Bunk beds are great for little ones, not only to save space but also to extend it. However, when choosing a bunk bed for your child, you need to consider several factors, from safety and style to cost.
The Concept of Bunk Beds
A bunk bed is essentially a narrow, shelf-like bed, commonly found on ships, boats, and yachts. Bunk beds are pairs of beds—usually freestanding—that are stacked one above the other. They are often used in children’s rooms to save space.
While the primary function is to provide a place to sleep, a bunk bed can also double as an indoor play structure, as long as it’s safe.
At its simplest, a bunk bed consists of a wooden or metal framework, with the top bed either directly above the bottom one or set at right angles. At its most elaborate, a single bunk bed can become part of an intricate furniture design, incorporating storage, display shelves, and sometimes even a desk unit.
When used as an integrated play unit, the bed structure may include ladders and other fun features like a rope ladder or a slide, with a soft, safe landing below.
Safety Considerations for Bunk Beds
Always prioritize safety when planning your child’s bedroom environment. Young children are imaginative and inquisitive, which is great for creativity but not always conducive to safety. While some children do have common sense, it doesn’t always come naturally.
Children under the age of six should never be allowed to sleep in the top bunk. Once asleep, they could easily fall out of bed, even if it has a safety rail. They might also attempt to climb out of bed in a sleepy state, risking a fall. This is especially problematic if children of different ages share a bunk bed. As a precaution, consider placing thick-pile carpeting under and around the bed to minimize injury in case a child falls.
When choosing a bunk bed for your child, ensure that ladders and custom-made steps are always secure. A freestanding ladder can be a hazard because it’s not permanently attached to the bed.
Additionally, consider the finish of the bed. If the frame is painted, ensure that the paint is non-toxic. Little children, especially toddlers, often bite furniture, even if they’re told not to.
All surfaces should be smooth, with no sharp edges or exposed screws that could cause injury. If a wooden unit is screwed together, ensure the screws are flush with the surface to avoid scratches.
If you live in the USA, only purchase products that meet current ASTM standards. Since there are no specific safety standards in Canada and some other countries, try to find products that meet American standards.
Bunk Bed Options
Many companies offer off-the-shelf designs, while others provide custom-made options that can be adapted to suit your needs. A third option is to have a set of beds designed by a professional. This last option is ideal for those with specific needs or those who want built-in furniture. However, it can be an expensive choice and may not “grow” with your child.
Rooms That Can “Grow” with the Child
Children grow up incredibly quickly, and a challenge for parents is changing the room as their child’s needs evolve—without replacing every piece of furniture and soft furnishing. If bunk beds appeal to you or your little ones, consider introducing them when your child is at least four or five years old or when they start school. If you have one child, you can use the bottom bunk and ensure there’s no access to the top bunk for now.
Unless you opt for built-in beds or bunks designed to resemble a car or boat, modular bunks can usually be dismantled and converted into two regular beds. This makes them long-lasting and versatile.
What You Can Buy Off-the-Shelf
When choosing a bunk bed for your child, you’ll find that off-the-shelf furniture is relatively predictable, and most designs are sold without mattresses.
Some Popular Options Include:
- The Mydal and Norddal bunk bed frames from Ikea, made of solid pine, with two beds stacked on top of each other. These are recommended for children aged seven and older and come with a typical slatted bed base and a secure ladder.
- The epoxy-coated Tromsö beds, also from Ikea, designed for children aged at least seven. This range includes a pull-out bed that can be stored under the bottom bunk, providing extra space for sleepovers.
- A variety of solid hardwood designs from Riddle, made from maple, aspen, or alder. These are available in both children’s and adult sizes, with many having slats that support mattresses and built-in sides for easy climbing.
- If you prefer shopping online, you can order bunk beds from Crate Designs. One popular design features a three-quarter bed below a single bed, perfect for having friends sleep over.
The best advice is to shop around until you find exactly what you are looking for.
