Kids Beds Bunk
Bunk beds can add drama to kids' rooms and provide a sense of adventure. Ms. Keenan adds a shelf to store books, or a reading light in each sleeping space to make bunk beds more attractive to children.
Many of our kids beds bunks can be converted to two complete twin beds which is ideal if you intend to have your children move into their own bedrooms in the near future. Choose from finishes like white, brushed gray and rich walnut.
Stairs or ladders
When you are choosing a bunk bed for your kids, you have the option to pick between stairs or ladders. Ladders are less expensive and easy to set up and offer a straightforward means of climbing into the bed at the top. They are also safer than stairs, because they offer a larger surface for children to walk on, and also have a handrail that is integrated. Ladders also tend to have grooves on the steps which can prevent slippage while climbing up or 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 since they don't protrude as ladders. They can be constructed of metal or wood, and they can match the wide variety of bedroom styles. Some staircases are equipped with storage drawers that are an excellent way to expand the size of a bunk bed.
Another thing to consider when deciding between stairs or a ladder is the age of your child. While it is recommended no one sleep on the top bunk before the age of 6, older children who are comfortable with climbing vertically might be better off using stairs than a ladder. In addition, if you're planning on using your bunk bed as guest beds for smaller children or adults with limited mobility stairs are the best choice.
A straight staircase on the side of the bed requires 95" of space each side. If you don't have that much room, you can opt for a u-shaped staircase that doesn't need as much space, but provides a safe and secure way to access the top bunk. Some beds come with the option of removing the stairs when not being used, which reduces their footprint and makes them more suited for rooms that can be used in multiple ways. You can also find stairs that connect to the bottom of the bed. This eliminates the requirement for separate handrails and makes it easier to climb up and down to the bottom for kids.
Guard Rails
Guard rails allow kids to climb in and out of their beds without assistance, giving them an experience of independence and security. They must be set in a proper way to ensure there are no gaps or loosening between the guardrails and the bed frame. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing guard rails and ensure that you inspect them on a regular basis to ensure that they're not loose or have holes that could result in entrapment.
Keep bunk beds clear of electrical appliances and other things that could become projectiles when your children are playing or sleeping. Make sure you place bunks away from windows, as they could pose a fall risk in the event that children climb on the top floor.
One safety feature you might want to consider is a night light for the ladder; this can help to illuminate the ladder's path up and down in the event that kids wake at night to go to the bathroom, or wake up during a storm, and need to get from their bedroom safely.
A safety net could be installed at the top of the bunk to stop children from falling out when they are sleeping or playing. This is a great idea for older children who may be more likely to sleep in the top bunk.
The guardrails should be secured to the bunk beds and can't be removed without tools. Openings in the guardrails above the mattress foundation shall not be larger than 3.5 inches to avoid entrapment and strangulation. Place the wedge block as shown on Figure 1 in each opening of the uppermost guardrail member and above the mattress foundation. Then apply kids beds bunk beds -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's also a good idea to teach kids not to hang anything on the guardrails or ladder, like clothing, belts and sports equipment; instead a clothes rack is recommended to ensure that the objects don't become a strangulation hazard for your child(ren). Also, ensure that more than one kid should not sleep on the top floor of the bunk as this could create a dangerous imbalance which may cause falling.
Mattresses
When choosing a mattress to use for bunk beds, think about the size and age of your child. A bunk mattress should last at the least eight years or until siblings are no longer sharing bedrooms. You'll want to choose one that grows with your child and still provide enough comfort as they grow older.
There are a variety of bunk mattress sizes. They are typically full or twin size. If your kiddos suffer from asthma or allergies you should choose an hypoallergenic mattress that has dust mite barriers and a cover that wicks moisture. Mattresses with an antimicrobial coating will protect the foam against harmful bacteria and germs.
Another important consideration is the feel of your mattress. Children typically weigh less than adults, so they need an item that is firm but is also comfortable. Many hybrid and latex mattress have a firm side and a softer side to meet the needs of both kids and adults.
Memory foam mattresses are a good choice for kids but we don't recommend them because they tend not to cool effectively and can be hard on the spines of infant children. Think about a hybrid or latex mattress, which provides strong support and cooling infusions to your child or guests to sleep comfortably.
Low-profile mattresses are usually the best choice for bunk beds for children. They are designed to be less bulky than normal mattresses, and increase the safety rail height of the top bunk. They also eliminate "filler" materials to provide premium quality in an ultra-slim design.
If your child is looking to try a mattress that's more hefty than a regular mattress, think about an innerspring or hybrid model with comfort layers on the top that can be removed or replaced as the child grows. These models will give you a good idea of how the mattress will stand up as your child grows, and you can always include a mattress skirt or mattress pad to prevent it from sliding off the frame. Some beds come with a built-in lip or side rails to prevent this from happening.
Stores
Bunk beds are an excellent alternative to save space in shared rooms for children. Bunk beds can also be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing two full-sized single beds. Many bunks also offer the option of adding a trundle bed which can be tucked away beneath the bottom bunk when it is not in use.
To maximize storage and space in a room with bunk beds, consider creating a kids' bedroom furniture set which includes desks, dressers and/or bookcases. This will let you store all of your child's clothes along with toys and other personal items in one location instead of cramming everything in overstuffed closets or chests. The sets of kids bedroom furniture can be found at a variety of retailers. They meet federal safety standards.
The stacking bunks provide an opportunity for creativity as kids can transform the spaces below into secret places to play or cozy areas. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas stacked 6 bunks in this room for the ultimate play space for kids that can be used for playing, sleeping and even twirling superhero capes. The room is decorated with a bubble wallcovering from Chasing Paper, and the ceiling is painted Benjamin Moore Blue Jean.
If you're unable to build a staircase to your bunk that is stacked the ladder could be an easy solution. The ladders are constructed with a combination of Single Socket Tee, Flange and 90 Degree Side Outlet Tee fittings and can be easily adjusted to increase or decrease the distance between rungs of a ladder to make it easier for children to climb. The ladder rungs can also be placed flush with the ground, rather than higher to aid in climbing.
Another method to maximize space in a room that has bunk beds is to install loft kids beds that can be lowered down to just above the floor. This allows you to move desks, dressers or toy chests directly under the beds. This is a great way to maximize the space in smaller bedrooms or in large family homes where beds have to be able to accommodate multiple sleepers.