Are you facing space constraints in your child's bedroom? It's a common issue when two or more children have to share a room in a home with few bedrooms. Learning how to choose bunk beds is the best way of resolving this issue.
The first thing you'll notice when you start shopping around is there is no shortage of options in today's market for bunk beds. However, with such a broad range of options to choose from, that makes figuring out what's ideal a challenge.
In this guide, we're going to discuss how to choose bunk beds to help you navigate through your buying decisions. That way, the process doesn't become overwhelming or a hassle.
Do You Want the Bunk Beds to Separate?
One thing that's common among all bunk beds is that they vary in height. Even though your children are using them primarily for sleeping, that doesn't mean they won't have other uses. For example, your children might want to sit up and read or use their electronic devices. Can they do this comfortably in the bunk beds you're considering? Is there a chance your child will hit their head when trying to move around or in a sitting position?
As your child continues to age, they'll also get taller. So, take all of these things into consideration when looking at bunk beds. Ideally, you don't want your child to grow out of their bed too soon, or else you're looking at making another investment. Otherwise, if there's space, consider choosing a set that will separate. These sets also allow you to place spacers in between each bunk to help raise the upper bed.
How to Select the Right Size Bunk Bed?
Beyond choosing a bunk bed that separates or is the right height, you must also consider the bed's size. There are several sizes from which you can select, including:
These are the most popular option as there are two twin beds, one on top of the other. These bunk beds don't take up much room and are optimal for tight living spaces.
Here's an option where there's a twin bed on top of a full. If you have an older child sharing a room with a younger sibling, this is an excellent option.
If you don't plan on reinvesting in beds for your children for a while, this is an optimal choice. You'll find that both the top and bottom bunk have full beds, thus allowing your child to grow.
This bunk bed features one twin bed with loft space below. If your child's room is small, this gives them extra space for a desk, dresser, or toy boxes.
Before selecting a set of bunk beds, make sure your ceiling is tall enough to accommodate them. In other words, you should be allowing for at least two or three feet of headspace between the ceiling and the top bunk. Another size consideration is the bed's mattress. There's no need to purchase special mattress sizes as a standard size will work fine.
How to Make Sure the Bunk Bed is Safe?
This step for choosing a bunk bed is a given. All parents want their children to remain safe. That means looking for sets that include sturdy safety rails to prevent your child from falling in the middle of the night. While most sets come with rails, it's easy to overlook them when constructing a set of bunk beds.
Selecting a wooden set of bunk beds is also safer than metal. The main reason is that metal might have screws sticking out, it's slippery, and gets cold. Wooden bunk beds are durable and easy to maintain, which further adds to their stability and safety. Typically, a bunk bed's construction features birch plywood, cedar, or pine. Make sure the bed set complies with standards set by Consumer Product Safety.
How Can the Bunk Beds Double as Storage Storage?
Look at the space available in your child's room. Will that space fit a set of bunk beds featuring storage? There are dozens of storage bed options you can choose from to help maximize space, including:
These sets feature a classic style whereby drawers are available in a set of stairs leading to the top bunk, as well as beneath the bottom bed. If you don't have room for a stairway on the side of the bed, then there are still options featuring drawers beneath the bottom bunk.
If your child is in a small room with space limitations, the loft storage bed is an excellent option. Like the storage bunk beds, some models feature a stairway with drawers. Otherwise, you'll find drawers, cubbies, and cabinets below the top bunk.
- Twin Over Twin with Side Storage or Desks
While most twin over twin bunk bed sets is in the same position, here's where things get creative. The bottom bunk of these sets are in the middle and point outward. That design allows for storage on either side or the ability to add storage on one side and a desk on the other.
Best Tips
- Choose a set of bunk beds that will separate, so you can add spacers as your children grow.
- Consider the size of the set of bunk beds you'll need to prevent your children from growing out of them.
- The bed's safety must include the installation of rails.
- Bunk beds featuring storage help maximize the space in small bedrooms even more.
Final Thoughts
While the design of the bed tends to take priority when figuring out how to choose bunk beds, there are many other options to consider. For example, if your child's room is contemporary, then select a set of bunk beds that feature a color instead of stained wood. That way, you're matching the set's style with the rest of the room's décor and preventing it from being obtrusive.
Eliza is a creative interior designer who swears by the power of sleek interiors and quality furniture to transform daily personal and professional life. With a B.Sc. in interior design from Philadelphia University and a well trained eye for craftsmanship, she offers unparalleled advice on how to arrange your space to make it sophisticated, comfortable, and functional, whether it’s the office or bedroom.
