small bunk bed for kids add drama to kids' rooms and also give them a sense of adventure. Ms. Keenan adds a shelf to hold books, or a reading light in every sleeping nook to make bunk beds more appealing to children.
Many of our beds for kids bunks can be converted to two beds that are complete which is ideal if you intend to have your children move into their own bedrooms in the near future. Choose from finishes like brushed gray, creamy white and rich walnut.
Ladders or Stairs
When choosing kids beds bunk you can choose to pick between ladders or stairs. Ladders are easy to install and are cheaper. They also provide an easy way to get into the top bunk bed. They are also considered to be safer than staircases, as they have a bigger area for children to step on and a built-in handrail. Ladders often have grooves in the steps to prevent slips when climbing up and down the bed.
If you prefer the design and look of stairs, they could make an elegant addition to your bunk bed. They can also be used in rooms with limited space since they do not protrude like ladders. They can be made from metal or wood and are able to match an array of bedroom styles. Some staircases are even equipped with storage drawers. They are an excellent way to add more space to the 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 no one sleep on the top bunk below the age of 6, older children who are comfortable with vertical climbing may be better off with stairs instead of a ladder. Also should you be planning on using your bunk bed as guest beds for smaller children or adults who have limited mobility, stairs are the preferred choice.
A straight staircase along the sides of the bunk requires at least 95" of space on each side. If you don't have that much room, you can opt for a u-shaped stairs that doesn't require as much space but still offers a secure and safe way to access the top bunk. Some beds come with the option of detaching the stairs when not in use, which further reduces their footprint and makes them more suitable for rooms that can be used in multiple ways. There are also stairs that connect to the top of the bed. This eliminates the need for separate handrails, and makes it easier to climb up and down to the bottom for children.
Guard Rails
Guard rails let children climb in and out of their beds independently and provide them with an experience of freedom and confidence. However, they must be placed properly, making sure that there are no gaps or movement occurs between rails that guard the bed frame. If you decide to install guard rails, follow the manufacturer's instructions and check them on a regular basis for any holes or looseness that could lead to the entrapment.
One of the most important safety tips for bunk beds is to keep them away from electrical devices and any other items that could become projectiles when your kids play or sleep. Set bunk beds far from windows to avoid an injury to fall risk when your children climb up on the upper floor.
One safety feature you might be considering is a night light for the ladder. it will help to illuminate the ladder's path up and down in the event that children wake at night to go to the bathroom, or wake up during a storm, and need to make their way out of their room in a safe manner.
Another excellent safety feature for bunks is a safety net, that can be put up on the top level to prevent children from falling off when they're asleep or playing. This is especially a good idea for older kids, who are more likely to sleep in the top bunk.
Guardrails must be securely attached to the bunk bed's structure and must not be removable without the use of tools. The guardrail openings above the mattress base should not exceed 3.5 inches wide to avoid entrapment or strangulation. To test this, place the wedge block as shown in Figure 1 into each opening in the lower edge of the uppermost member of the guardrail and above the mattress's underside foundation. Then apply 33-lbf (147-N) force in a perpendicular direction to the plane of the larger end of the block, and keep it there for 1 minute.
It is also a good idea to teach youngsters not to hang things on the guardrails or ladder, like clothing, belts and sports equipment. Instead a rack for clothes should be used to ensure that these objects aren't a strangulation risk for your child(ren). Make sure that no more than one child sleeps on the top bunk. This could lead to a dangerous imbalance and falls.
Mattresses
When selecting a mattress for bunk beds, take into account the size of your child and their age. A bunk mattress should last for at least eight years or until siblings stop sharing bedrooms. You should select one that can grow with your child and still provide adequate comfort as they age.
Bunk mattress sizes are usually twin or full-size, and there are many options that can accommodate either. If your child has allergies or asthma choose an hypoallergenic mattress with a dust-mite barrier and moisture-wicking cover. A mattress with an antimicrobial coating will shield the foam from harmful bacteria and germs.
The feeling of your mattress is also crucial. Kids are usually lighter than adults and need a mattress which is firm but also comfortable. A lot of hybrid and latex mattresses have a firm side and a soft side to accommodate the needs of both children and adults.
Memory foam mattresses can be great for children however they're not our first choice as they can hold heat and are too hard on young spines. Think about a hybrid or latex mattress, which offers strong support and cooling infusions that allow your child or guests to sleep comfortably.
Low-profile mattresses are often the best choice for bunk beds for children. They are designed to be slimmer than regular mattresses and to increase the height of the safety rails for the top bunk. They also minimize "filler" materials to offer premium quality in an ultra-slim design.
If your child would like to try a mattress that's thicker than a regular mattress, think about an hybrid or innerspring mattress with comfort layers on the top that can be removed or replaced as the child develops. These models can provide an idea of the durability of the mattress as your child grows. You can also include a mattress skirt or bed pad to prevent it from sliding. Some mattresses have side rails or a lip built-in to prevent this.
Stores
Bunk beds can be an excellent way to save space in shared kids rooms. Bunk beds can also be a cheaper alternative to purchasing two large single beds. Many bunks also offer the option of adding an trundle bed that can be tucked away beneath the bottom bunk when it is not being used.
Consider installing a kids bedroom furniture set that has bookshelves, desks, or dressers to maximize storage space in a room with a bunk bed. This will allow you to keep all your child's clothing as well as toys and personal belongings in one place instead of cramming everything into overstuffed chests or closets. The sets of kids bedroom furniture can be found from a variety of retailers. They meet federal safety standards.
Stacked bunks can become a playground for the imagination as kids can turn the space beneath into cozy places to hide and play. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas stacked six bunks to create the ultimate kids space. It can be used as a place for playing, sleeping or even for twirling superhero capes. The room features the bubble wallcovering of Chasing Paper and a ceiling painted in Benjamin Moore Blue Jean to create the ultimate escape.
If you are unable to construct stairs for your stacked kids bunk, a ladder can be an ideal solution. They are constructed using a combination of Single Socket Tee Flange, Single Socket Tee and 90 Degree Side Outlet Tee fittings. They can be easily adjusted to increase or decrease the distance between ladder rungs to make it easier for children to climb. The rungs of the ladder are also placed so that they're in line with the ground rather than above it, to make climbing less daunting.
Another way to maximize space in a room that has bunk beds is to put up loft kids beds that can be lowered down to just above the floor. This lets you slide desks, dressers or toy chests beneath the beds that are elevated. This is a great way to maximize space in small bedrooms, or in large family homes where beds need to be sufficient for multiple people to sleep.