kids bunk bed can add excitement and drama to a child's space. Ms. Keenan adds a shelf to hold 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, perfect if you plan to have your children move into their own bedrooms in the near future. Choose from finishes like white, brushed gray and rich walnut.
Stairs and Ladders
You can choose between stairs or ladders when you are choosing bunk beds for kids. Ladders are cheaper and simple to put in, and they provide a straightforward means of climbing into the top bed. They are also considered safer than staircases, because they have a wider area for children to step on and a handrail built-in. Ladders usually have grooves in the steps to avoid slips when climbing up and down the bed.
If you prefer the style and look of stairs, they could be a more elegant addition for your bunk bed. Staircases are also suitable for rooms that are small on space, as they don't extend into the space as ladders do. They can be constructed of wood or metal, and they can match a wide range of bedroom designs. Some staircases have integrated storage drawers. These are an excellent way to add more space to the bunk bed.
Another thing to take into consideration when deciding between stairs and a ladder is the age of your child. It is recommended that nobody sleep on the top bunk below the age of 6, older children who are comfortable with vertical climbing may be better off with stairs than a ladder. Also, if you're planning on using your bunk bed as guest beds for smaller children or adults who have mobility issues stairs are the best choice.
A straight staircase on the sides of the bunk requires at least 95" of space on each side. If you don't have enough space, you could opt for a u shaped staircase which does not require as much space however it still allows you to get access to the top bunk in a safe and securely. Certain beds offer the option of detaching the stairs when they're not in use, which reduces their footprint and makes them more versatile for rooms that can be used in multiple ways. There are stairs that connect to the top of the bed. This eliminates the need for separate handrails, and makes it easier to climb up and to the bottom for kids.
Guard Rails
Guard rails let kids climb into and out of their beds independently and provide them with a sense of independence and security. However, they must be placed correctly, ensuring that no gaps or loosening occurs between the guard rails and the bed frame. If you choose to use guard rails, follow the manufacturer's instructions and check them regularly for any looseness or holes that could potentially lead to entrapment.
Keep bunk beds out of electrical appliances and other items that could become projectiles when your children are playing or sleeping. Place bunk beds away from windows to prevent an injury to fall risk if your children get up on the upper level.
You might want to put an evening light on the ladder to illuminate the steps up and down if your child wakes at the night to go to the bathroom, or are awakened by the sound of a storm and are forced to leave their bedroom.
A safety net can be placed on the top of the bunk to keep children from falling off while they're sleeping or playing. This is especially a good idea for older kids, who are more likely to sleep in the top bunk.
The guardrails must be secured to the bunk beds. They cannot be removed without tools. Openings in the guardrails above the mattress foundation shall not be more than 3.5 inches to prevent entrapment and strangulation. Place the wedge block shown on Figure 1 in every opening in the uppermost guardrail member and above the mattress foundation. Apply an amount of 33 lbf (147 N) in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the large edge of the block for 1 minute.
It's a good idea to inform your children to not hang any items on the ladder or guardrail like clothing, belts, and sports equipment. Instead you should utilize a rack for clothes to stop these objects from becoming a strangulation hazard for your child. Also, make sure that more than one kid does not sleep on the top floor of the bunk, as this could cause a dangerous imbalance which may cause falls.
Mattresses
When choosing a mattress to use for bunk beds, think about your child's size and age. A bunk mattress will last for at least eight years or until siblings no longer share a bedroom and you'll need to choose a mattress that is designed to grow with your child while still providing adequate support as they grow older.
Bunk mattress sizes are typically twin or full-size, and there are a variety of options that can be suitable for either. If your child is suffering from allergies or asthma choose an hypoallergenic mattress with an anti-dust barrier and a moisture-wicking cover. Mattresses with an antimicrobial layer will protect the foam against harmful bacteria and germs.
The feel of your mattress is also crucial. Children weigh less than adults, which means they need mattresses that feel firm, but also comfortable. Many latex and hybrid mattresses come with a firm and softer side to meet the needs of both children.
Memory foam mattresses are a good choice for kids but we don't recommend them because they tend not to cool properly and could be a strain on the spines of infant children. Consider a hybrid or latex mattress instead, which can provide strong support with cooling infusions to keep your child or guest sleeping cool and comfortable.
A mattress with a low profile is typically the best choice for children's bunk beds. They are designed to be smaller than regular mattresses, and to maximize the safety rail's height on the top bunk. They eliminate "filler" materials to provide the highest quality and slim lines.
Think about an innerspring model or hybrid that has upper comfort layers that can be removed and replaced as your child grows. These models will give you an idea of how the mattress will hold up as your child grows and you can always put in a mattress skirt or mattress pad to stop it from sliding off the frame. Some beds even have an integrated lip or side rails to prevent this from happening.
Stores
Bunk beds are a great option to make space in shared children's rooms. Bunk beds are also a less expensive alternative to buying two full-sized single beds. Many bunks also provide the option of a trundle bed which can be hidden beneath the bunk that is not being used.
To maximize space and storage in a room with bunk beds, consider installing a combination kids bedroom furniture set that includes desks, dressers or bookcases. This will allow you to keep all your child's clothing, toys and personal items in one spot instead of stuffing everything into overstuffed closets or chests. These kids bedroom furniture sets are available from a number of retailers and usually meet all federal safety standards.
Stacked bunks can be a playground for the imagination as children can transform the spaces underneath into cosy hidden play areas and hideaway spaces. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas stacked six bunks to create the ultimate children' space. It can be used for playing, sleeping 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 cannot install an stairwell to your bunk beds then a ladder is a good alternative. The ladders are constructed using a single socket Flange, Single Socket, and 90 Degree Side Outlet Fittings. They can be easily adjusted in order to increase or decrease distance between ladder rungs. The ladder rungs can also be placed flush with the ground, rather than higher to aid in climbing.
The installation of loft beds that can be lifted to just above the floor is another way to maximize the space of a bunk bed room. This allows you slide dressers, desks, or toy chests under the beds on top. This is a true maximize of space and can be a great solution for smaller bedrooms or in a big family home where the beds need to be able to accommodate several sleepers.