Kids Beds Bunk
Bunk beds add drama to kids' rooms and also give them a sense of adventure. To make bunks more appealing to kids Ms. Keenan often includes a bookcase or a reading lamp in each sleeping space.
Many of our bunk beds for kids can be transformed into two twin beds. This is a great option if your plan is to move them into their own bedroom in the near future. Choose from finishes like the brushed gray, creamy white and rich walnut.
Stairs or Ladders
You can pick between ladders or stairs when you are choosing bunk beds for children. Ladders can be easily installed and are less expensive. They also provide an easy way to climb into the top bunk bed. They are more secure than stairs, as they provide a wider surface area for children to walk on and have a handrail that is integrated. There are grooves on the steps to prevent slipping when climbing up and down the bed.
However, if you prefer the look and design of stairs, they may be a more elegant addition to your bunk bed. Staircases can also be utilized in rooms with limited space as they aren't as imposing as ladders. They can be made from metal or wood and can be matched to an array of bedroom designs. Some staircases have integrated storage drawers. These are ideal for adding more space to the bunk bed.
Another thing to consider when choosing between stairs and a ladder is the age of your child. It is recommended that children under six years old do not sleep on the top bunk. Children older than 6 years old who can climb vertically might be better off with stairs than using a ladder. If you are planning to use your bunk bed for guests, such as young children or adults who have limitations in mobility, it's best to use stairs.
A straight staircase on the sides of the bunk requires at least 95" of space on each side. If you don't have that space, you could opt for a u-shaped stairs which doesn't require as much space but still provides a safe and secure means of accessing the top bunk. Certain beds let you detach the stairs when not being used. This reduces the size of the bed, making it more adaptable to multi-purpose spaces. There are stairs that connect to the bottom of the bed. This eliminates the requirement for separate handrails and makes it easier to climb up and to the bottom for kids.
Guard Rails
Guard rails give kids the confidence and freedom to climb into and out of bed on their own. However, they must be placed properly, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or loosening occurs between the rails that guard the bed frame. If you decide to install guard rails, be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and inspect them regularly for any holes or looseness which could cause an entrapment.
One of the most important safety concerns for bunk beds is to keep them free from electrical devices as well as other objects that could be projectiles while your children play or sleep. Be sure to place bunks away from windows, which can be a danger to fall if kids get up on the top of the bed.
A safety feature you may want to consider is a night lighting for the ladder; this can help to illuminate the ladder's path up and down in the event that children awake at night and need to go to the bathroom or get woken during a storm, and need to make their way from their bedroom in a safe manner.
A safety net could be installed at the top of the bunk to prevent children from falling out when they're sleeping or playing. This is a great idea, particularly for older children who tend 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 should not exceed 3.5 inches wide to avoid entrapment or strangulation. Place the wedge block shown in Figure 1 in each of the openings in the topmost guardrail member and over the mattress foundation. Then apply 33-lbf (147-N) force in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the large end of the block and sustain it for 1 minute.
It is a good idea to instruct your children not to hang anything on the guardrail or ladder like belts, clothes, or sports equipment. Instead you should utilize an organized rack to keep the objects from creating an injury to your child. Also, ensure that more than one child does not sleep on the top level of the bunk, as this can create an unsafe imbalance that could cause falls.
Mattresses
When choosing a mattress to use for bunk beds, think about your child's size and age. A bunk mattress should last for at least eight years or until siblings do not share bedrooms, so you'll want to select a mattress designed to grow with your child, while providing sufficient support as they grow older.
Bunk mattresses are usually twin or full-size, and there are plenty of options that can fit either. If your child is suffering from asthma or allergies, opt for an hypoallergenic mattress with a dust-mite barrier as well as a moisture-wicking cover. Children are prone to lots of spills and accidents, so mattresses with an antimicrobial layer will protect the foam from harmful bacteria and germs.
Another factor to consider is the mattress's feel. Children are typically heavier than adults, and require an appropriate mattress that is firm, but also comfortable. A lot of hybrid and latex mattresses come with a firm side and a soft side to meet children's requirements.
Memory foam mattresses are a good choice for kids, but we don't recommend them due to their tendency not to cool well and can be hard on the spines of young children. Consider a hybrid or a latex mattress, which provides strong support and cooling infusions to your guest or child to sleep comfortably.
A low-profile mattress is often the best option for kids bunk beds. These are designed to be smaller than regular mattresses and maximize the height of the safety rails for the top bunk. They eliminate "filler" material to provide the highest quality and a slim design.
If your child would like to test a mattress that's 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 good idea of how the mattress will stand up as your child grows, and you can always put in an extra mattress skirt or mattress pad to stop it from sliding off the frame. Some mattresses have side rails or a lip built in to prevent this.
Stores
Bunk beds can be the ideal option to free up space in shared kids rooms. Bunk beds are also a less expensive alternative to purchasing two full-sized single beds. Some bunks offer the option of an trundle bed that can be hidden beneath the bunk that is not being used.
Consider putting up a kids' bedroom furniture combination set that includes desks, bookcases, and/or dressers to maximize storage and space in a bedroom with a bunk bed. This will allow you keep all your child's clothing along with toys and other personal items in one place instead of stuffing everything into chests or closets that are overstuffed. These sets of kids bedroom furniture are available at a variety of retailers. They meet federal safety standards.
Stacked bunks can be a playground for the imagination as kids can transform the space beneath into cozy hideaways and secret play zones. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas stacked six bunks to create the ultimate kids space. It can be used for sleeping, playing or even for twirling superhero capes. The room is decorated with a bubble wallcovering of Chasing Paper, and the ceiling is painted Benjamin Moore Blue Jean.
If you're unable to build stairs to your bunk that is stacked, a ladder can be an ideal solution. The ladders are constructed using a single socket, Flange, and 90 Degree Side Outlet Fittings. They can be easily adjusted in order to increase or decrease the distance between the ladder rungs. The ladder rungs can also be placed directly on the ground instead of above to facilitate climbing.
Loft beds that can be lifted to just above the ground is another method to maximize space in the bunk bedroom. This lets you slide desks, dressers, or toy chests beneath the beds that are elevated. This is a true way to maximize space and can be a great solution for smaller bedrooms or in a big family home where beds have to be able to accommodate several people sleeping.