Childrens Bunk Beds-What are The Options?
September 15th, 2009 | by admin |There are so many childrens bunk beds on the market today that it may be wise to have some idea of which type of bunk bed would best meet your requirements and thereby narrow your search.
All of these beds have one thing in common, they dramatically increase the living area in a room by taking advantage of vertical space.
- Standard Childrens Bunk Beds
A basic bunk bed is simply one bed supported by a bed underneath it. You literally save half the space that two beds would have taken. These are the most common types of bunk beds and are available in wood or metal construction
When choosing a bunk bed make sure that the top bunk has guardrails on both sides and it is wise to choose bunk beds for kids that have permanent guardrails. These guardrails should not be removed under any circumstances, irrespective of the age of the child sleeping on the top bunk.
Bunk bed ladders that are permanently fixed to the bed frame are also more sturdy than those that are removable.
- Stackable Bunk Beds for Children
Stackable Bunk beds have the added advantage in that the beds can be separated and used as two separate beds when bunk beds no longer meet your requirements. These beds are usually kept intact with a dowel or pin while in the stacked position.
- Triple Bunk Beds for Children
If you require sleeping space for three children then a triple bunk bed is the answer. The modern triple bunk beds are compact and not as high as the vertical dormitory style triple bunk beds. Another option is to choose a double bunk bed with an underneath trundle bed that will provide the third bunk. This may not be ideal for everyday use but works well for the occasional guest. The trundle drawer also provides additional space for packing linen when not in use as a bed.
- L-shaped Bunk Beds for Children
The L-shaped bunk bed usually consists of an elevated loft bed with a matching twin bed placed underneath at a right angle to the loft bed. These childrens bunk beds will require more floor space without providing more sleeping space than the standard bunk bed for kids. This configuration is more flexible and is generally very attractive. If space is not a problem then the L-shaped bunk bed can be an interesting alternative to the standard bunk bed.
- Futon Childrens Bunk Beds
The futon bunk bed consists of a top bunk bed and futon bottom bed. The futon can be used as a couch or as a full size bed, when required. The lofted bed is usually a twin bed but can be a full bed. This multi-functional bunk bed offers extra seating in the form of a futon couch which can be opened at night to provide additional sleeping space. Most of these bunk beds have built-in ladders and the top bunks have guardrails to prevent the user from falling off. These bunk beds are the ideal solution where both extra seating and sleeping space is required. Futon bunk beds are available in wood or metal. Wooden futon bunk beds will blend in easily with other bedroom furniture and are very durable as they are usually made of solid hardwood. Metal futon bunk beds are not as bulky and easier to move around. Choosing between the two would be a matter of personal taste. Whichever you choose if you want to be sure that both the quality and safety of the product meets your requirements then you should choose a futon bunk bed that meets the national standards for bunk beds as set by the ASTM. (American Standards of Testing and Materials).
- Childrens Loft Bunk Beds
The basic loft bed gives you a lot of flexibility in designing a child’s room. It consists of one loft bed in either twin or full size suspended over an open space. There are so many possibilities with this style. Use the empty space as a study or play area, or put a storage unit underneath.
Whatever type of childrens bunk bed you select will be a matter of personal taste. It is recommended that you read more about selection criteria before making a final decision.