How to Choose the Best Convertible Bunk Beds
Bunk beds are a great option to save space and add a fun element of decor to kids' rooms. How do you pick the most suitable one?
Look for a bunk bed that splits into two beds when your kids outgrow the bunk configuration. The best bunk beds are robust and feature the design to accommodate multiple children and sleepovers.
Sturdy Construction
If you're looking to add bunk beds to your children's room, make sure that they are able to withstand the weight of both kids and adults. Check for durable construction features like tubular frames made of metal or solid wood construction to stand up to the demands of a shared bedroom. Bunk beds can be used for sleepovers or overnight summer camps. They need to be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of many children who are jumping around all night.
The best convertible bunk beds come with sturdy steel frames that are constructed to last. A lot are also covered by a warranty to extend their lifespan. Choose an option that matches your bedroom decor Consider adding other bunk bed accessories such as trundles or storage drawers to prolong the lifespan of your new investment.
The DHP Miles is a great option for a bunk bed that's affordable and still very sturdy. The bunks have a unique industrial look that is hip and modern. However, the ladder and safety rails are sturdy and ensure that both adults and children are safe. The bottom bunk has an ottoman that can be used as couch or an extra bed for family and friends. The bunks are shipped flat and require simple assembly when they arrive.
Max & Lily is another great option. It comes with two twin beds, one on top of the other, and can be split into two beds when the bunk-bumping period is over. The minimalist, modern design and color options give it a clean classic look that's perfect for both girls and boys bedrooms. However, the company's customer service is inconsistent and customers have reported issues with shipping damage.
Crate & Kids offers solid wooden bunk beds that are built to last. This model is sleek, timeless design that is easily transformed into two separate twin beds once your children outgrow it. Choose a neutral color like white or espresso to blend with any color palette or opt for a bold choice like deep navy or pink to energize your space.
Extra Storage
Bunk beds are an excellent option for kids' rooms, especially when you are limited in space. There are many bunks with drawers underneath which give you more storage without taking up floor space. They also have shelves which can be used to store shelves for books, a media center or other furniture. They're also made to split into two separate beds which is a great feature for cottages, extended family or out-of-town guests.
If you opt for a ladder style bed be sure to choose one with handholds and anti-slip rungs that aid in climbing up. Some models have a staircase integrated into the frame for sleeker appearance and extra stability. These options are not suitable for younger children, and they require more space on the floor. Some have additional storage options like built-in drawers and shelves. This is a great option for clothes or toys.
Low bunks are another option to make the most of floor space. They're perfect for spaces that have high ceilings or small spaces. This design has a bottom bed that is at the level of the ground and a top bunk that is attached to the frame's sides to save valuable floor space. Laura Fenton, the author of The Bunk Bed Book, states that it's an excellent option for children who are young however, they might appear too young when they get older.
A low bunk also has a unique aesthetic and can also be used as a single bed after your child is no longer able to use the bunk, or after siblings move into their own rooms. This option comes in wood or metal and can be made to fit a trundle and storage drawers.
Fenton says that she prefers Oeuf's Perch bunk bed because it's elegant sturdy and durable. It can also be separated into twins over an entire bed. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified that means it complies with stricter quality of air and chemical standards and doesn't emit noxious smells. It's also attractive due its mocha finish, clean lines and sustainable nature.
Trundle Beds
A trundle adds extra sleeping space to your children's bunk beds, and could also be used as a guest bed for guests staying over. Some of the most popular bunk beds are convertible and include a full-sized trundle underneath twin-sized beds, accessible through an integrated staircase. This type of bunk bed is an excellent option for bedrooms that don't have enough space to accommodate three separate beds, or for parents who want to accommodate a number of children in one room without sacrificing privacy.
Some bunks come with trundle bed trundles that can be removed and used as a separate unit to create two twin beds, or a full-overfull configuration. Some bunks feature a second staircase that allows you to access the trundle bed on its own while others have an integrated staircase that comes with a built-in storage shelf or display area below.
The most desirable bunks are also available in several color options to complement the existing bedroom decor. White finishes are versatile and easy to match with any bedding, while a dark espresso stain or natural wood adds warmth and richness. Other finishes, like soft gray or chic pink, work well with a wide range of color palettes, and can be coordinated with any design bunk bed.
If you're planning on using your bunk bed as a guest bedroom take into consideration the overall size and height of the furniture to ensure that it's suitable for your home. If you have lower ceilings, look for a model that incorporates the futon or sitting space beneath the top bunk, to provide guests a comfy place to rest.
Another method to increase the flexibility in bunk beds is to buy one equipped with a dresser and desk drawers. This can help your children to keep their rooms organized, while providing you with more storage space for books, clothes and toys. These bunks are great for families with multiple children, or for multigenerational households who often host overnight guests. A majority of them come with a full size bottom bed and can also be used by adults. These models come in a variety of finishes to suit the preferences of your child and match the furniture in your bedroom.
Easy Assembly
The best convertible bunk beds are typically delivered partially assembled. This is perfect for parents who have limited time and space. They are simple to put together and require only the use of a few tools. If best bunk bed ever are going to DIY select the bunk bed that comes with clear instructions and pre-cut pieces that accelerate the assembly.
It is crucial to consider the weight that your bunk bed can support. Some bunk beds have metal frames that can support more weight than wood alternatives. If you choose a wood bunk bed, be sure to check the type of wood used, because some kinds are more likely to splinter than others.
When buying a bunk bed, ensure that the bed you are looking at has guard rails either side of the topmost level. These can prevent your kids from falling asleep at night and becoming a common cause of head injuries for children who sleep in bunks. These guards are especially useful if your kids are still young and afraid of climbing out of bed at night.
A slide that can be detached is a must-have feature when you are looking for bunk beds. This fun addition for your child's bedroom lets children and their friends to race down the slide or take their favorite stuffed animal on the ride of their life. Some models even come with a matching storage staircase for secure top access.
A bunk bed with slides that is able to be removed is a great choice for parents seeking to maximize the space in their child's bedroom without sacrificing safety and functionality. This fashionable twin over full trundle bed from Max & Lily is crafted using kiln-dried pine wood as well as engineered wood for strength and longevity. It's available with three new finishes that easily coordinate with the bedroom decor of any child. A crisp white finish is a fail-proof pick for rooms with a coastal or cottage theme and gray or clay finishes are a great match for a variety of colors.