Blog entry by Melisa Worth
Bunk beds add drama to kids' rooms and provide the feeling of adventure. Ms. Keenan adds a shelf to hold books, or a reading light in every sleeping nook to make bunk beds more attractive to children.
Many of our kids beds bunks can be converted to two complete twin beds ideal if you are planning to move your children to their own bedrooms at some point. Pick from finishes like the brushed gray, creamy white and rich walnut.
Stairs or ladders
When choosing kids beds bunk, you have the option to pick between ladders or stairs. Ladders can be easily installed and are less expensive. They also provide an easy way to climb into the top bunk bed. They are also considered safer than stairs, since 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 style and look of stairs, they can be a beautiful addition to your bunk bed. Staircases are also ideal for rooms that are small on space since they don't obstruct the space like ladders do. They can be made from metal or wood and are able to match a wide range of bedroom styles. Some staircases are equipped with storage drawers which can be an excellent way to expand the size of a bunk bed.
Another thing to take into consideration when choosing between stairs and a ladder is the age of your child. It is recommended that children less than six years old do not sleep on the top bunk. Older children who can climb vertically might prefer stairs than a ladder. If you plan to use your bunk bed for guests, such as younger children or adults who have limited mobility, it is recommended to use stairs.
A straight staircase that runs along the sides of the bunk requires a minimum of 95" of space on each side. If you don't have the space, you can choose a u shaped staircase which does not require as much room but allows you to get access to the top bunk beds with slide for kids in a safe and safely. Some beds come with the option of removing the stairs when not in use, which further reduces their footprint and makes them more versatile for rooms with multiple uses. You can also find stairs that connect to the bottom of the bed. This eliminates the need for separate handrails, and makes it easier to climb up and down to the bottom for kids.
Guard Rails
Guard rails let children climb into and out of their beds on their own, giving them the feeling of independence and confidence. However, they must be placed properly, making sure that there are no gaps or sagging occurs between the rails that guard the bed frame. If you decide to install guard rails, follow the directions of the manufacturer and examine them regularly for any looseness or holes which could cause an entrapment.
One of the most important safety considerations for bunk beds is to keep them free from electrical devices and other items that could become projectiles while your children play or sleep. Also be sure to position bunks away from windows, as they could cause a risk of falling when children climb up to the top level.
A safety feature you may be considering is a night light for the ladder. it will aid in illuminating the path and down in the event that children awake at night and need to go to the bathroom or are woken during a storm, and need to get from their bedroom in a safe manner.
A safety net could be installed on top of the bunk to prevent children from falling out while they are sleeping or playing. This is a great idea particularly for older children who are more likely to sleep on the top bunk.
The guardrails must be securely attached to the bunk beds and cannot be removed without tools. The openings in the guardrail above the mattress base should not be larger than 3.5 inches wide to prevent strangulation or entrapment. Place the wedge block shown in Figure 1 in each of the openings in the topmost guardrail member, and above the mattress foundation. Then apply 33-lbf (147-N) force in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the larger end of the block, and maintain it for a period of 1 minute.
It is also recommended to teach children not to hang anything on the ladders or guardrails for example, such as clothing, belts and sports equipment; instead a clothes rack should be used to ensure that these objects don't become a strangulation hazard for your child(ren). Also, make sure that more than one kid is not sleeping on the top of the bunk as this can create a dangerous imbalance which may lead to falling.
Mattresses
When choosing a mattress for bunk beds, take into account the size and age of your child. A bunk mattress should last for at least eight years or until siblings stop sharing a bedroom. You should select one that grows with your child and still provide adequate comfort as they get older.
There are a myriad of options for bunk mattress sizes. They are usually twin or full size. If your child suffers from asthma or allergies, choose a hypoallergenic bed with a dust-mite barrier and moisture-wicking cover. Mattresses with an antimicrobial layer will protect the foam from harmful bacteria and germs.
Another important consideration is the mattress's feel. Kids generally weigh less than adults, so they require mattresses that feel firm but is also comfortable. A lot of hybrid and latex mattresses come with an extra firm side as well as a soft side to accommodate both children's needs.
Memory foam mattresses be a great choice for children however they're not our first choice because they tend to trap heat and may be too hard on young spines. You should consider a hybrid or a latex mattress instead, which offer solid support with cooling infusions to keep your child or guest asleep cool and comfortable.
A mattress with a low profile is typically the best choice for children's bunk beds. These are designed to be slimmer than regular mattresses and to increase the height of the safety rail for the top bunk. They also minimize "filler" materials to provide the highest quality in a slim design.
You can consider an innerspring or hybrid that has upper comfort layers that can be removed and replaced as your child grows. These models will give you a clear idea of how the mattress will stand up as your child grows, and you can always include an extra mattress pad or bed skirt to prevent it from slipping off the frame. Some beds have side rails or lip that are built-in to stop this.
Storage
Bunk beds are an excellent option to make space in shared rooms for children. They can also be a cheaper alternative to buying two separate full sized single beds. Many bunks also offer the option of an trundle bed that can be tucked away beneath the bottom bunk when it is not in use.
Consider installing a kids bedroom furniture combination set that includes bookcases, desks, and/or dressers to maximize storage space in a bedroom with bunk beds. This will allow you keep all of your child's clothes as well as toys and personal belongings in one spot instead of cramming everything in overstuffed chests or closets. These sets of bedroom furniture are sold at a variety of retailers. They meet federal safety standards.
Stacking bunks can be an ideal playground for children and children can transform the spaces below into hidden spaces for play or cozy spaces. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas stacked six bunks to create the ultimate children' space. It can be used for sleeping, playing or even for twirling superhero capes. The room is decorated with a bubble wallcovering from Chasing Paper, and the ceiling is painted Benjamin Moore Blue Jean.
If you aren't able to build a staircase for your stacked kids bunk A ladder is a simple solution. These ladders are built with a combination of Single Socket Tee Flange, Single Socket Tee and 90 Degree Side Outlet Tee fittings and can be easily adjusted to alter the distance between ladder rungs to make it easier for toddlers to climb. The ladder rungs are also positioned in a straight line with the ground instead of above to aid in climbing.
Another method to maximize space in a room with bunk beds is by installing loft bunk beds for kids kids beds that can be moved down to just above the floor. This allows you to slide dressers, desks or toy chests directly under the elevated beds. This is a true way to maximize space and can be a great solution for smaller bedrooms, or in a large family home where beds have to be able to accommodate many people sleeping.