9 . What Your Parents Taught You About The Best Bunk Beds

How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds

Kids bunk beds are a staple of many homes. They can help save space and also give children a sense of adventure.

When you are looking for a bunk bed, it's important to take into consideration the capacity for weight and safety features. We also looked for beds that can be converted into two separate beds.

Durability

A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's important to think about durability when shopping for one. Nikki Njeri Klugh, founder and chief designer of Nikki Klugh Design Group, Inc. she says that you should ensure that the bed is solid enough to not fall on the person or items below. The most comfortable bunk beds will be rated to support at least 500 pounds for each bed. They'll also be tested to ensure that they meet safety standards for example, a guardrail on the top bunk and large mattresses that fit snugly to avoid any accidents.

When evaluating bunk beds, it is important to take into consideration the capacity to support the weight of the mattresses and the ladder or stairs that take you to the top. A best practice is to choose a ladder that has an even surface for safe climbing and isn't too high or steep as suggested by Fenton. Stairs are more comfortable to climb, but they take up more space and are difficult for children to navigate.

A majority of the top bunk beds also come with a choice of finish or color, which can assist you in matching the bed to the decor of your child's bedroom. Pick a white finish to complement your furniture or natural wood stain for some color. Some options include additional features, like a drawer at the base or trundle bed below the bottom bunk, which can increase the utility of the bunk and let you customize it to suit the needs of your child.

Another excellent feature of this bunk bed is that it can accommodate two full-size mattresses in a T-shaped configuration which means you can accommodate three people comfortably on this model. Its durable construction includes an extremely sturdy steel frame and secured metal slats that are spaced 2.5 inches apart to provide adequate mattress support. It is also Greenguard Gold certified1 which means it complies with the requirements of the Greenguard Organization for low emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ozone depleters and other pollutants.

If you're looking for a bunk bed that will last through your children's childhood and beyond, consider this model from Oeuf. It's a sleek, modern design that won't feel "baby" as they get older. Plus, it can be split into two separate twin beds when your children no longer have to use the bunk.

Safety

Bunk beds can be useful for saving space and a lot of fun for children However, they do have some safety concerns. To avoid injuries, look for models that have been independently tested to be in compliance with CPSC safety standards and have been verified to be sturdy enough for adults to sleep on, as well. Make sure that the upper bunk can support the weight of any children that will be sleeping on it. Typically, full-over-full-size bunks can accommodate up to 165 pounds per bed, while some variations--particularly those designed for adults--have higher capacities.

The most frequent cause of bunk bed injuries is falls, children can also hurt themselves playing on the upper deck or by slipping over ladders or furniture. To avoid these dangers choose a bunk bed that meets or exceeds the height guidelines of the CPSC and be sure to keep it away from ceiling fans (which can cause dangerous airflow patterns) or other tall furniture.

You should also consider whether the bunk bed is constructed out of solid wood or steel. The latter can be lighter and more portable, but it might not last longer than wooden models. Certain wooden options are GreenGuard Gold certified and crafted using sustainable materials, which means you can feel confident about the purchase. If you're concerned about safety, make sure you check the bed for any warnings or restrictions that might pertain to the top bunk, for example, the weight limit or age limit.

Make sure you check that the bunk bed can comfortably fit your space and that it's free of any sharp corners. Also, test the stability of the bunks by putting pressure on them in various locations and ensuring they don't sag or creak.

Most bunk beds offer the option of a ladder that allows you to climb onto the top deck, however you'll also find options with stairs instead. Stairs can take up more space and be pricier than ladder models however they're "the safest and most simple to manage, although children should never be left alone on the top bunk without adult supervision," says Fenton.

Space-Saving

Whether you're furnishing a child's bedroom or maximizing the sleeping space in your vacation home, bunk beds usa beds make sense for a variety of living spaces. It can be a challenge to pick the right one. Bunk beds should be secure, fit into your space, and look good, too. There are many options to choose from so you can pick the right one for your family.

To hone in on the top bunk beds, we spoke with three experts--two interior designers and a sleep expert--plus read reviews on retailer sites as well as consumer-oriented organizations. We looked at the design as well as safety features and the cost of each bunk bed. We narrowed the selection to seven sets with quality design and construction that will grow with your child into their teens.

This classic wood bunk bed from Oeuf boasts an elegant design and sturdy construction, and it's customizable with a variety of finishes, including white for coastal decor or espresso stain to warm rustic rooms. It also includes guardrails on the bottom bunk and a trundle pullout, so you can accommodate extra guests. It's also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it meets the low emission standards for volatile organic compounds, phthalates, and a variety of other toxic substances.

Another advantage of this bunk bed is that it can be separated into two separate beds when your children outgrow it and it's a great investment. This bunk bed is available in different sizes including full over twin and full over queen.

When selecting a bunk bed it is important to take the weight capacity into consideration. It is not necessary to overload the structure as this can lead to dangerous collapses. Look for bunk beds with a high weight capacity to ensure that your family is secure during the night.

Unlike most bunk beds, which use ladders to access the top bunk, this one includes stairs that slide under each side of the frame. This creates more space under the beds and gives the bunks a sleeker, modern look. It's also a great choice for those who don't have the space for ladders.

Storage

Bunk beds come in a variety of configurations. They can be twin-over-twin, full-over-full or even queen over queen. You can also choose from a range of materials such as wood, metal and more. The price of the bunk bed will vary based on the type of material and features you select. Higher-priced bunk beds are usually made of sturdy materials like solid wood, and have additional features like a trundle bed that can be removed from under the bottom mattress.

When choosing a bunk bed for your home, think about how it will be used and what your budget is. If you are planning to use the bunk bed solely for children, an affordable basic model could be a good choice. However, if you'll be sleeping adults or children who will outgrow the bunks, it might be worth spending a bit more for a higher-quality frame with a longer-lasting design.

The top bunk beds are built to last, and a lot offer a limited warranty for their products. Based on the brand the warranty may cover repairs or replacement parts for up to one year from the date of purchase. Certain manufacturers offer white glove installation and shipping services for an additional charge.

When you're looking for a bunk bed it's important to read customer reviews. These reviews will allow you to determine if the product is durable and well-constructed. It's also a good idea to look at the weight capacity of each bunk, as well as the safety features.

If you're looking for a bunk bed with ample storage space look into the Daxter bunk from Harper & Bright Designs. It's a sleek, modern option with an affordable cost and a variety of color options to match your decor. This bunk bed also has a high weight limit on the top bunk as well as an optional trundle bed which can accommodate three people. Many buyers praised the design of this bunk bed and claimed that it was easy to put together. However, some reviewers noticed a strong, off-gassing odor when the bunk was first unboxed. The problem was quickly resolved.