How to Choose the Best Convertible Bunk Beds
Bunk beds are a great way to reduce space and add a fun touch of style to children's rooms. What are the best ways to choose the best one?
Choose bunk beds that can be divided into two beds once your children outgrow the bunk arrangement. The best bunk beds will be robust and feature the design to accommodate multiple kids and sleepovers.
Sturdy Construction
If you're looking to add a bunk bed in your child's bedroom, be sure it's strong enough to stand up to the weight of children and adults. Check for quality construction features like tubular frames made of steel and solid wood construction that can stand up to the wear and tear of a shared room. best cheap bunk beds are great for sleepovers or summer overnight camps. They need to be strong enough to support the weight of many children who are jumping around all night.
Many of the best convertible beds are built using a sturdy steel frame. They also come with warranties that increase their longevity. Look for an aesthetic that is compatible with your existing bedroom decor Consider adding additional bunk bed accessories, such as trundles or storage drawers to extend the lifespan of your new investment.
The DHP Miles is a great option for bunk beds that aren't expensive yet extremely sturdy. The bunks feature a unique industrial design that's trendy and modern, but the sturdy ladder and safety rails keep both kids and adults safe when using. The bottom bunk includes an ottoman that can be used as a sofa or guest bed for when family and friends visit. The bunks are delivered flat to your home, and are easy to assembly upon arrival.
Another option is the Max & Lily bunk bed, which has two twin beds that are stacked over each other and separates into individual single beds once the bunk-bumping days are over. The simple, modern design and colors give it a clean classic look that's great for both boys and girls bedrooms. However the customer service provided by the company isn't always consistent, and customers have reported issues with shipping damage.
Crate & Kids offers solid wooden bunk beds that are built to last. This model is sleek, timeless design that can easily be converted from bunks into two separate twin beds after your children outgrow it. Choose a neutral color like espresso or white to go with any color palette or opt for the boldest option, like deep navy or pink to energize your room.
Extra Storage
Bunk beds can be an ideal solution for tiny areas, particularly in the case of children' bedrooms. Many bunk beds have drawers under them, which gives you more storage space without taking up any floor space. These beds are equipped with shelves that can be used for bookshelf, a media centre or other furniture. They're also made to split into two separate twin beds, which is a smart option for families with extended homes or out-of-town guests.
If you choose to buy a ladder-style bed, look for one with anti-slip rungs and handholds to make climbing easier. Some beds have an inbuilt staircase that gives an elegant appearance and greater stability. These options might not work best for children who are younger and are more suitable for larger spaces since they take up more area on the floor. Some offer extra storage with built-in drawers and shelves. This can be useful for clothes or toys.
Another option to reduce space is with the low bunk, which is perfect for small spaces and taller ceilings. This type of bed includes a bunk at the bottom that's set at ground level, and a top bed that hangs from the frame's side, saving valuable floor space. It's a great choice for kids who are younger, but they may feel too babyish as they grow older, says Laura Fenton, author of The Bunk Bed Book: A collection of 115 designs for Lofts, Lofts and Cozy Nooks.
Low bunks are also distinctive and can be used to make an individual bed when your child is old enough to leave the bunk or when the siblings move to their own rooms. The option is available in wood or metal and can be made to fit drawers for storage and a trundle.
Fenton says she prefers Oeuf's Perch bunk because it's sleek and stylish, is made of durable materials and separates into a twin and the size of a full-size bed. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified that means it meets stricter standards for chemical and particle air pollution and doesn't emit odors that are unpleasant. The mocha finish and clear lines are also appealing, as well as the fact that it's environmentally friendly and comes from FSC Baltic Birch.
Trundle Beds
Trundle beds add sleeping space for your kids bunk beds, and also works as a great guest bed for guests staying overnight. The best bunk beds can be converted and come with a trundle that is large enough to fit underneath twin-sized beds, accessible through an integrated staircase. This kind of bunk bed is an excellent option for smaller bedrooms that don't have enough room for three separate beds or for parents who want to accommodate multiple children in one room without having to compromise privacy or space.
Some bunks come with trundle beds with detachable trundle beds you can put on their own to create two twin-sized beds or to create a full-over-full configuration. Some of these bunks have another staircase that allows you to access the trundle from its own. Some have an integrated staircase with built-in storage space or display space below.
The best bunks also come in various colors to match your child's bedroom decor. White finishes are versatile and easily matched with any bedding, while a deep espresso stain or natural wood gives warmth and depth. Other finishes, such as soft gray or chic pink can be used with a wide spectrum of colors and can be paired with any style bunk bed.
If you're planning to use your bunk bed as a guest bedroom, consider the overall size and height of the furniture to ensure that it's a good fit for your home. If your ceilings are higher and you're looking for a higher ceiling, look into a model that has an ottoman or a sitting area under the top bunk. This will provide guests with the opportunity to relax in a comfortable space.
Another way to boost flexibility in bunk beds is by purchasing one that's built with a desk and dresser drawers. This can help your kids stay organized, while also providing you with extra storage space for books, toys and clothes. Many of these bunks feature an extra-large bottom bed and are suitable for adults as well, making them an ideal choice for families with multiple children or families with multigenerational members who often host guests for overnight stays. These models come in a variety of finishes that will suit your child's tastes and complement existing furniture for bedrooms.
Easy Assembly
Many of the top convertible bunk beds ship partially assembled, which is great for parents who are short on space and time. These bunk beds are easy to put together and require only the use of a few tools. If you're planning to go the DIY method, you should look for a bunk bed with easy-to-follow directions and pre-cut pieces to speed up the assembly process.
It is important to think about the amount of weight your bunk bed can support. Some bunk beds have metal frames, which can hold more weight than wood alternatives. If you opt for a wood bunk bed, be sure to verify the type of wood used, because certain types tend to be more susceptible to splintering than others.
If you are looking to buy a bunk bed, ensure that the bed you are looking at has guard rails either side of the top of the bed. They will stop your kids from rolling off at night which is a frequent cause of head injuries for children who sleep in bunks. These guards are particularly useful if your kids are young and may be scared of getting out of bed at night.
A slide that can be detached is another essential feature to consider when shopping for bunk beds. This exciting feature for your child's room lets friends and siblings race down the slide together, or send their favorite stuffed animals on the ride of their lives. Some models have a staircase that is a match for easy access at the top.
A bunk bed that has slides that is able to be removed is a great choice for parents who are looking to maximize the space in their child's room without sacrificing safety or functionality. This chic twin over full trundle bed from Max & Lily is crafted from kiln-dried pine wood and engineered wood to ensure durability and long-lasting. It's available in three contemporary finishes that easily coordinate with the bedroom decor of any child. A clean white finish is ideal for rooms with a cottage or coastal style. Clay or gray finishes can be used with different color schemes.