Buying Bunk Beds Kids
Bunk beds for kids let siblings share a room without compromising their individual space and are ideal for sleepovers. Depending on the model that you choose, these beds may include ladders or stairs to access the top bunk and they can be constructed from a variety of materials like wood and metal.
Size
When you are looking for a bunk bed, make sure you take precise measurements and compare them with the dimensions of your room. You'll want to ensure there's plenty of space for your kids to climb up and down the ladder (or stairs if your bunk includes them) and to move around the loft without bumping into furniture or walls. It's also important to consider the height of the bunk bed and headroom in relation to your kids standing and sitting height. You may need to buy an earlier-sized bunk to accommodate children who are younger, while older kids may prefer a taller setup.
Bunk beds for children are available in two configurations twin-overtwin and full-overfull. Both are excellent options for accommodating multiple kids in one room. Some bunks come with a trundle to accommodate guests who aren't sleeping. If your kids are young, choose a low-level bunk bed so that the bottom bunk isn't more than 50 inches above the floor. This will stop your children from falling out of their beds, which is risky for safety.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of space between the top bunk and the guardrails. The CPSC recommends that the the top mattress be no more than 5 inches higher than the guardrail. This will stop your children from falling out of bed in the middle night and crashing into the guardrails. This could lead to the entrapment of a child, or even the possibility of falling.
The best bunk beds for kids are built with sturdy materials and meet CPSC safety standards, according to Ganjian. You should also examine the structure of each bed to make sure it's made from quality woods and isn't overly fragile or unstable. Some of the more expensive bunk beds for kids have mortise and tenon joinery and are Greenguard Gold Certified.
The triple bunk bed from Pottery Barn will work well in a guest room, a vacation home, or even to sleep your kids. It is easy to assemble and includes all the necessary tools. If your kids outgrow it, you can convert it into three separate beds. It is available in a neutral finish that can be combined with muted or vibrant colors, like weathered blue or brushed gray.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great and exciting addition to any child's bedroom however, they can be dangerous if not properly built or used. Bunk bed injuries can occur to children of all ages but they are more common among children younger than six years old. It is important to follow the safety and assembly guidelines and use the correct mattress size, and set up the bunk beds in a way that they don't interfere with heaters, windows, or hanging lights. It is also a good idea to check the bunk bed for any signs of wear and tear and make repairs as needed.
The height of the top bunk should be kept to a maximum of four feet. There should be guardrails on both sides of the bed. The space between the guardrails shouldn't be wider than 3 1/2 inches to prevent suffocation and ensure that your child doesn't slide under the guardrail while sleeping. The mattress on the bottom must be supported by wires or slats that run directly beneath the bunk. They must also be secured on both ends. This will prevent your child from falling through the gap.
The ladders and stairs must be securely attached to the bunk beds and offer a safe way to get to the top level. Make sure the ladder isn't near any dangers and that your kids are aware that they should only use it to get into bed. Also, avoid rough play on the bunks as this can compromise the stability of the structure.
There is no specific age at when children are old enough for bunk beds, however many experts recommend that children shouldn't sleep on the top bunk until they are at minimum six years old and mature enough to stay still while sleeping. If you are unsure of your child's readiness to climb on the top bunk, think about an adult-sized or twin bunk.
Style
Bunk beds allow children to share a space and remain close to their peers while making the most of space. They're also a great method to foster teamwork among young children and make sleepovers more enjoyable for everyone involved. Bunks with desks are ideal for teenagers and older kids since they combine sleeping and study furniture into one. Bunks with ladders or stairs allow climbing up to the top bed more secure and easy for children of all ages. You can personalize your bed by choosing the size, style and other features you prefer.
The type of mattress you choose will determine how comfortable your bunk bed will feel. At Slumberland we have an array of premium mattresses for all kinds of bunk beds. We have innerspring, hybrid, memory foam and many other kinds of mattresses of all sizes.
Stairs and ladders are other design features you should be thinking about, along with safety rails and storage. Some bunk beds feature standard ladders that are attached to the sides of the frame, while others feature a set of stairs built into the frame. Staircases are an ideal choice for teens and older children because they are more secure than standard ladders and offer an elegant, modern design.
You can also personalize the bunks with an appropriate color scheme to match your children's personalities or the decor in the other rooms. Some bunk beds are painted in white, while others are finished in natural or dark cherry wood. If you're buying a bed made of wood you can paint it to match the color scheme of your kids' rooms or stain it for an authentic appearance.
You can add your own personal touch to your bunk beds by investing in decorative lighting that is in line with the theme or style. You can mount recessed lights in the ceiling, like to let in plenty of lighting without taking up floor space. If you have a metal or wooden bunk bed, you may also want to add swag lights, which hang from the ceiling. They can provide soft lighting.
Stores
Most bunk beds are characterized by their capacity to expand the amount of space in the bedroom of your child. This is achieved by putting two mattresses on top of one other. They can be stacked as long as your children are young until they reach tweenhood, or they can be separated to create individual bed frames. This is ideal for families that move often or have a small home.
These bunk beds come in various configurations. They include the standard twin over twin full over twin and queen over queen (like Crate & Barrrel Babyletto TipToe White and Waxed Natural Wood Bunk Bed). They can be constructed with different heights and some include the step ladder which is placed at an angle to make it easier climbing, or a staircase that has built-in drawers that allow for storage that is out of sight.
When choosing a bunk bed, you should be aware of the structure. Certain models are constructed of a combination medium-density fibreboard and kiln dried hardwood. The former is more affordable and has modern appearance, but the latter can be more durable and sturdy.
Bunks with trundle mattresses are a great option for sleepovers. Certain models allow for the addition of another trundle with an alternative configuration. These models can sleep up to three children or adults. This is perfect for bedrooms that share space, which helps strengthen family bonds and encourages friendships.
The last element to consider when selecting a bunk bed is its design and color with clean whites, neutral grays, and muted clay options offering a range of aesthetic choices that can play nicely with any bedroom decor. A crisp white bunk is a fantastic choice for colorful, cottage or coastal bedrooms. A neutral gray or clay finish will go with any color scheme as your child gets older.
While the price of a bunk bed may vary, most models feature an affordable price which is comparable to other kinds of furniture for bedrooms. The cheaper bunk beds are made of less expensive materials, but many of our top-rated models are sturdy enough to last through childhood and beyond.