How to Choose the Best Convertible Bunk Beds
Bunk beds can be an ideal way for kids to reduce space and add a playful touch to their rooms. But how can you choose a good one?
Once your children are old enough to leave the bunk bed, look for a bunk that can be separated into two beds. The most suitable bunk beds are robust and feature a design that can accommodate multiple children and sleepovers.
Sturdy Construction
If you're looking to add a bunk bed in your child's bedroom, ensure that it's built to last and can stand the weight of both kiddos and adults alike. Make sure you are looking for features of durable construction such as metal tubular frames or solid wood constructions to withstand the wear of a bedroom shared. Bunk beds are typically used for sleepovers and summer camps, so they must be able to bear the weight of a group of children jumping around and down throughout the night.
A majority of the top convertible beds are built using a sturdy steel frame. They also come with warranties to increase their longevity. Think about picking a color that complements your bedroom decor and adding accessories such as trundles or drawers to your bunk bed. This will help extend the lifespan of your investment.
For a low-cost option that's also extremely durable choose the DHP Miles bunk bed. The bunks feature a unique industrial design that's trendy and modern, but the sturdy ladder and safety rails help keep kids and adults safe during use. The bottom bunk features an ottoman that can be used for couch or a guest bed for friends and family. The bunks ship flat to your home and require simple assembly on arrival.
Max & Lily is another fantastic alternative. It comes with two twin beds stacked on top of each other, and can be split into two beds when the bunk-bumping period is over. The modern, simple design and color options give a classic and clean look that is ideal for both boys and girls bedrooms. However the customer service of the company is inconsistent and customers have reported issues with damage from shipping.
If you're looking to build bunk beds that can endure for years and beyond, go for one of the solid wood designs from Crate & Kids. This model has a sleek, timeless style that'll easily convert from bunks to two separate twin beds when your kids are old enough to take it. Choose a neutral hue such as espresso or white that can be incorporated into any colour scheme, or choose a more striking option like deep pink or blue to brighten the space.
Extra Storage
Bunk beds are a great option for kids' rooms particularly if you have limited space. A lot of bunks have drawers beneath which provide more storage without taking up the floor space. These beds are equipped with shelves which can be used for bookshelf, a media centre or other furniture. They can also be divided into two twin beds. This is ideal for cottages, extended families or guests from out of town.
If you choose a bed with a ladder be sure to choose one with handholds and anti-slip rungs to aid in climbing up. Some beds have an inbuilt staircase that gives a sleeker look and more stability. These aren't suitable for children younger than 5 years old, and they require more space on the floor. Some offer extra storage like built-in shelves and drawers. This is a great option for clothes or toys.
Low bunks are another way to save floor space. They are ideal for rooms that have high ceilings or smaller spaces. This design has a bottom bunk that's set at ground level and the top bed is suspended from the frame's side, saving valuable floor space. It's a great option for kids who are younger, but they may appear too childish as they get older, says Laura Fenton, author of The Bunk Bed Book: The 115 Ideas for Lofts, Lofts and Cozy Nooks.
A low bunk can also provide an unique design and can be used as a single bed after your child is no longer able to use the bunk, or when siblings move into their own rooms. This option comes in wood or metal and can be customized to include storage drawers and a trundle.
Fenton says that she likes Oeuf's Perch bunk bed because it is sleek sturdy and durable. It can also be divided into twins over the size of a standard bed. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which means it meets stricter standards for particle and chemical air pollution and does not emit foul odors. It's also attractive because of its mocha finish, clean lines and green nature.
Trundle Beds
A trundle can add more sleeping space to your children's bunk beds. It could also be used as a guest room bed for guests staying over. Some of the most popular bunk beds are convertible and include a full-sized trundle beneath twin beds, accessible via an integrated staircase. This type of bunk bed is an ideal option for bedrooms that do not have enough space for three separate beds or for parents who want to accommodate a number of children in the same room without sacrificing privacy.
Some bunks come with trundle bed trundles that can be removed and rearranged to create two twin beds or a full-overfull arrangement. Some of these bunks come with a second staircase that allows you to access the trundle bed on its own and others have an integrated staircase that has built-in storage shelves or display space below.
Some of the best bunk beds are available in a range of colors to match your child's current bedroom decor. White finishes are versatile, and can be paired with any bedding. A rich natural stain or espresso will add warmth and richness. Other finishes, like soft gray and chic pink are a good match with a variety of colors and work with any style of bunk beds.
If you're thinking of using your bunk bed as a guest room take into consideration the overall size and height of the furniture to ensure that it's a good fit for your home. If your ceilings are lower then you might want to consider a model with an ottoman or a sitting area under the top bunk. This will provide guests with an inviting place to sleep.
Another method to increase the versatility of a bunk bed is by purchasing one that's equipped with a dresser and desk drawers. This can help your children to keep their rooms organized, while providing you with more storage space for books, clothes, and toys. Many of these bunks feature an extra-large bottom bed and can be used by adults too, so they're ideal for families with multiple children or families with multigenerational members who frequently host guests for overnight stays. These models are available in a range of finishes that will suit your child's preferences and complement existing bedroom furniture.
Easy Assembly
The most comfortable convertible bunk beds are usually shipped partially assembled. This is great for parents with little time or space. best bunk bed in the world of bunk beds also require a minimum of tools and can be assembled by one or two people. If you're taking the DIY option, choose a bunk bed with clear instructions and pre-cut parts to help speed up the assembly process.
It is crucial to consider the amount of weight your bed can bear. Some bunk beds use metal frames, which can hold more weight than wood. Additionally, if you choose a wooden bunk bed it's important to consider the kind of wood used since some types are more prone to splintering than other.
When shopping for a bunk bed, make sure the model you're considering includes guard rails on both sides of the top level. They will stop your kids from falling asleep during the night which is a frequent cause of head injuries for children who sleep in bunks. These guards are especially helpful when you have children younger than who are afraid to get up in the middle of the night.
A detachable slide is a must-have feature when shopping for bunk beds. This fun addition to your child's room allows siblings and friends to race down the slide with each other or send their beloved stuffed animals on the ride of their lives. Some models come with a matching staircase for top access.
A bunk bed with slides that is able to be removed is a great choice for parents seeking to maximize the space in their child's bedroom without sacrificing safety and functionality. Max & Lily's stylish twin over full trundle bed is constructed of kiln dried pine wood and engineered wooden for durability and long-lasting use. It's available in three fresh finishes that easily coordinate with any kiddo's bedroom design scheme. A clean white finish is a fail-proof pick for cottage or coastal rooms, while gray or clay finishes work well with a wide range of colors.