How to Choose the Best Convertible Bunk Beds
Bunk beds can be an excellent way for children to make space while adding a playful touch to their rooms. How do you pick the most suitable one?
Find bunk beds that can be divided into two beds when your kids outgrow the bunk arrangement. The best choices will be durable, with a design that can handle multiple kids and sleepovers.
Sturdy Construction
If you're considering adding a bunk bed in your children's bedroom, ensure that it's sturdy enough to hold up to the weight of kids and adults. Look for features that are of high-quality construction like tubular frames made of steel and solid wood construction that can withstand the wear and tear of a room shared. Bunk beds are great to host sleepovers, or for overnight summer camps. They need to be strong enough to support the weight of many children who are jumping around all night.
A majority of the top convertible beds are constructed with a sturdy steel frame. best made bunk beds have warranties to improve their longevity. Choose a finish that complements your existing bedroom decor and think about adding other bunk bed accessories such as trundles or storage drawers to prolong the life of your new investment.
For an affordable option that's also extremely durable choose the DHP Miles bunk bed. The bunks sport a distinctive industrial design that is trendy and contemporary. The ladder and safety rails are sturdy and will keep children and adults safe. The bottom bunk has the futon that can be used as a sofa or guest bed for when friends and family come to visit. The bunks ship flat to your home and require simple assembly on arrival.
Max & Lily is another great alternative. It comes with two twin beds stacked one on top of the other, and it can be divided into two beds after the bunk-bumping phase is over. The contemporary, minimalist design and color options create a classic, clean feel that is perfect for both girls and boys bedrooms. The company's customer support is not always consistent, and some customers have complained about shipping damage.
Crate & Kids offers solid wood bunk beds that are built to last. This model has a sleek, timeless design that can easily be transformed into two separate twin beds after your children have outgrown it. Pick a neutral shade like espresso or white that can be incorporated into any colour scheme, or a bolder choice like deep pink or blue to brighten the space.
Extra Storage
Bunk beds are a great solution for small spaces, particularly in the case of children bedrooms. Many bunks have drawers underneath which provide more storage space, but does not take up floor space. These beds also come with shelves which can be used to hold shelves for books, a media center or other furniture. They can also be split into two twin beds. This is perfect for families with extended homes, cottages or guests from out of town.
If you choose a ladder style bed ensure it comes with handstraps and anti-slip rungs in order to make it easier to climb up. Some models have a staircase integrated into the frame for sleeker appearance and additional stability. These aren't suitable for children under the age of 5, and they require more floor space. Some of them have storage options, such as built-in shelves and drawers. This can be useful for toys or clothes.
Another way to save space is to have the low bunk, which is ideal for small spaces and taller ceilings. This type of bed includes a bottom bunk placed at the ground level and a top bed that hangs from the side of the frame, saving valuable floor space. Laura Fenton, the author of The Bunk Bed Book, says that it's a great option for children who are young however they might be too childish as they grow older.
Low bunks are also unique and can be used to make a single bed when your child reaches the age of the bunk or when siblings move into their own rooms. The option is available in both wood and metal and can be made to order with storage drawers or a trundle.
Fenton says she prefers Oeuf's Perch bunk bed because it's sleek sturdy and durable. It can also be split into twins to make a full size bed. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which means it meets the stricter standards for chemical and particle air pollution, and does not emit foul odors. It's also attractive due to its mocha finish, clean lines, and its sustainable nature.
Trundle Beds
A trundle bed can add more sleeping space to your children bunk beds, and also works as a great guest bed for overnight guests. Some of the most popular bunk beds can be converted and come with a trundle that is large enough to fit beneath twin beds, accessible via an integrated staircase. This kind of bunk bed is a great option for small rooms that don't have enough space for three beds or for parents who want to accommodate multiple children in the same space without losing privacy.
Other bunks feature detachable trundle beds that you can use as a pair to create two separate twin beds or to create a full-over-full configuration. Some of these bunks come with a second staircase to allow you to access the trundle on its own. Some also have an integrated staircase with built-in storage space or display space below.
Some of the top bunks also come with several color options to complement your child's bedroom decor. White finishes are versatile, and can be paired with any bedding. A deep natural or espresso stain will add warmth and richness. Other finishes, like soft gray and chic pink, work well with a range of colors and work with any style of bunk bed.
If you're thinking of using your bunk bed as a guest bedroom take into consideration the overall size and the height of the furniture to ensure it's suitable to your home. If your ceilings are lower, you may want to look into a model that has an ottoman or a sitting space under the top bunk. This will provide guests with an inviting place to sleep.
A bunk bed that has drawers for a desk as well as an armoire can be a great way to increase the versatility of your bed. This can aid your children in staying organized, while also providing you with extra storage for toys, books and clothes. A lot of these bunks come with a full-size bottom bed and are suitable for adults, as well, making them an ideal choice for families with several children or multigenerational families who frequently host guests for overnight stays. Many of these models also come in a variety of finish options to fit your children's preferences and match your existing furniture for bedrooms, such as solid oak, dark walnut, and white finishes.
Easy Assembly
The best convertible bunk beds are typically delivered partially assembled. This is perfect for parents who have little time or space. These types of bunk beds also require a minimum of tools and can be put together by just one or two people. If you plan to DIY, choose a bed that has clear instructions and pre-cut pieces that speed up the assembly.
Based on the design and materials of your bunk bed, it's important to think about the amount of weight it can support. Certain bunk beds are constructed with metal frames that can support more weight than wood alternatives. If you decide to go with a wooden bunk bed, it's important to pay attention to the type of wood you choose since some types are more prone to splitting than others.
When buying bunk beds, make sure that the model you're contemplating has rails for safety on either side of the top level. They can stop your children from falling asleep during the night and becoming a common cause of head injuries for children who sleep in bunks. These guards are especially beneficial if you have younger children who may be afraid to get out of bed in the middle of the night.
A detachable slide is a must-have feature when looking for bunk beds. This fun addition for your child's bedroom lets siblings and friends race down the slide or take their favorite stuffed animal along for the ride of their life. Some models even come with a matching storage staircase for secure top access.
A modern bunk bed with a detachable slide is a great option for parents who want to maximize the space in their child's bedroom without sacrificing functionality and safety. Max & Lily's stylish twin over full trundle bed is made from kiln dried pine wood and engineered wood for strength and long-lasting use. Available in three new finishes to match any child's bedroom decor. A white, crisp finish is perfect for cottage or coastal-style rooms. Gray or clay finishes are a good choice for different colors.