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 nook to make bunk beds more appealing to children.
Many of our beds for kids bunks can be converted to two complete twin beds ideal if you are planning to have your children move into their own bedrooms at some point. Pick from finishes such as the brushed gray, creamy white and rich walnut.
Stairs or Ladders
If you're looking for bunk beds for kids you can choose to pick between ladders or stairs. Ladders are cheaper and simple to put in, and they provide an easy way to climb into the bed at the top. They are also considered to be safer than stairs, since they have a bigger surface for children to walk on and a handrail built-in. Ladders also tend to have grooves in the steps which can prevent slippage while climbing up or down the bed.
If you like the design and look of stairs, then they can make a more elegant addition for your bunk bed. Staircases can also be used in rooms with limited space as they aren't as imposing as ladders. They are typically made of wood or metal and can match the various styles of bedrooms. Some staircases even include integrated storage drawers, which are a great way to add more space to the bunk bed.
When deciding between a ladder and stairs take into account the age of your child. It is recommended that children under six years old do not sleep on the top bunk. Children older than 6 years old who are able to climb vertically might be better off with stairs than using a ladder. If you are planning to use your bunk bed for guests, for example, younger children or adults with limitations in mobility, it's recommended to use stairs.
A straight staircase on the opposite side of the bed requires 95" of space on each side. If you don't have enough space, you can opt for an u-shaped staircase that does not require as much space, however it still allows you to access the top bunk in a safe and safely. Some beds come with the option of removing the stairs when they're not in use, which further 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 end of the bed, which eliminates 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 independence to climb in and out of beds on their own. However, they must be set correctly, ensuring that no gaps or sagging occurs between the guard rails and the bed frame. If you decide to install guard rails, make sure you follow the instructions of the manufacturer and inspect them frequently for any looseness or holes that could potentially lead to the entrapment.
Keep bunk beds out of electrical appliances and other things that could become projectiles when your children are playing or sleeping. Place bunk beds away from windows to avoid the risk of falling if your children get up on the upper floor.
It is possible to install an evening light on the ladder to illuminate the way up and down if your child wakes at the night to go to the bathroom, or wake up due to the sound of a storm and are forced to leave their room.
A safety net can be put up on the top of the bunk to keep children from falling off while they sleep or play. This is a great idea for older kids, who are more likely to sleep in the top bunk.
The guardrails must be securely attached to the bunk beds. They cannot 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 shown on Figure 1 in each opening of the uppermost guardrail member and above the mattress foundation. Apply 33 lbf (147 N) in a perpendicular direction to the plane of the largest edge of the block for one minute.
It's a good idea to instruct your children not to hang any items on the guardrail or ladder for example, belts, clothes, or sports equipment. Instead you should make use of an organized rack to keep these objects from becoming an injury to your child. Be sure that not more than one child sleeps on the top bunk. This can lead to an unsafe imbalance and fall.
Mattresses
When selecting a mattress for bunk beds, consider the size of your child and their age. A bunk mattress should last for at least eight years, or until siblings no longer share the same bedroom and you'll need to choose a mattress that is designed to adapt to the needs of your child while still providing adequate support as they grow older.
There are a myriad of options for bunk mattress sizes. They are typically twin or full size. If your kiddos suffer from asthma or allergies choose a hypoallergenic mattress with a dust mite barrier as well as a moisture-wicking cover. Kids tend to have many accidents and spills, which is why a mattress that has an antimicrobial layer will keep the foam safe from harmful bacteria and germs.
Another important consideration is the feeling of your mattress. Children typically weigh less than adults, so they require a mattress that feels firm but is also comfortable. Many hybrid and latex mattresses have one side that is firm and the other soft side that can accommodate both children's needs.
Memory foam mattresses are good for kids but we don't recommend them as they tend not to cool effectively and can be a strain on the spines of small children. Think about a hybrid or latex mattress, which provides strong support and cooling infusions to your child or guests to sleep comfortably.
A mattress with a low profile is usually the best option for kids bunk beds . These are designed to be slimmer than standard mattresses and increase the height of the safety rails for the top bunk. They reduce "filler" material to provide premium quality with slim lines.
If your child would like to test a mattress that's more substantial than a standard mattress, think about an hybrid or innerspring model with comfort layers on the top that can be removed or replaced as your child grows. These models can give you an idea of the longevity of the mattress as your child grows. You can also include 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 an excellent way to make space in shared kids rooms. Bunk beds are also a less expensive alternative to buying two full-sized single beds. Some bunks offer the option of adding a trundle bed that can be hidden beneath the bunk that is not being used.
Consider installing a kids bedroom furniture set that has desks, bookcases, and/or dressers to maximize storage and space in a room that has a bunk bed. This will let you keep all your child's personal belongings, clothing and toys in one spot without cramming them into overstuffed closets or chests. These combination kids bedroom furniture sets are available from a number of retailers and generally meet all federal safety standards.
Stacking bunks can be a playground for imagination and children can transform the spaces below into secret spaces for play or cozy spaces. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas stacked 6 bunks in this room to create the ultimate space for kids that can be used for sleeping, playing and even superhero cape twirls. The room has a bubble wallcovering by Chasing Paper and a ceiling painted in Benjamin Moore Blue Jean to create the ultimate escape.
If you are unable to install stairs to your bunk that is stacked, a ladder can be a simple solution. They are constructed using a combination of Single Socket Tee, Flange and 90 Degree Side Outlet Tee fittings. They can be easily adjusted to increase or decrease the distance between ladder rungs to make it easier for little ones to climb. The ladder rungs can also be placed in a straight line with the ground rather than above to aid in climbing.
Another way to maximize space in a room that has bunk beds is by installing loft beds for kids that can be moved down to just above the floor. This allows you to slide dressers, desks or toy chests directly beneath the beds. This is an effective way to maximize space and is a great choice for small bedrooms or even in a large family home where beds have to be able to accommodate several sleepers.