Kids Beds Bunk
Bunk beds can add drama to kids' rooms, and they also provide them with the feeling of adventure. Ms. Keenan adds a shelf to hold books or a reading light in each sleeping space to make bunk beds more appealing to children.
Many of our beds for kids bunk are convertible to two twin beds in one which is ideal if you intend to let your children move to their own bedrooms in the near future. Pick from finishes like brushed gray, creamy white and rich walnut.
Stairs and ladders
You can pick between stairs and ladders when choosing bunk beds for children. Ladders are easy to install and are cheaper. They also offer an easy way to climb into the top bunk bed. They are also considered safer than staircases, as they have a wider area for children to step on and have a built-in handrail. There are grooves on the steps to avoid slips when climbing up and down the bed.
If you prefer the design and appearance of stairs, they could make an elegant addition to 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 from wood or metal, and they can match an array of bedroom designs. Some staircases have integrated storage drawers. They are ideal for adding more space to the bunk bed.
When deciding between a ladder or stairs, you should also consider the age of your child. It is recommended that children less than 6 years old not sleep on the top bunk. Older children who are able to climb vertically could be better off with stairs than climbing a ladder. If you are planning to use your bunk bed to accommodate guests, like young children or adults with limited mobility, it is best to use stairs.
A straight staircase that runs along the side of the bed requires 95" of space on either side. If you don't have that much space, you could opt for a u-shaped staircase that doesn't require as much space but still provides a safe and secure means of accessing the top bunk. Some beds come with the option of detaching the stairs when they're not in use, which reduces their footprint and makes them more suited for rooms that can be used in multiple ways. There are also staircases that connect to the ends of the bed and eliminate the requirement for a separate handrail, and makes it easier for children to climb up and down.
Guard Rails
Guard rails give children the confidence and freedom to climb into and out of bed on their own. They must be set in a proper way to ensure that there are no gaps or loosening between guardrails and the bed's frame. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines when installing guard rails, and be sure to check them regularly to ensure that they aren't loose or have holes that could lead to trapping.
Keep bunk beds out of electrical appliances and other things that can become projectiles while your children are playing or sleeping. Make sure you place bunks away from windows, which could pose a fall risk if kids get up on the top of the bed.
It is possible to install an evening light on the ladder to illuminate the steps up and down if your child wakes at the end of the night to use the bathroom, or if they are awakened by a storm to leave their room.
Another excellent security feature for bunk beds is a safety net, which can be installed on the top of the bunk to prevent children from falling over while asleep or playing. This is a great idea, especially for older children who are more likely to sleep on the top bunk.
The guardrails must be securely attached to the bunk beds and can't be removed without tools. bunk beds for kids that are above the mattress base should not exceed 3.5 inches wide to prevent strangulation or entrapment. Place the wedge block as shown on Figure 1 in every opening in the uppermost guardrail member and over the mattress foundation. Then apply a 33-lbf (147-N) force in a perpendicular direction to the plane of the large end of the block, and maintain it for a period of 1 minute.
It's a good idea to tell your children not to hang any objects on the guardrail or ladder like clothing, belts, and sports equipment. Instead you should utilize a clothes rack to prevent the objects from creating a strangulation risk for your child. Also, make sure that more than one kid should not sleep on the top level of the bunk, as this could cause a dangerous imbalance which may lead to falls.
Mattresses
When choosing a mattress to use for bunk beds, think about the size and age of your child. A bunk mattress will last for at least eight years or until siblings are no longer sharing a bedroom, so you'll want to choose a mattress that is designed to expand with your child while still providing adequate support as they get older.
There are a myriad of options for bunk mattress sizes. They are typically twin or full size. If your kiddos suffer from allergies or asthma, opt for a hypoallergenic mattress with dust mite barriers and a cover that wicks moisture. Kids are likely to experience lots of spills and accidents, so mattresses with an antimicrobial layer will to shield the foam from harmful bacteria and germs.
The feel of your mattress is also crucial. Children are generally lighter than adults and need mattresses that are firm, but also comfortable. Many latex and hybrid mattresses have a firm and a soft side to meet the needs of both kids and adults.
Memory foam mattresses are good for kids, but we don't recommend them because they tend not to cool well and can be hard on the spines of young children. You should consider a hybrid or a latex mattress instead, which will provide solid support and cooling infusions to ensure that your child or guest asleep cool and comfortable.
Low-profile mattresses are often the ideal choice for bunk beds for children. These are designed to be smaller than regular mattresses and to increase the height of the safety rails for the top bunk. They also minimize "filler" materials to offer the highest 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 above that can be removed or replaced as the child grows. These models will give you an idea of the durability of the mattress as your child grows. You can also add an extra bed skirt or mattress pad to prevent it from sliding. Some beds have side rails or lip built-in to prevent this.
Storage
Bunk beds are a great option to free up space in shared kid rooms. They also can be a cheaper alternative to buying two separate single beds. Many bunks offer the option to add a trundle, which can be tucked under the bottom bunk when not in use.
You might want to consider installing a bedroom for your child furniture set that includes desks, bookcases, and/or dressers to maximize storage and space in a bedroom with a bunk bed. This will let you store all your child's clothing as well as toys and personal belongings in one place instead of cramming everything in overstuffed chests or closets. These bedroom furniture sets are available from a variety of retailers and typically meet all federal safety standards.
Stacking bunks can be an opportunity for creativity as kids can transform the spaces below into hidden hideaways or cosy play areas. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas stacked six bunks to create the ultimate children space. It can be used as a place for sleeping, playing or even for twirling superhero capes. The room is decorated with a bubble wallcovering made of Chasing Paper, and the ceiling is painted Benjamin Moore Blue Jean.
If you are unable to build an entryway to your stacked bunk beds, a ladder is a good alternative. They are constructed with a combination Single Socket Flange, Single Socket, and 90 Degree Side Outlet Fittings. They can be easily adjusted to increase or decrease the distance between ladder rungs. The ladder's rungs are also positioned so that they're in line with the ground instead of above it, to make climbing less intimidating.
Another method to maximize space in a room with bunk beds is by installing loft kids beds that can be lowered down to just above the floor. This lets you slide desks, dressers and toy chests 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 capable of accommodating multiple sleepers.