How to Find the Best Bunk Beds
A good bunk bed can make an enormous difference, whether you're trying to make space, encourage siblings to bond or accommodate an entire group of people for an overnight party. Look for safety features that match your needs, including dimensions, height, and ladder/stairway placement.
best bunk beds with storage offer the option of straight or angled ladders. The former are easier to climb, but require a certain amount of height. The latter are larger but are safer and easier to use.
Aesthetics
A bunk bed doesn't just give kids a thrill but can also be an attractive addition to your home. Bunk beds have become increasingly popular in homes of all sizes as designers and manufacturers recognize the practicality of bunk beds, while retaining an elegant design. Wooden bunk beds tend to be more durable than metal models and their natural appearance is compatible with many styles of interiors.
Apart from their aesthetics, bunk beds can also provide practical benefits for families that live together or have limited space. For example a triple-bunk design can be easily converted into two separate beds, and some designs have hidden trundles that slide out from underneath the bed's bottom to accommodate sleepovers at the drop of a hat.
A bunk bed can transform your child's bedroom into a forest. This set from Max & Lily takes this idea to the next level by incorporating a detachable slide, which will see them cruising down it with friends and sending their plush animals on the adventure of their lives.
Other styles, like this set from NE Kids, take a minimalist approach to the design of bunk beds. Its simple, clean lines and neutral colors make it a great choice for any home that is modern or traditional. It's the most affordable choice on our list, and it even comes with an included ladder for storage to make it easier.
Some families choose a twin over double bunk bed for their siblings who share the same bedroom and want to save on space. This type of design is less bulky than a full-over-full design, and it can be paired with dressers and other pieces of storage to create a cohesive bedroom.
Another benefit of a twin-over-full configuration is that it has the capacity to accommodate two mattresses at a time, so you'll be able to use it as your family grows. It's the most cost-effective option on our list, and can be paired with storage drawers to provide additional organization.
Safety
A bunk bed should be as sturdy as possible, and that begins with the materials it's made of. Solid wood is a durable and solid choice, however it can be expensive. If you're looking for a less costly alternative, you can consider metal, which can be just as strong and comes in a variety of finishes.
Other important features to look for are guard rails that rise at least five inches above the mattress, and ladders or stairs that attach securely to the frame to ensure they don't pull away from the bed, creating an unsafe gap that children could fall through or get stuck. Some manufacturers have a safety tread on ladders to stop slips and injuries.
Finally, make sure that your bunk bed conforms to the British Safety Standard BS/EN7472012+A1 as in addition to any age restrictions that are recommended for the use of it. It is also a good idea to carefully read the instructions provided by the manufacturer on assembly, usage, and maintenance.
Children love bunk beds, but they can be risky when they are not set up correctly. Many bunk bed accidents occur when children climb over the side of the upper bunk where they can fall down or get trapped. To prevent this it is recommended that children sleep on the top bed at the age of six years old. Also, make sure that the ladder is placed at the end of the bunk, so children can't reach over it.
The ladder must be securely attached to the bed frame, and angled in a way that it is difficult for children climb up the sides. Parents should teach children how to use the ladder properly and avoid horseplay. They should also regularly inspect the ladder and bed frame for loose connections.
It's also a good idea, if you can, to pick a bed that is able to be divided into two separate beds. This will allow you to reuse the space after your children grow out of the top bunk. The IKEA Mydal bunk bed, for instance is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality or safety. It can be easily split into two beds at the time of need.
Mattress
A bunk bed isn't complete without an appropriate mattress. You'll see that many manufacturers offer a mattress along with the frame. This can be convenient for you and save money. However, it is best to shop for a mattress on your own if you are looking to get the most optimal sleep experience from your bunk bed. The mattress you choose will have a big impact on how comfortable and supportive your child's or adults' bed feels.
When choosing the right bunk bed mattress take into consideration your budget, the desired level of comfort and preferred sleep position. For instance the memory foam mattress can be great for side and back sleepers, but stomach sleepers might prefer a firmer option with better pressure relief. You should also take into consideration the capacity of your bunk bed because too many people sleeping on it could cause the mattress to sag under its largest areas.
Most bunk beds offer mattresses in twin-overtwin, full-overfull and smaller sizes for the trundle. Certain bunk beds include hybrid, innerspring or all-foam mattresses. All-foam mattresses typically cost between $900 and $1,200 for a queen-size model. They feature an extremely dense foam support core.
In addition to being durable and durability, it's essential to search for a mattress for your bunk bed that doesn't create squeaks and creaks. This could disrupt your children' sleeping environment and may even cause them to wake up throughout the night. To avoid these problems, select a memory-foam or latex mattress that provides an excellent pressure relief but allows sleepers to reposition themselves easily.
If you want your bunk bed to become a focal point of the room, opt for a bold finish like walnut or gray. You can also keep the bunk bed simple by choosing an elegant white finish which will work well with any design. Bunk beds that are flat packed can be assembled without any tools. However, you may require assistance if the bed is heavy. Many manufacturers will include instructions and videos on their websites, which could help you with the process.
Stores
Bunk beds that have built-in storage is a great way to add more functionality and space to your child's' room. You can build or buy pre-made drawers that easily attach to bunk beds and provide additional storage for clothing bedding, toys, and bedding. This is an ideal solution for smaller spaces, since it maximizes space and eliminates the need to keep items on the floor. Many of these drawers are also available in different colors and finishes that will match any style.
You might be able depending on the style you choose to create unique storage solutions. For example there are bunk beds that have cubbies and shelves that can be used for storing items like books and art supplies. This allows kids to organize their belongings in a neat manner and easily accessible without taking up too much space. It's also a good idea to choose bunk beds with hooks on either side which can be used to hang bags or other clothing items.
If you're looking for a traditional bed There are numerous shelves and drawers units that can be added to your child's bunk bed. These units are typically placed beneath the bed's bottom and provide plenty of space for storage of blankets, clothes toys, and other items. These units are great for both boys and girls bedrooms, since they are easily customizable to suit each individual's preferences.
Pull-out desks with storage and study space are available as bunk beds. They are ideal for small bedrooms as they let you use the space beneath the top bunk while leaving the lower bed available to sleep. They also come in a variety of colors and can be customized with accessories such as trundles to provide more storage space.
Another excellent way to maximize storage space is to install shelves on the wall above your bunk bed. You can use them to store toys, books as well as other items you want to hide. You can add baskets on the shelves to keep everything neatly placed and organized.