How to Choose the Best Convertible Bunk Beds
Bunk beds can be an ideal way for kids to reduce space and add an exciting touch to their rooms. How do you pick the best one?
When your children are old enough to have outgrown the bunk bed arrangement Choose a bunk that can be divided into two beds. The best bunk beds will be robust and sturdy, with designs that can accommodate multiple kids and sleepovers.
Sturdy Construction
If you're looking to add bunk beds to your children's bedroom, ensure that they can stand up to the weight of both kids and adults. Check for durable construction features such as tubular frames made of steel or solid wood construction to withstand the wear of a shared bedroom. Bunk beds can be used for sleepovers or summer overnight camps. They need to be strong enough to support the weight of a group of kids who play all night long.
Many of the best convertible beds are made with a sturdy steel frame. They also come with warranties that increase their durability. Choose an aesthetic that is compatible with your bedroom decor and think about adding other bunk bed accessories like storage drawers or trundles to prolong the life of your new investment.
For a low-cost option that's still incredibly sturdy, look for the DHP Miles bunk bed. The bunks feature a unique industrial design that's hip and modern, however the sturdy ladder and safety rails help keep both kids and adults secure during use. The bottom bunk includes the futon, which can be used as a sofa or guest bed for when guests visit. The bunks are delivered flat to your home, and are easy to assembly on arrival.
Max & Lily is another excellent alternative. It comes with two twin beds that are stacked on top of each other, and it can be split into two beds after the bunk-bumping phase is over. The sleek, modern design and colors give a classic and clean feel that is perfect for both girls and boys bedrooms. However the customer service provided by the company is inconsistent and customers have reported issues with damage from shipping.
Crate & Kids offers solid wooden bunk beds that are built to last. This model features a modern, sleek design that can be easily transformed from bunks into two separate twin beds when your children are old enough to use it. Pick a neutral finish such as espresso or white to blend with any color palette or opt for an edgy option like deep pink or navy to brighten your space.
Extra Storage
Bunk beds can be an ideal solution for smaller areas, particularly in the case of kids bedrooms. Many bunk beds come with drawers underneath them, giving you more storage space but not taking up floor space. They also have shelves which can be used to hold a bookshelf, media center or other furniture. These beds can also be split into two twin beds. This is ideal for cottages, extended families or out-of town guests.
If you choose to buy a bed with a ladder, look for one with anti-slip rungs and handholds to make climbing up easier. Some beds come with a built-in staircase for a sleeker look and more stability. These aren't suitable for younger children, and they require more floor space. Some offer extra storage like built-in shelves and drawers. This can be useful for clothes or toys.
Low bunks are another way to reduce floor space. They're perfect for spaces with high ceilings and smaller spaces. This style includes a bunk at the bottom that's placed at the ground level and the top bed hangs from the side of the frame which saves floor space. Laura Fenton, the author of The Bunk Bed Book, says it's a great alternative for younger children however they might feel too babyish when they get older.
Low bunks are also unique and can be used to create a single bed when your child grows out of the bunk or when the siblings move into their own rooms. The option is available in wood and metal and can be made to order with storage drawers or a trundle.
Fenton says she likes Oeuf's Perch bunk because it's sleek and stylish, is made with sturdy materials, and can be separated into a twin over a full-size bed. It's also certified GREENGUARD Gold, meaning it meets stricter chemical and particle air quality standards and doesn't emit noxious odors. The mocha finish and the clean lines are also appealing and so is the fact that it's sustainably produced and comes from FSC Baltic Birch.
Trundle Beds
Trundles add additional sleeping space to your children's bunk beds. It can also be used as a guest bed to accommodate overnight visitors. Some of the most popular convertible bunk beds come with a spacious full trundle bed under twin beds that can be accessed via a built-in staircase. This type of bunk bed is a terrific option for smaller bedrooms that don't have enough floor space for three beds, or for parents looking to accommodate several children in one space without sacrificing space or privacy.
best bunk bed with slide come with trundle bed trundles that can be detached and rearranged to create two twin-sized beds or a full-overfull arrangement. Some of these bunks come with an additional staircase that allows you to access the trundle on its own. Others come with an integrated staircase that has built-in storage or display space below.
Some of the best bunk beds are available in a variety of colors that will match the decor of your child's bedroom. White finishes are versatile and can be combined with any bedding. A deep natural or espresso stain will add warmth and richness. Other finishes, like soft gray or chic pink can be used with a wide range of color palettes, and can be matched with any design bunk bed.
If you're planning on using your bunk bed as a guest room, consider the overall size and height of the furniture to ensure that it's a good fit to your home. If your ceilings are lower and you're looking for a higher ceiling, look into a model that has a futon or a sitting area under the top bunk. This will provide guests with an inviting place to sleep.
A bunk bed with drawers for a desk as well as a dresser can be an excellent way to expand the versatility of your bed. This will allow your children to keep their rooms organized, while providing you with more storage space for clothing, books and toys. Many of these bunks have a full-size bottom bed and are suitable for adults also, which makes them an ideal choice for families with several children or multigenerational families who frequently host guests for overnight stays. These models come in a variety of finishes to match your child's preferences and complement the furniture in your bedroom.
Easy Assembly
The most comfortable convertible bunk beds are typically shipped partially assembled. This is ideal for parents who have little time or space. These kinds of bunk beds also require only a few tools and can be assemble by one or two people. If you are going to DIY pick the bunk bed that comes with clear instructions and pre-cut pieces to speed up the assembly.
It is important to think about the amount of weight your bed can bear. Some bunk beds have metal frames, which can support more weight than wood options. Additionally, if you choose a bunk bed made of wood, it is important to pay attention to the type of wood you choose, as some varieties are more prone to splintering than others.
If you are looking to buy a bunk bed, ensure that the model you are looking at has guard rails either side of the top of the bed. These can prevent your kids from rolling off at night and becoming a common cause of head injuries among children who sleep in bunk beds. These guards are particularly helpful when you have children younger than who might be scared to climb out of bed in the middle of the night.
Another must-have feature when you are looking for bunk beds is a slide that can be detached. This fun addition for your child's room lets siblings and friends to race down the slide or take their favorite stuffed animal along for the adventure of their lives. Some models come with a matching staircase for easy access at the top.
A modern bunk bed with a detachable slide is an excellent choice for parents looking to maximize the space in their child's bedroom without sacrificing safety or functionality. This fashionable twin over full trundle bed from Max & Lily is crafted using kiln-dried pine wood as well as engineered wood for strength and longevity. It's available in three contemporary designs that can easily fit into any child's bedroom design. A white, crisp finish is a perfect choice for coastal or cottage rooms, while gray or clay finishes complement a wide range of color palettes.