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 classic twin-over-full or a loft bed with storage, we have options that will meet your budget and room needs.
Check for features such as stairs that are angled, ladders that protrude, and more. These features make bunk beds more accessible for older children, and also safer. Other features include storage spaces that can be used as play areas, and under-bed trundles.
Size
Size is important when looking for bunk beds. Be sure that the beds are placed within the space with enough space to climb up and down. If you're looking to add furniture pieces, such as a dresser or desk, consider their sizes as well. Also, keep in mind the capacity to carry weight for both top and bottom beds if you're planning to use the bunks as furniture for your adult bedroom, too.
Another important factor is the ceiling's height. Klugh says that the best guideline to follow is to ensure that there's a minimum of 5 inches between the ceiling and the bottom of the bed. This will ensure that children can safely access the upper sleeping area.
Some bunk beds come with stairs and some come with ladders. best loft bunk beds says that stairs are more convenient to use, but they also take up more room. There are stairs that have built-in drawers to store things which is ideal when you need to store bedding or toys. They are more expensive than straight ladders.
Bunk bed materials vary in cost, too. The cheapest sets are usually made of medium-density fiberboard, and the more expensive models often feature a solid wood structure or metal frames. Wood is beautiful and sturdy, but can be warped when it comes into contact with water or insects. Some parents opt to avoid this material.
Most of the bunks in this guide are available in a variety of finishes, including a clean white for a sleek look, and a smoky grey or rich walnut that can fit in any room with a contrasting color. Sherwin Williams Shyann Twin Over Full Over Queen Bunk Bed provides extra headroom, reducing the risk of smacking heads when reading or relaxing in the bed.
Some of our picks even convert into two beds, which is a great option in the event that you plan to sell the bunks when your children outgrow them or are planning to move at some point in the future. This Woodcrest Kids Low-Profile Twin Over Full Bunk Bed with Staircase & Drawers is a durable solution that can be used with twin-over-twin and full-over-full mattresses. It's also available in a classic, neutral color that goes with any interior design scheme.
Safety
Bunk beds are fun and exciting for kids however, they're not without some security concerns. It is recommended to choose frames for your bed made of sturdy and high-quality wood. Also, you should ensure that the bed meets all safety standards and has guardrails on the top of the bed. The guardrails must be at least 5 inches in height and should extend across the entire upper mattress. Check for any gaps, openings, or holes that could trap a child’s head or torso, limbs, or head.
The majority of bunk bed manufacturers have weight restrictions on their products. The following guidelines are crucial, as exceeding them could cause the bunk bed to collapse, and could pose the risk of serious injuries. A lot of these manufacturers offer age restrictions for use of their bunk beds generally requiring that children must be at least six years old old to be able to lie on the top level.
Another thing to take into consideration is the kind of ladder that is included with the bunk bed. Some models have a simple metal staircase, while others have more elaborate ones. Staircases are safer for children to climb, but not as safe as solid ladders. They can also be difficult to navigate when your children are tall or have trouble climbing up and down.
Also, make sure that the bunk bed is properly anchored to the wall and floor and that it's not near any windows or objects that kids might fall upon while they sleep. You should also regularly inspect the bunk bed for any broken or loose parts that might require to be repaired or replaced. It's a good idea to keep extra screws and bolts nearby in case some are lost or loose in time.
Finally, you should put the bunk bed in the corner of the room so that it has walls on both sides. This will prevent your children from falling off the side or top of the bunk bed. It will also help them to get in and out of the bed.
Style
There are a variety of elegant bunk beds that provide more than just a place to sleep. Some bunk beds include additional storage, a built in desk, or a slide. While it's important to think about your child's design preferences before buying a bed It's also a good idea to consider how the bunk bed will work with other furniture pieces and the overall layout of the space.
Some of the most popular bunk beds for kids are minimal in style, featuring modern full-size or twin beds that can be stacked together and combined with a stairway ladder. These minimalist designs are great for small spaces or rooms with low-ceilings. They're also a great budget option. These models can be split into two beds in case you want to move or when your children grow out of them.
Some bunk beds are more aesthetically pleasing and can be matched to other furniture in the bedroom. This triple bunk bed from Pottery Barn, for example has a neutral finish that blends well with vibrant colors as well as muted ones. The design is angular, giving it a contemporary, clean appearance. The staircase has open-air shelves to store items away from view. The stairs are fitted with a stylish handrail that is slatted and sturdy enough to withstand the weight of an adult. You don't have to worry about your kids falling off the top bunk.
This rustic-style bunkbed by Max and Lily is perfect for children who enjoy the outdoors. This bunk bed is environmentally friendly since it's constructed from solid wood that was sustainable sourced and complies with the standards of responsible forest practices. Wire brushing was used to create the distinctive texture of this bunk bed. It accentuates the wood's knots and natural grain which gives it a unique appearance. The bottom bunk can accommodate a twin mattress (sold separately) and the top bunk is designed to fit the full size mattress, so this bed is suitable for older children.
Storage
Bunk beds are an excellent way to make space, but a lot of models come with extra storage options, making them even more practical for families and Airbnb guests. Some models have a trundle, which can be pulled out from underneath the bottom bunk, to accommodate an additional person or child, while other models have drawers for clothes and other things. The Ilariana Heavy-Duty Wood Safety Staircase bunk bed for instance, comes with two under-bed drawers, and a bookcase with three shelves in various sizes. This is a fantastic addition to smaller rooms that have a tiny storage space, or a closet.
Another thing to consider when buying bunk beds is whether you'd like stairs or ladders to reach the top of the stairs. Ladders tend to be more traditional and can fit into the decor of a room better than stairs, which can look less sleek. Stairs are more efficient and simpler to climb. They can also be multi-functional, with some models sporting hollow stairs that double as storage drawers.
There are also bunk beds with a minimalist design that simply have two stylish twin or full mattresses that fit together. They are great for small spaces or rooms with lower ceilings, and are usually the least expensive option. A lot of them can be dismantled and put in two beds, which can be useful if you anticipate changing room layouts or moving your home in the future.
The Walters Twin-Over-Twin Solid Wood Trundle Bunk Bed is a fashionable option that's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine wood. It also has stylish slatted headboards and footboards. It also has an integrated ladder and 14-inch guardrails on the upper bunk.
Take a look at the Harper & Bright Designs Solid Pine & Plywood Bunk Bed for a more modern alternative. The sleek bunk bed is available in several color options and can be separated into two beds at a later time. It has a weight capacity of 300 pounds on the top bunk and can be used with full-size or twin mattresses, so it's suitable for teens and children of all age groups.