L Shaped Bunk Beds

Small bedrooms leave little scope for conventional bedding options. That sums up why L-shaped bunk beds are wildly popular. These can be installed in a corner of the room. A space that typically lies unused or cluttered with furniture that you can do without.

Yet, an L-shaped bunk is much more than a mere space saver. Because it’s also possible to accessorize it to one’s liking without sacrificing on additional space.

Shopping for L-shaped bunks can be tricky though. You don’t want to end up with a $2000 investment that your kids outgrow in a few years. Here are some of the key variables that you must consider.

L-shaped bunk beds for kids are available in two distinct styles.

There’s the conventional styled bunk in which two beds overlap each other on one side of the wall. It can be twin over twin or queen over twin depending on the configuration that you seek. The other side of the wall will be open for additional features like a study desk or a playhouse.

The second design is more like a loft bed, in which both the beds are on the upper bunk and butt up forming an L. The beds can have individual staircases or ladders and leave the entire portion below, open for use. Some manufacturers also offer a triple bunk bed for kids that can be shaped like an I or a T.

No matter how small the bunk bed might appear to be in pictures, measure the available space in the room. Even better, use painter’s tape and mark the entire area.

Ladders and staircases often protrude into the room increasing the footprint of the bed. So do additional accessories and features.

Ensure that there’s enough clearance to allow an adult to move freely to make the bed.

• Some L-shaped bunks feature two independent beds that can be separated once your children are old enough to sleep in their own beds. These beds have an independent lower bunk that’s not a part of the support system for the upper one.
• You can also look for a lower bunk with casters that allow it to be rolled to another room if need be.
• Depending on your child’s age and needs, the area under the bed can be used for a study desk or for a slide or a playhouse.
• If you love to host a party, then you can use the lower area for a trundle bed for guests.

When it comes to bunk beds, there’s nothing more important than the safety and stability of the entire structure.

One way to check this is to give it the old ‘rumble’ test. Just grab the frame and shake it. Does it wobble? If yes, then an excited child jumping on the top bunk (oh yes, they will jump) will weaken the structure a lot sooner than you expect it to.

Check for safety rails on the top bunk. The rails must be at least 6 inches above the top of the mattress.

Another factor that’s often overlooked is the space between the two bunks. Ideally, you want enough space in between the upper and lower bunk to allow an adult to sit without hunching over. Not all bunk beds are so spacious though.

A staircase might consume more space. But it’s always safer than a ladder because it will give your child a firm footing as they ascend the upper bunk. If a staircase isn’t possible then look for an angled ladder at least rather than a flush one.