How to Choose the Best Convertible Bunk Beds
Bunk beds are a great way to reduce space and add a fun aspect of decor to kids' rooms. But how do you pick the best one?
When your children are old enough to outgrow the bunk bed configuration, look for a bunk that can be split into two beds. The best bunk beds will be robust and feature designs that can accommodate sleepovers and multiple children.
Sturdy Construction
If you're looking to add a bunk bed in your kids' bedroom, be sure it's strong enough to stand up to the weight of kids and adults alike. Look for features that are durable like tubular frames made of metal or solid wood construction that can withstand the wear of a shared bedroom. Bunk beds are commonly used for sleepovers as well as overnight summer camps, therefore they need to be able to withstand the weight of a group of kids bouncing up and down throughout the night.
Many of the best convertible beds are constructed using a sturdy steel frame. They also come with warranties that increase their longevity. You should consider picking a finish that is in harmony with your bedroom decor and add accessories such as trundles or drawers to your bunk bed. This will help prolong the lifespan of your investment.
For an affordable alternative that's still extremely sturdy, look for the DHP Miles bunk bed. The bunks have a unique industrial look that is hip and modern. The ladder and safety rails are strong and keep kids and adults secure. The bottom bunk is equipped with a futon that can be used for an extra couch, or an extra bed for friends and family. The bunks are delivered flat and are ready for assembly when they arrive.
Another great alternative is the Max & Lily bunk bed with two twin beds that are stacked on top of each other and splits into separate single beds once the bunk-bumping days are over. The minimalist modern design and colors create a sleek classic look that's perfect for both girls and boys bedrooms. The customer service provided by the company is not always consistent, and some customers have complained of damaged shipping.
Crate & Kids offers solid wooden bunk beds that are built to last. The model features a modern, sleek design that can easily transition from bunks to two separate twin beds once your children outgrow it. Choose a neutral finish like white or espresso to blend with any color scheme or choose the boldest option, like deep pink or navy to brighten your room.
Extra Storage
Bunk beds are a great option for rooms for children, especially if you have limited space. There are many bunks with drawers underneath which provide more storage space, but does not take up floor space. They also come with shelves that can be used to house a bookshelf, media center or other furniture. They can also be divided into two twin beds. This is great for families with extended homes, cottages or out-of town guests.
If you choose to buy a ladder-style bed, search for one with anti-slip rungs and hand holds to make climbing up easier. Some beds have a staircase built into the frame for sleeker appearance and added stability. These options might not work best for younger children and are best suited to larger rooms since they occupy more floor space. Some also offer extra storage, like built-in shelves and drawers that can be useful for toys or clothes.
Low bunks are a different way to make the most of floor space. They're ideal for spaces with high ceilings as well as small spaces. This style has a bottom bunk that's set at ground level and the top bed is suspended from the frame's side, saving valuable floor space. Laura Fenton, the author of The Bunk Bed Book, states that it's an excellent alternative for younger children, but they may appear too young when they grow older.
Low bunks are also distinctive and can be used to make a single bed when your child grows out of the bunk or when the siblings move to their own rooms. This option comes in metal or wood, and can be made to fit storage drawers and a trundle.
Fenton says she favors Oeuf's Perch bunk because it looks sleek, is constructed of durable materials and separates into a twin and a large bed. It's also GREENGUARD Gold-certified, meaning it meets stricter quality of air and chemical standards and doesn't release foul smells. It's also attractive because of its mocha finish, clean lines, and sustainable nature.
Trundle Beds
A trundle bed can add more sleeping space to your children bunk beds, and it can also be used as a guest bed for guests staying over. Some of the most popular bunk beds are convertible and come with a trundle that is large enough to fit beneath twin beds, accessible via an integrated staircase. This kind of bunk bed is a great option for small bedrooms that do not have enough space to accommodate three beds, or for parents who want to accommodate multiple children in the same room without sacrificing privacy.
Some bunks have Trundle bed trundles which can be removed and rearranged to create two twin beds, or a full-overfull configuration. Some of these bunks have another staircase that lets you to access the trundle bed on its own while others have an integrated staircase that has a built-in storage shelf or display area below.
Some of the most comfortable bunk beds are available in a range of colors to match your child's current bedroom decor. White finishes are versatile and can be matched with any bedding. A deep espresso or natural stain can add warmth and richness. Other finishes, such as soft gray and chic pink, work well with a range of color palettes and coordinate with any style of bunk beds.
If you're planning on using your bunk bed as a guest bedroom take into consideration the overall size and the height of the furniture to ensure it's an appropriate fit to your home. If your ceilings are lower and you're looking for a higher ceiling, consider a model with a futon or a sitting area under the top bunk. This will give guests an inviting place to sleep.
A bunk bed with drawers for a desk and a dresser can be an excellent way to expand the versatility of your bed. This can help your children remain organized, while providing more storage space for books, clothing and toys. Many of these bunks feature the capacity of a full-size bed at the bottom 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 are available in a variety of finishes to suit your child's tastes and complement existing furniture for bedrooms.
Easy Assembly
Many of the best convertible bunk beds are shipped partially assembled, which is ideal for parents who are short on space and time. These bunk beds also require a minimum of tools and can be assemble by a couple of people. If you intend to DIY select a bunk bed with clear instructions and pre-cut pieces that make the assembly easier.
Depending on the design and materials of your bunk bed, it's important to think about the amount of weight it can carry. best bunk bed with trundle are constructed with metal frames that can hold more weight than wood. In addition, if you opt for a bunk bed made of wood, it is important to consider the type of wood you choose because some types are more prone to splitting than others.
When shopping for a bunk bed, make sure the model you're looking at has guard rails on both sides of the top of the bed. These can prevent your kids from falling asleep at night which is a frequent cause of head injuries for children who sleep in bunk beds. These guards are especially useful if your kids are young and may be afraid of climbing out of bed at night.
A slide that can be detached is a must-have feature when looking for bunk beds. This fun feature for your child's room allows siblings and friends to race down the slide together, or send their favorite stuffed animals on the ride of their lives. Some models have a staircase that is a match for easy access at the top.
A bunk bed that has a slide that is able to be removed is a great option for parents who are 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 with kiln dried pine wood and engineered wood to ensure durability and long-lasting. It is available in three new designs to fit the decor of your child's bedroom. A clean white finish is a fail-proof pick for coastal or cottage rooms and clay or gray finishes work well with a wide range of color palettes.