How to Choose the Best Kids' Bunk Beds

Bunk beds are a cool way to give your children and guests staying over your bed with their own personal space. They also function as stylish decor for rooms and can help you save on furniture costs for your bedroom.

Choose a white, crisp finish for a kids' room that has a cottage- or coastal theme. Or, go for the dark espresso stain to warm up an old-fashioned bedroom or farmhouse. There's even a clay shade that is universally appealing and can be mixed with different colors.

Size

When buying bunk beds for your children take into consideration the size of the room as well as the way in which the bunks will be used. Bunk beds can help save space and allow siblings to share a room. They also accommodate sleepovers and can expand with the kids with some models offering the option of adding a trundle under the bottom bunk.

To determine the right size for a bunk bed, you'll want to take measurements of your room and the ceiling height to ensure that it is compatible with the dimensions of the bed. Additionally, you'll want to determine if you need stairs or a ladder to reach the top bunk, and how much space you have for furniture.

If you're looking for a space-saving solution, this metal bunk bed offers a sleek look and solid construction. Its lower bed can be used as a single or with a trundle, and the upper bunk features an imposing ladder. It's ideal for small spaces and can easily accommodate two kids or teens.

The quality and ease of assembly are appreciated by many parents. The sturdy frame made of pine and MDF Slats provide plenty of support for children. Additionally, the lower bunk is designed to hold 250 pounds. The bunks are shorter than other models, making them more suitable for younger children.

Another benefit of this bunk bed is the high weight limit, which means it's a good choice for kids who are growing. It's also affordable, making it an ideal choice for families with limited funds. The only drawback is that some buyers have noted that the mattress may be uncomfortable.

This Pottery Barn option is a great choice if you are looking for a bunk bed that can grow with your children. Its angled staircase makes it ideal for rooms with low ceilings and its simple design makes it easy to clean. When your child reaches the tween and teens, the bunks can be divided into two separate twin beds. They are available in several designs that will match the decor of your child's bedroom.

Style

Bunk beds don't just look great in kids' rooms, they also reduce space. By putting one bed over the other, you can make room for the floor space that would otherwise be occupied by two separate beds. If your kids are into hosting sleepovers, bunk beds are a great way to accommodate friends who are traveling or visiting during family holidays.

The design of bunk beds you pick will be based on your child's needs and preferences, as well as the overall design of their room. For example, you might want to choose a sleek and contemporary style with a modern-meets-country feel that can be paired with other bedroom furniture. You might prefer a rustic, farmhouse style with wood panels and a neutral color scheme, and an authentic look.

A non-traditional shape such as an L-shaped or a T-shaped bunk is another stylish alternative that could provide your kids bedroom furniture an exciting and unique place to sleep. These beds will make use of less floor space than loft-style bunks, and are ideal for homes with low ceilings in your home. They are also great for children who are still learning to climb and are more secure than straight ladders.

While some bunk beds feature stairs to climb to the top, others have angled ladders, making it easier for kids and adults to use. If your children are still young, consider an angled staircase that has built-in storage for bedding and other bedroom essentials.

Another option for older kids is a convertible bunk that can be split into separate twin beds, ensuring your kids will have a comfortable place to sleep well in their own rooms when they're ready for a change. This highly-rated bunk bed from Belden, for instance, is crafted with traditional panels that match a variety of styles and has a variety of finishes to suit your children's preferences.

You'll save money by investing in a bunk bed that can grow with your children. Some manufacturers even incorporate this flexibility into their designs, making bottom bunks that can be removed or added to, twins stacked that can be separated into individual beds, and so on.

Safety

Bunk beds can free up a lot of space and offer a fun space for children to play, sleep, and socialize. They can also encourage children who aren't comfortable sharing the bedroom, thereby freeing room for an office or guest room. However bunk beds are elevated off the ground and pose an injury risk if not secured and child-proofed. Bunk beds are a great choice for children who want to save space while still getting enough rest.

The safety standards must be checked. This is one of the most important things you should do prior to purchasing bunk beds. Verify that the upper and the lower bunk are separated by a strong railing, and that there are guardrails on all four sides of the bed. Furniture anchors are an investment that can prevent the bed from falling over when children climb on or off.

It's also an excellent idea to teach your kids bunk beds some basic rules for bunk bed safety. Children under the age of six should not sleep in the top bunk as a fall can cause serious injury. Children should also be taught not to play or jump on the bunk bed, particularly on the top one because excessive force could weaken the structure of the bunk, and result in injury.

A second rule to remember is to never hang anything from the railings of the bunk, specifically the top bunk. If children get caught in items like belts, scarves, or jump ropes hung on the guardrails, they could be strangled. Additionally, it is important to keep toys and other objects away from the bunk beds, since they can hinder the view of the ceiling and create a danger to tripping.

It's also an excellent idea to purchase a bunk bed with a headrest that is low. This will decrease the possibility of your child bumping their head when sleeping on the top bunk. It's also a good idea to teach kids not to climb on or off the bottom bunk, as they could be at a greater risk of falling and getting injured.

Cost

A bunk in kids rooms can make them more enjoyable to sleep in and can help free the space for other furniture. It inspires children's imagination and makes it simple for them to turn the bed into a fort, a homework refuge or space craft room. It's also a great choice for parents who have to supervise a sick or injured child throughout the night because they can do it without leaving the room. Bunks are also a practical option for children who live in small spaces, as a perpendicular twin bed occupies less space than two separate beds.

One of the most popular bunk beds for kids available, this one comes with a full-length guardrail on the top, as well as an angled ladder to allow safe climbing. Its small size makes it ideal for bedrooms with limited space, and the headboards and footboards that are recessed allow for more storage space. It is constructed of durable solid pine with solid slatted wood to ensure comfort. It's a Greenguard Gold Certified product, which means it is in compliance with or exceeds the strictest chemical emissions standards. The wood frame is crafted with mortise and tenon joinery as well as dovetailed drawers to ensure structural integrity. Optionally, a trundle is able to be incorporated under the bottom bunk to allow guests to stay over.

It is available in a vibrant white finish to brighten any child's cottage, vibrant or coastal bedroom. If your children prefer a neutral style, then the painted grey or clay finishes will work well with the various colors. If you need more than two beds this bunk can transform into freestanding twins which is an advantage in the event that your children outgrow it.

Parents are thrilled that this bed is strong and easy to assemble, however they do note that it could take a while for two people working together. Some have also noticed an occasional off-gassing scent when the bed is unboxed for the first time. Many people believe it's worth the investment to purchase the bed that lasts for a long time.