How to Choose the Best Convertible Bunk Beds
Bunk beds are an ideal way for kids to save space while adding a playful touch to their rooms. How do you pick the most suitable one?
Look for a bunk bed that splits into two beds once your kids are old enough to be in the bunk layout. The best options will also be durable, with a design that can accommodate sleepovers and multiple kids.
Sturdy Construction
If you're looking to build bunk beds in your child's bedroom, make sure that they can withstand the weight of kids and adults. Make sure you are looking for high-quality construction features like tubular frames made of steel and solid wood construction that can stand up to the wear and wear and tear of a shared space. Bunk beds are typically used for sleepovers as well as overnight summer camps, therefore they need to be able to bear the weight of multiple kids bouncing up and down throughout the night.
Most of the best convertible bunk beds come with a durable steel frame that's designed to last. A lot are also covered by a warranty to further increase their longevity. Consider choosing a finish that is in harmony with your bedroom decor and adding accessories such as trundles and drawers to your bunk bed. This will help prolong the life of your investment.
The DHP Miles is a great option for a bunk bed that's affordable and yet very durable. The bunks have a unique industrial look that is hip and contemporary. The ladder and safety rails are strong and ensure that both adults and children are secure. The bottom bunk is equipped with an ottoman which can be used as couch or a guest bed for family and friends. The bunks are delivered flat and require simple assembly when they arrive.
Another great alternative is the Max & Lily bunk bed, which has two twin beds stacked on top of each other and can be separated into separate single beds when the days of bunk-bumping are over. The simple modern design and color choices provide a clean, classic feel that's ideal for both boys and girls bedrooms. The support provided by the company's customer service is inconsistent, and customers have complained of damaged shipping.
If you want to add a bunk bed that will endure for years and beyond, go for one of the solid wood designs available from Crate & Kids. This model is modern, sleek design that can easily be transformed into two separate twin beds once your children outgrow it. Pick a neutral shade like white or espresso that can be incorporated into any design scheme, or opt for choose a more striking option like deep pink or blue to bring life to the space.
Extra Storage
Bunk beds are a great option for rooms for children, especially when you are limited in space. Most bunk beds have drawers beneath them, giving you more storage space but not taking up floor space. These beds also come with shelves that can be used to store shelves for books, a media center or other furniture. They're also commonly made to split into two separate beds which is a useful feature for families with extended homes or out-of-town guests.
If you choose to buy a ladder-style bed, look for one that has anti-slip rungs and hand holds to make climbing up easier. Some beds have a staircase built into the frame to give it a more streamlined look and added stability. These types of furniture may not be best for younger children and are best suited to bigger rooms as they take up more area on the floor. Some offer additional storage options, such as built-in shelves or drawers, which can be useful for toys or clothes.
Low bunks are another option to reduce floor space. They're ideal for spaces that have high ceilings or smaller spaces. This design has a bottom bunk that's set at ground level and the top bed hangs from the side of the frame which saves floor space. It's a great choice for younger kids but might feel too babyish as they grow older, explains Laura Fenton, author of The Bunk Bed Book: 115 Designs for Lofts, Lofts and Cozy Nooks.
A low bunk also has an unique design and can be used as a single bed after your child has outgrown the bunk, or after siblings move into their own rooms. The bunk is available in wood or metal and can be made to fit storage drawers and a trundle.
Fenton says she favors Oeuf's Perch bunk because it looks sleek, is made with sturdy materials, and can be separated into a twin over the size of a full-size bed. It's also certified GREENGUARD Gold which means it meets the strictest quality of air and chemical standards and doesn't emit foul smells. The mocha finish and the clean lines are also attractive, as well as the fact that it's sustainably produced and sourced from FSC Baltic birch.
Trundle Beds
A trundle bed can add more sleeping space to your children' bunks, and it can also be used as a guest bed for guests staying overnight. Some of the best bunk beds are convertible and include a full-sized trundle under twin beds, which is accessible via an integrated staircase. This type of bunk bed is an excellent option for bedrooms that don't have enough space to accommodate three separate beds or for parents who want to accommodate multiple children in the same room without having to compromise privacy.
Some bunks have Trundle bed trundles which can be removed and used as a separate unit to create two twin beds or a full-overfull setup. Some of these bunks come with another staircase that lets you to access the trundle bed on its own and others have an integrated staircase with a built-in storage shelf or display area below.
Some of the best bunks also come in different colors to match your child's bedroom decor. White finishes are versatile and can be matched with any bedding, while a rich espresso or natural wood stain provides warmth and a richness. Other finishes, such as soft gray and chic pink, are a good match with a variety of color schemes and can be paired with any style of bunk bed.
If you're planning to use your bunk bed as a guest room, consider the overall size and height of the furniture to ensure it's a good fit for your home. If your ceilings are lower, you may want to consider a model with the option of a sofa or a seating area underneath the top bunk. This will give guests the opportunity to relax in a comfortable space.
Another way to increase flexibility in a bunk bed is to purchase one built with a desk and dresser drawers. This option can aid your children in staying organized and also provide you with additional storage for toys, books, and clothing. Many of these bunks have a full-size bottom bed and are suitable for adults also, which makes them an ideal choice for families with multiple children or families with multigenerational members who frequently host guests for overnight stays. These models are available in a variety of finishes that will suit your child's preferences and complement existing bedroom furniture.
Easy Assembly
The most comfortable convertible bunk beds are often delivered partially assembled. This is great for parents with a little time or space. These types of bunk beds also require a minimum of tools and can be assemble by just one or two people. If you are going to DIY pick a bed that has clear instructions and pre-cut pieces that make the assembly easier.
Based on the design and materials of your bunk bed, it'll be important to consider how much weight it can hold. Some bunk beds have metal frames that can support more weight. Additionally, if you choose a wooden bunk bed, it is important to consider the type of wood you choose since some types are more prone to splintering than others.
When you're looking to purchase a bunk bed, ensure that the model you are contemplating has rails for safety on either side of the topmost level. They can stop your children from falling asleep during the night and becoming a common cause of head injuries in children who sleep in bunk beds. These guards are especially helpful when you have children younger than who are afraid to get up in the middle of the night.
A detachable slide is a must-have feature when shopping for bunk beds. best bunk beds for low ceilings for your child's bedroom allows children and their friends to race down the slide or take their favorite stuffed animal on the ride of their life. Some models come with a staircase to allow access from the top.
A sleek bunk bed with an easily detachable slide is an excellent choice for parents looking to maximize the space in their child's bedroom without sacrificing safety or functionality. Max and Lily's elegant twin over full trundle bed is built of kiln dried pine wood and engineered wooden for durability and long-lasting use. It's available in three contemporary finishes that easily coordinate with the bedroom decor of any child. A crisp white finish is a fail-proof pick for coastal or cottage rooms and gray or clay finishes work well with a wide range of colors.