Kids Beds Bunk
Bunk beds add drama to kids' rooms and also give them the feeling of adventure. Ms. Keenan adds a shelf for books, or a reading light in each sleeping space to make bunk beds more attractive to children.
Many of our bunk beds for kids can be made into two twin beds. This is perfect when you plan to make them move to their own bedroom in the near future. Choose from finishes such as brushed gray, cream white and rich walnut.
Stairs or ladders
If you're looking for bunk beds for kids there is the option to choose between ladders or stairs. Ladders are easy to install and are also less expensive. They also provide an easy way to get into the top bunk bed. They are also safer than stairs, as they provide a wider area for children to walk on and include an integrated handrail. Ladders also tend to have grooves in the steps which can prevent slippage while climbing up or down the bed.
If you prefer the design and appearance of stairs then they can make a more elegant addition for your bunk bed. Staircases can also be used in rooms that are small as they do not protrude like ladders. They are often made of wood or metal and can complement various styles of bedrooms. Some staircases are even equipped with storage drawers. They are a great way to add more space to the bunk bed.
When choosing between a staircase and a ladder take into account the age of your child. While it is recommended that nobody sleep on the top bunk below the age of 6, older children who are comfortable climbing vertically may be better off with stairs than a ladder. If you intend to use your bunk bed for guests, for example, young children or adults who have limitations in mobility, it's best to choose stairs.
A straight staircase on the sides of the bunk requires a minimum of 95" of space on each side. If you do not have the space, you could opt for the u-shaped stairs that doesn't require as much space however it still allows you to get access to the top bunk safely and securely. Some beds come with the option of distancing the stairs when they're not in use, which further reduces their footprint and makes them more versatile for rooms that can be used in multiple ways. There are also staircases that connect to the end of the bed and eliminate the requirement for a separate handrail and makes it easier for children to climb up and down.
Guard Rails
Guard rails provide children with the confidence and independence to climb in and out of bed on their own. They must be placed correctly to ensure there are no gaps or loosening between guardrails and the frame of the bed. If you decide to use guard rails, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and check them on a regular basis for any holes or looseness that could lead to the entrapment.
One of the most important safety tips for bunk beds is to keep them away from electrical devices and any other items that could become projectiles if your children play or sleep. Set bunk beds far from windows to prevent the risk of falling in the event that your children are on the upper floor.
It is possible to install an evening light on the ladder so that it can illuminate the steps up and down in the event that your child gets up at night to use the bathroom, or if they are awakened by a storm to leave their bedroom.
Another great security feature for bunk beds is a safety net that can be put up on the top of the bunk to stop children from falling over while they are asleep or playing. This is a great idea particularly for older children who are more likely to sleep on the top bunk.
The guardrails must be secured to the bunk beds and can't be removed without tools. The guardrail openings that are above the mattress base must not exceed 3.5 inches wide to prevent entrapment or strangulation. To test this, insert the wedge block in Figure 1 into each opening on the lower edge of the uppermost member of the guardrail and above the mattress's underside foundation. Then apply a 33-lbf (147-N) force in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the larger end of the block, and keep it there for 1 minute.
It's also an excellent idea to instruct children not to hang things on the guardrails or ladder, like clothing, belts and sports equipment; instead a clothes rack should be used to ensure that the objects do not pose a strangulation danger for your child(ren). Make sure that no more than one child can sleep on the top bunk. This can lead to a dangerous imbalance and falls.
Mattresses
When choosing a mattress to use for bunk beds, think about the size of your child and their age. A bunk mattress should last for at least eight years or until siblings are no longer sharing a bedroom. You'll want to select one that will grow with your child, and still offer enough comfort as they grow older.
There are a myriad of options for bunk mattress sizes. They are typically twin or full size. If your children suffer from asthma or allergies you should choose an allergy-free mattress with a dust mite barrier and a moisture-wicking cover. Mattresses that have an antimicrobial layer will protect the foam from harmful bacteria and germs.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the feeling of your mattress. Children weigh less than adults, so they require an item that is firm but is also comfortable. A lot of hybrid and latex mattresses have one side that is firm and the other soft side that can accommodate both children's requirements.
Memory foam mattresses are great for children, but we wouldn't recommend them as they tend not to cool effectively and can be a strain on the spines of young children. You should consider a hybrid or a latex mattress instead, which can provide strong support with cooling infusions to keep your child or guest sleeping cool and comfortable.
Low-profile mattresses are usually the best choice for bunk beds for children. They are designed to be thinner than standard mattresses, and maximize the safety rail's height on the top bunk. They reduce "filler" materials to provide the highest quality and slim designs.
If your child is looking to try a mattress thicker than a regular bed, consider an hybrid or innerspring mattress with comfort layers on the top that can be removed or replaced as your child develops. These models will give you a clear idea of how the mattress will stand up as your child grows and you can always add the mattress pad or bed skirt to stop it from sliding off the frame. Some mattresses have side rails or a lip built-in to prevent this.
Storage
Bunk beds can be an excellent way to make space in shared kid rooms. Bunk beds can also be a cheaper alternative to purchasing two large single beds. Some bunks offer the option of adding a trundle bed that can be hidden under the bunk that is not being used.
To maximize storage and space in a room with bunk beds, you should consider creating a kids' bedroom furniture set that includes desks, dressers or bookcases. This will let you keep all your child's personal items including toys, clothing and clothes in one place without cramming them into overstuffed closets or chests. These bedroom furniture sets are available from a variety of retailers and generally meet all federal safety standards.
Stacked bunks can be an ideal playground for the imagination as kids can transform the spaces underneath into cosy hideaways and secret play zones. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas stacked six bunks to create the ultimate kids space. It can be used to sleep, play or even for superhero cape twirling. The room is decorated with a bubble wallcovering made of Chasing Paper, and the ceiling is painted Benjamin Moore Blue Jean.
If you're unable to construct an stairwell to your bunk beds then a ladder is an option. These ladders are built with a combination of Single Socket Tee Flange, Single Socket Tee, and 90 Degree Side Outlet Tee fittings. They can be easily adjusted to increase or decrease the distance between ladder rungs to make it easier for children to climb. The ladder's rungs are also set so that they are in line with the ground instead of being above it to make climbing less intimidating.
Another way to maximize space in a room with bunk beds is to install loft beds for kids that can be lowered down to just above the floor. This allows you to slide dressers, desks or toy chests under the elevated beds. This is a great method to maximize the space in smaller bedrooms or large family homes where beds need to be able to accommodate multiple sleepers.