How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds

Kids bunk beds are a staple of many homes. They can help save space, and also provide children with an excitement.

When you are looking for a bunk bed it's important to take into consideration the weight capacity and safety features. We also considered beds that could be transformed into two separate beds.

Durability

A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's important to consider durability when shopping for one. "You want to make sure it's sturdy enough that nothing falls on the person or things below," says Nikki Njeri Klugh the principal designer and the founder of Nikki Klugh Design Group, Inc. The most comfortable bunk beds will be rated to support at least 500 pounds per bed. They'll also be tested to ensure that they comply with safety standards for example, a guardrail on the top bunk, and full-sized mattresses that are comfortable to avoid accidents.

When evaluating bunk beds, it's important to consider the weight capacity of the mattresses as well as the ladder or stairs that take you to the top. Fenton suggests that an ideal guideline to follow is to choose a ladder with an even surface. This will make it easier for children to climb and will not be too steep. Stairs are, however, are easier to climb, but require more space and can be a little tricky for kids to maneuver.

A majority of the top bunk beds come with the option of finishing or color that will help you match the bed to your child's bedroom decor. Pick a white finish to match your existing furniture or a natural wood stain for some color. Some options include additional features, such as a drawer at the base or trundle bed underneath the bottom bunk, which can add to the functionality of the bunk and allow you to modify it to meet your child's needs.

Another great feature of this bunk bed is that it can fit two full-size mattresses in a T-shaped arrangement which means you can fit three people comfortably on this model. Its sturdy construction is made up of strong steel frames and slats of metal spaced 2.5 inches apart to give the mattress proper support. It is also Greenguard Gold certified1, which means that it meets the standards of the Greenguard organization for low emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as pollutants, and ozone depleters.

If you're looking for a bunk bed that will last through your children's childhood and beyond, you should consider this model from Oeuf. It's sleek, modern design won't make it feel "babyish" as your children get older. Additionally, it can be separated into two separate twin beds when your children no longer have to use the bunk.

Safety

Bunk beds are practical space-savers and a lot of fun for children, but they come with certain safety issues. To ensure that you are safe, look for models that have been independently tested to be in compliance with CPSC safety standards and have been confirmed to be sturdy enough for adults to sleep on, too. Be sure that the upper bunk can support the weight of the children who will be sleeping on it. Typically, full-over-full-size bunks can accommodate up to 165 pounds per bed, while some variations--particularly those designed for adults--have higher capacities.

The most frequent cause of bunk bed injuries is falls, children could also hurt themselves playing on the upper deck or by tripping over ladders or furniture. To minimize these risks make sure you choose a bunk bed that meets or exceeds the height guidelines of the CPSC and ensure that you keep it away from any ceiling fans (which could create dangerous airflow patterns) or other furniture that is tall.

It is also important to determine whether the bunk bed is built from solid wood or metal. Metal can be lighter, more portable, but it may not last as long a wooden model. Certain wood alternatives are GreenGuard Gold certified and crafted with sustainably sourced materials which means you can feel confident about your purchase. If you're concerned about safety, check the bed for any warnings or limitations that might pertain to the top bunk, for example, an age or weight limit.

Make sure you make sure that the bunk bed can comfortably fit into your space and is free of sharp edges. Also, test the stability of the bunks by pushing on them in various spots and making sure they don't collapse or creak.

Most bunk beds offer a ladder to climb into the top deck, but there are also options that have stairs instead. Stairs can take up more space and cost more than ladder-style beds but they're "the most secure and easiest to manage, although children should never be left alone on the top bunk without supervision from an adult," says Fenton.

Space-Saving

When you're preparing the bedroom of a child or the sleeping space in your vacation home, bunk beds make sense for many types of living spaces. It can be difficult to decide on the best option. Bunk beds must be secure, fit into your space, and look nice, too. There are many options to choose from, so you can choose the best one for your family.

To hone in on the best bunk beds, we consulted three experts --two interior designers and a sleep expert--plus read reviews on the websites of retailers as well as consumer-oriented organizations. We looked at the design as well as safety features and the cost of each bunk bed. We narrowed down the list to seven sets with top-quality design and build that can grow along with your child's teens.

This traditional wood bunk bed from Oeuf boasts a stylish silhouette and durable construction. It's available with a variety of finishes, including white for coastal décor or espresso stain to warm up rustic bedrooms. It also includes guardrails on the bottom bunk and a trundle pullout, so you can fit in more guests. It's also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that it meets low emission standards for volatile organic compounds, phthalates and a number of other toxic substances.

Another benefit of this bunk bed is that it can be separated into two separate beds when your children outgrow it and it's a great investment. This bunk bed is available in different sizes, including twin over full and full over queen.

When you are choosing a bunk bed, it's important to take the capacity of the bed into consideration. You don't need to overload the structure, as this could lead to dangerous collapses. Look for bunk beds with the capacity to support a lot of weight to ensure your family stays secure at night.

Unlike most bunk beds, which use ladders to access the top bunk, this design includes stairs that slide underneath each side of the frame. This creates more space under the beds and gives the bunks modern, sleek appearance. It's also a great option for those who don't have the space to install the ladder.

Stores

Bunk beds are available in a variety of styles. They can be twin over twin or full over full or queen over queen. You can also select from a variety of material, from natural wood to durable metal and more. The cost of a bunk bed will differ based on the type of material and features you choose. Higher-priced bunk beds are usually made of sturdy materials like solid wood and include additional features like a the trundle bed which can be pulled out from underneath the mattress.

When choosing the right bunk bed for your home, think about the way it will be used and what your budget is. If you are planning to use the bunk bed solely for children, an affordable basic model might be the best. However, if you'll be sleeping adults or children who are old enough to outgrow the bunks, it may be worth investing a little more for a higher-quality frame that lasts longer.

The top bunk bed brands are made to last, and many of them provide a limited warranty for their products. Based on the brand, this coverage may include replacement parts or repairs for up to a year after purchase. Certain manufacturers also provide white glove shipping or installation services at an additional cost.

While you're shopping for a bunk bed, it's essential to read reviews. These reviews will allow you to judge if the item is durable and well-made. It's also an excellent idea to check the weight capacity of each bunk, as well as the safety features.

If you're looking for a bunk bed with plenty of storage, check out the Daxter bunk from Harper & Bright Designs. It's a budget-friendly, sleek option that comes in a variety of colors to complement the interior of your home. This bunk bed also has a high weight limit on the top bunk as well as an optional trundle bed that can sleep three people. Many customers praised the quality of this bunk bed and said that it was simple to put together. Some reviewers noted an unpleasant, off-gassing smell when the bunk was first unboxed. The issue was quickly solved.