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 right one?
Find best budget bunk beds that separates into two beds when your kids outgrow the bunk arrangement. The best option will be durable and have designs that can accommodate sleepovers and multiple kids.
Sturdy Construction
If you are looking to build bunk beds in your children's room, make sure that they can stand up to the weight of kids and adults. Make sure you are looking for features of durable construction such as metal tubular frames or solid wood construction that can endure the wear and tear of a shared bedroom. Bunk beds are often used for sleepovers and overnight summer camps, therefore they need to be able to bear the weight of multiple children jumping around and down throughout the night.
The majority of the top convertible beds are built with a sturdy steel frame. They also come with warranties to increase their durability. Find a finish that complements your existing bedroom decor, and consider adding other bunk bed accessories such as storage drawers or trundles to prolong the life of your new investment.
For a low-cost option that's also extremely durable, look for the DHP Miles bunk bed. The bunks sport a distinctive industrial style that is hip and contemporary. The ladder and safety rails are strong and ensure that both adults and children are safe. The bottom bunk is equipped with an ottoman that can be used as an extra couch, or a guest bed for family and friends. The bunks are delivered flat to your home and require simple assembly when they arrive.
Max & Lily is another great option. It comes with two twin beds, on top of each other, and it can be divided into two beds when the bunk-bumping stage is finished. The simple, modern design and color options give it a clean, classic feel that's ideal for both girls and boys bedrooms. The support provided by the company's customer service is not always consistent, and some customers have reported shipping damage.
If you're looking to add a bunk bed that will last for years and beyond, go for one of the solid wood designs from Crate & Kids. This model features a modern, sleek design that can be easily transformed into two separate twin beds when your children are old enough to use it. Choose a neutral color such as espresso or white that can be incorporated into any colour scheme, or choose a more striking option like deep blue or pink to energize the space.
Extra Storage
Bunk beds are a great option for rooms for children particularly when you are limited in space. A lot of bunk beds come with drawers underneath them, which gives you more storage space without taking up floor space. They also have shelves that can be used as shelves, a media center or other furniture. These beds can also be divided into two twin beds. This is perfect for cottages, extended families or visitors from out of town.
If you choose a ladder style bed ensure it comes with handholds and anti-slip rungs that help you climb up. Some models have a staircase integrated into the frame for sleeker appearance and added stability. These options might not work best for children who are younger and are best suited to bigger rooms as they take up more area on the floor. Some also offer extra storage options, such as built-in shelves or drawers that can be handy for clothes or toys.
Low bunks are a different way to reduce floor space. They're ideal for spaces with high ceilings as well as smaller spaces. This design includes a bunk at the bottom that's set at ground level, and a top bed that hangs from the side of the frame, saving valuable floor space. It's a good option for kids who are younger, but they may feel too babyish as they get older, says Laura Fenton, author of The Bunk Bed Book: 115 Designs for Lofts, Lofts and Cozy Nooks.
Low bunks are also unique and can be used to create an individual bed when your child reaches the age of the bunk or when siblings move into their own rooms. The option is available in wood and metal and can be made to order with a trundle or storage drawers.
Fenton says she favors Oeuf's Perch bunk because it's sleek and stylish, is made with durable materials and separates into a twin and a large bed. It's also GREENGUARD Gold-certified which means it meets the strictest chemical and particle air quality standards and doesn't emit foul odors. It's also attractive because of its mocha finish, clean lines, and green nature.
Trundle Beds
A trundle can add more sleeping space to your child's bunk beds. It could also be used as a guest bed to accommodate guests staying over. Some of the best bunk beds are convertible and have a full-sized trundle under twin beds, which is accessible via an integrated staircase. This type of bunk bed is a terrific option for smaller bedrooms that don't have enough room for three separate beds or for parents who want to accommodate multiple children in a single room without having to compromise space or privacy.
Other bunks feature detachable trundle beds that you can put as a pair, either to create two separate twin beds or to create a full-over-full configuration. Some of these bunks have an additional staircase that allows you to access the trundle on its own. Some have an integrated staircase with built-in storage or display space below.
The best bunk beds are available in a range of colors that will match your child's current bedroom decor. White finishes are versatile and easily matched with any bedding, while a dark espresso stain or natural wood adds warmth and richness. Other finishes, like soft gray or chic pink are great with a broad spectrum of colors and can be paired with any design bunk bed.
If you're planning to use your bunk bed as a guest bedroom, consider the overall size and height of the furniture to ensure it's a good fit to your home. If you have lower ceilings, search for a model that has an ottoman or a sitting area beneath the top bunk, to provide guests a comfy place to rest.
A bunk bed with drawers to serve as a desk as well as dresser is an excellent way to expand the flexibility of your bed. This can help your children stay organized, while also providing you with extra storage for toys, books, and clothing. Many of these bunks feature the capacity of a full-size bed at the bottom and can be used by adults as well, making them a great choice for households with several children or multigenerational families who frequently host overnight guests. A lot of these models come with a range of finish options to suit your children's preference and match your current furniture for bedrooms, such as solid oak, dark walnut and white finishes.
Easy Assembly
The best convertible bunk beds are usually shipped partially assembled. This is ideal for parents with a little time or space. These types of bunk beds also require a minimum of tools and can be assemble by just one or two people. If you're planning to go the DIY route, look for a bunk bed with easy-to-follow instructions and pre-cut pieces to speed up the assembly process.
Depending on the design and material of your bunk bed, it's important to think about the amount of weight it can carry. Some bunk beds have metal frames, which can support more weight than wood. In addition, if you opt for a wooden bunk bed it is crucial to consider the kind of wood used because some types are more prone to splitting than others.
If you are looking to buy a bunk bed, ensure that the bed you are looking at has guard rails either side of the top level. They will stop your kids from falling asleep during the night, which is a common cause of head injuries among children who sleep in bunks. These guards are especially beneficial for children who are younger who are afraid to get out of bed in the middle of the night.
A slide that is detachable is a must-have feature when shopping for bunk beds. This exciting addition to your child's room lets siblings and friends race down the slide together, or send their favourite stuffed animals along for the adventure of their lives. Some models even have an accompanying storage staircase that allows for secure top access.
A sleek bunk bed with a detachable slide is a great option for parents looking to make the most of their child's bedroom space without sacrificing safety or functionality. Max and Lily's elegant twin over full trundle bed is made from kiln dried pine and engineered wood for strength and long-lasting use. Available in three new colors to complement any child's bedroom decor. A clean white finish will work well in cottage or coastal-style rooms. Gray or clay finishes are a good choice for various colors.