beds can also offer practical benefits for families that live together or have a limited space. For example, a triple-bunk option can be easily converted into two separate beds and some models have hidden trundles that slide out from under the bottom bed for sleepovers at the drop of a hat.
One of the best things about bunk beds is that it can turn your children's bedroom into a home-grown treehouse. This set from Max & Lily takes this idea to the next level with the ability to detach a slide, which will see kids soaring down it with friends and taking their favorite animals on the ride of their life.
Some styles, like this set from NE Kids take a minimalistic style to the design. Its simple, clean lines and neutral colors make it a great option for any room, whether modern or traditional. It's the least expensive option on our list and it comes with an included ladder for storage for added convenience.
Some families choose a twin over double bunk bed for their siblings who share in a bedroom and want to make space. This model is smaller than a full-over-full design, and it can be paired with dressers and other storage pieces to create a room that is cohesive.
A twin-over-full configuration of a bed offers the added benefit of accommodating two full mattresses. This will allow you to use it as needed regardless of how large your family grows. It's the most affordable option on our list, and can be combined with storage drawers for additional organization.
Safety
A bunk bed should be as sturdy as is possible and that begins with the materials it's made of. Solid wood is a long-lasting and sturdy choice, but it can be expensive. If you're looking for a less costly alternative, think about metal, which is equally strong and comes in a variety of finishes.
Look for guard rails at least 5 inches above the mattress, and stairs or ladders that are secured to the frame. This prevents them from being pulled away. This creates a dangerous gap where children could fall or become stuck. Some manufacturers have a safety tread on ladders to stop slipping and injury.
Finally, make sure your bunk bed complies with the British Safety Standard BS/EN7472012+A1 and that it includes any age restrictions that are recommended for the use of the bed. It's also a good idea to carefully read the instructions of the manufacturer regarding assembly, use and maintenance.
Children enjoy bunk beds, but they can be risky if not set up properly. Many accidents involving bunk beds happen because children climb over the side of the bunk that is higher and fall or be trapped. To prevent this from happening, allow your child to sleep on the top bunk once they reach the age of six. Also, make sure the ladder is placed at the bottom of the bed so that children cannot climb it.
The ladder should be attached firmly to the bed frame and angled in a way that it is difficult for children climb up the sides. Parents should instruct their children to use the ladder with caution and to avoid horses on the stairs, and check the ladder regularly and bed frame for loose connections.
It's also a good idea, should you be able to, select a bed that can be divided into two beds. This allows you to reuse the space when your children are no longer in the top bunk. The IKEA Mydal bunk bed, for example is a low-cost option that doesn't compromise on durability or safety and can be easily split into two beds when the time comes.
Mattress
A bunk bed would be insufficient without an appropriate mattress. You'll find that many manufacturers provide a mattress in addition to the frame. This can be very convenient for you and can save money. If you're looking for the most comfortable sleep experience from your bunk bed, it's best to purchase a mattress on its own. The mattress you choose will have a significant impact on how comfortable and supportive your child's or adults' bed feels.
When selecting the ideal bunk bed mattresses, you should consider your budget, the desired level of comfort and preferred sleeping position. For instance, whereas the memory foam mattress is ideal for side and back sleepers who prefer a softer option, stomach sleepers may prefer a more firm, supportive mattress. It is also important to consider the capacity of your bunk bed because too many people sleeping on it could cause the mattress to slide under its largest areas.
Most bunk beds come in twin-over-twin or full-over-full dimensions, as well as a smaller version for the trundle below. Some bunk beds offer innerspring, all-foam or hybrid mattresses. All-foam models typically cost about $900 to $1,200 for queen sizes and come with support cores made of high-density polyfoam.
It's also important to choose a mattress for your bunk bed that's sturdy and doesn't rattle or squeak. This could disrupt your children sleep environment and could even lead to them waking up in the middle of the night. In order to avoid these issues, select a memory foam or latex mattress that has great pressure relief while allowing sleepers to easily reposition themselves.
If you want your bunk bed to become an eye-catching feature in your room, opt for an eye-catching finish such as gray or walnut. The classic white finish can be paired with any colour scheme. Bunk beds that come flat-packed are usually fairly easy to assemble and require no tools, but you'll require help to get them in the right place, particularly in the case of heavy beds. Many manufacturers include instructions and videos on their websites to help make the process simpler.
Stores
Bunk beds that have built-in storage are a great way to add more functionality and space to your children rooms. You can buy or build drawers that can be easily attached to bunk beds, providing extra storage for bedding, clothes and other toys. This is a great option for smaller rooms since it makes the most of space and avoids the need to store things on floors. Many of these drawers come in a variety of colors and finishes that can match any style.
Depending on the style of bunk bed you select it is possible to add other innovative storage solutions. Some bunk beds have shelves and cubbies that can be used to store things like books and art supplies. This allows children to organize their belongings in a neat manner and accessible without taking too much space. It's also an excellent idea to select bunk beds with hooks on both sides which can be used to hang bags or additional clothing items.
There are a variety of shelves and drawers that you can add to your child's bedroom if you prefer a more traditional look. These units are often positioned beneath the bed's bottom and provide ample space for storage of blankets, clothes as well as toys and other things. They are a great option for both girls and boys rooms, since they can be customised to match each individual's style preferences.
best bunk bed for teens with storage that can be pulled out and study space are also available as bunk beds. They are ideal for smaller bedrooms since they let you use the space beneath the top bunk, while leaving the lower bed open for sleeping. These beds are also available in a wide range of color options and can be customized with accessories like trundles for more storage space.
Installing shelves above your bunk beds is another great method of maximizing storage space. These can be used to store toys, books and other things that you want to keep out of view. You can even add baskets to the shelves to keep your items organised and neatly organized.