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 can make all the difference. Make sure you choose a safety feature that are compatible with your needs in terms of the size of the mattress, height and stairs/ladder placement.
Many models come with the option of straight or inclined ladders. The former are easier to climb, but they require an appropriate height. The latter are bigger but are more secure and easy to use.
Aesthetics
Bunk beds aren't only for kids. They can be stylish and attractive in your home. Bunk beds are becoming increasingly popular in homes all sizes as designers and manufacturers recognize the benefits of bunk beds, while retaining an elegant design. Wooden bunk beds are generally a better choice for homeowners because they tend to be sturdier than metal beds and their natural wood finish adapts well to a variety of styles.
In addition to their aesthetics bunk beds can provide practical benefits to families that live together or have limited space. For example a triple-bunk design can easily convert into two separate beds and some models come with an under-bed trundle that slides out from underneath the bottom bed for sleepovers at the drop of a hat.
One of the great things about bunk beds is that it can turn your child's bedroom into a treehouse in your home. This Max & Lily set takes this idea to the next level by incorporating a slide that can be detached, which will send the kids soaring down the slope with friends and sending plush animals for the ride of their lives.
Other designs, like this set from NE Kids, take a minimalist approach to the design of bunk beds. Its simple clean lines and neutral color scheme make it a good choice for any room regardless of whether the house is contemporary or more traditional. It's the cheapest choice on our list, and comes with an included ladder for storage for added convenience.
Some families will choose a twin-over double bunk bed for siblings sharing a room and need to save space in their shared bedroom. This type of design is less bulky than a full-over-full model, and can be combined with dressers and other furniture pieces to create a harmonious bedroom.
A twin-over-full-bed configuration offers the added benefit of accommodating two mattresses. This allows you to use it as needed, even if your family expands. 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 it can be, and that begins with the materials it's made of. Solid wood is a good option as it's durable and sturdy however it can be costly. If you want a cheaper alternative, you can consider metal, which can be equally strong and comes in a variety of finishes.
Other important things to look for are guard rails that are at least five inches higher than the mattress and ladders or stairs that are attached securely to the frame so that they won't be pulled away from the bed, leaving a dangerous gap where kids might fall through or get stuck. Some manufacturers offer a safety tread on ladders to stop slips and injuries.
Finally, make sure your bunk bed is compliant with the British Safety Standard BS/EN7472012+A1 and that it is accompanied by any age-restrictions that are recommended for the use of the bed. It's also a good idea to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding assembly, use and maintenance.
Bunk beds are a favorite among children, but can be dangerous if not properly set up. Most bunk bed accidents happen when children climb over the side of the upper bunk, where they could fall down or get trapped. To prevent this the risk, only let children sleep on the top bed until they're at least six years old. Also, make sure that the ladder is placed on the bottom of the bunk, so children aren't able to climb over it.
The ladder should be secured to the bed frame, and angled so that it is difficult for children to climb up the sides. Parents should teach their children to use the ladder in a safe manner, discourage horseplay on the stairs and regularly inspect the ladder and bed frame for loose connections.
It's also a good idea if you can, to choose a bed that can be divided into two separate beds. This allows you to reuse the space after your children are no longer in the top bunk. IKEA's Mydal bunk beds, for instance, are a reasonable option that doesn't compromise on safety or durability. They can also be easily separated into two beds when your children outgrow the top bunk.
Mattress
A bunk bed isn't complete without an appropriate mattress. It is common to see manufacturers' sales strategies include offering a mattress along with the frame which can be useful and save you some money. However, it's best to shop on your own if are looking to get the most optimal sleep experience from your bunk bed. The mattress you select will have a significant impact on how comfortable and supportive your child's or adults' bed feels.
When choosing the best bunk bed mattresses, you should consider your budget, the desired level of comfort and preferred sleeping position. For instance the memory foam mattress may feel great for those who sleep on their sides and back, but stomach sleepers might prefer a firmer option with better pressure relief. It is also important to take into consideration the weight capacity of your bunk bed. A large number of people could cause the mattress's heaviest parts to sag.
Most bunk beds offer mattresses in full-overfull, twin-overtwin and smaller sizes for the trundle. Certain bunk beds include hybrid or innerspring mattresses. All-foam mattresses usually cost between $900 and $1,200 for a queen-size model. They come with a high-density foam support core.
It's also important to choose a mattress for your bunk bed that's sturdy and doesn't squeak or creak. This could disrupt your children sleeping environment and could even cause them to wake up in the middle of the night. To avoid these issues choose a memory foam or latex mattress that offers an excellent pressure relief but allows sleepers to reposition themselves easily.
If you're planning to make your bunk bed the focal area of the room, choose a bold finish like walnut or gray. You can also keep the bunk bed simple by choosing a classic white finish, which is a good match for any design. Bunk beds that are flat-packed are generally easy to assemble and require no tools, however you'll likely need help lifting them into position, particularly in the case of heavy beds. Many manufacturers will include instructions and videos on their websites, which will make this process much easier.
Storage
Bunk beds that have built-in storage are a great option to add additional functionality and space to your kids their room. You can build or buy ready-made drawers that can be easily attached to bunk beds, and provide additional storage for clothing bedding, toys, and bedding. This is a great option for smaller rooms, as it makes the most of space and eliminates the need to keep items on the floor. Many of these drawers are available in different colors and finishes that will match any style.
Depending on the kind of bunk bed you choose, you may be able to add other innovative storage solutions. Some bunk beds have shelves and cubbies which can be used to store items such as books and art materials. This lets children keep their personal belongings neatly organized and easily accessible without taking up too much space. It's a good idea choose bunk beds with hooks on both sides. These hooks can be used to hang bags or other clothes items.
There are numerous shelves and drawers that you can incorporate into your child's bedroom if you prefer a more traditional style. They are usually placed beneath the bed's bottom and offer plenty of space to store blankets, clothes as well as toys and other items. They are an excellent choice for both boys and girls' rooms, as they can be customized to suit the individual's style preferences.
Other bunk bed options include pull-out desks that provide storage space and study space. These are perfect for small bedrooms as they let you use the space beneath the top bunk while leaving the lower bed to sleep. The beds are available in various colors and are customizable with accessories such as trundles to make more storage space.
Another way to maximize storage space is to install shelves on the wall above your bed. They can be used to store toys, books, and other items that you would like to keep out of sight. best bunk beds for adults uk can also add baskets to these shelves to keep your belongings organized and neatly arranged.