Buying a bunk bed is often a daunting task. There are so many options and all of them seem to be equally good, but you need to make the right decision. This guide will help you figure out what you want in a bunk bed and help you find the best one for your needs. Bunk beds are divided into two and when children are sharing a room they give each child a feeling like they are in their own room
Thinking of buying a bunk bed, but not sure which is best?
Bunk beds come in all shapes, sizes and styles. You would be surprised by the amount of variety there is available. So how do you know which one to buy for your children(or adults)? The best type of bunk bed for kids is a metal bunk bed with a mattress. Bunk beds that have a metal frame are stronger and less likely to give in. Also, metal bunk beds are much more affordable than wooden bunk beds.
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right bunk bed for your needs.
-What size bunk bed is best for a young child?
-What type of material is the bed made out of?
-Cost to buy the bed
-Different styles and types of bunk beds
Bunk beds are commonly purchased for the excitement of the kids and their ability to save space. The floor space that is usually occupied by one bed can be used by a bunk bed and sleep two kids. It is a space saving feature that frees up space to be used as storage for toys or for an additional surface area where they can play.
Bunk beds come in many different shapes, sizes, designs, colours and materials. On our website you can purchase wooden or metal bunk beds. These beds come in different heights and have storage and study areas.
Bunk beds are a great option for kids who share a room, as they’re both space-saving and also allow two children to be close. However, there’s many questions that need answers before you go shopping for bunk beds. For example: “What age does the first child need to be before they can use the bunk bed?” or “Are bunk bed railings safe”?
In terms of kids, safety is paramount – that includes when they sleep. In this guide, we’re answering all the common questions about bunk beds and bunk bed safety. From the types available to tips for maximum safety, here is everything you need to know.
Most bunk beds on the mass market are made of either metal or wood – with the wooden frames providing more of a rustic look while the metal achieves an industrial feel.
Are Bunk Beds Safe for Children?
There are many things you should consider before buying bunk beds for your children. The most important thing to consider is how old your children are. There are bunk beds for children of all ages and sizes. The size of the bed matters because it needs to fit your child. You should also consider the weight limit for the bed and the height of the bed.
In a word, yes, they are safe – if you’ve bought a high-quality bunk bed and followed the assembly instructions correctly. There are also certain safety rules and guidelines you should follow once the bed is built, such as ensuring your child is old enough for a bunk bed and that the height of the bed is right for the room you’re placing it in. We will also cover more tips on improving bunk bed safety further on in this piece.
How to put bunk beds together correctly – Setting up a bunk bed
- Do not use the bunk bed if any part is damaged or missing
- Take care when assembling the bunk bed and follow every instruction thoroughly
- As a matter of routine, you should inspect all safety rails, ladders and guards for any loose screws or bolts
- Refer to the manual for age restrictions before use.
- Assess the structure and size of your room prior to purchase to ensure a safe access
- Conduct regular checks of the fittings and safety barriers when in use
- Plan to place your bunk bed away from doors, light fixtures and fittings
What Type Of Bunk Beds Are Best For Kids?
Think about what you need the bunk bed for. Do you need to accommodate more than two children? Is storage a priority? How long do you need the bed for? These will all come into play when choosing the right bunk bed for you. You should measure the bedroom first and make sure that there is sufficient space to fit your new bed.
You can choose from a variety of bunk bed options:
- Standard bunk beds. These are the ‘classic’ bunk bed designs that feature one bed on top of another, with a ladder providing access to the top bunk. They are simple in form and very common around the world for childrens bedrooms. These are typically the best value amongst the bunk bed ranges.
- Storage bunk beds. If you’re struggling for storage space, many bunk beds also come with built-in storage options, such as shelving, wardrobes or drawers. These are typically built into the design of the room and very good for making use of small bedroom spaces.
- L-shaped bunk beds. These vary from the classic design and are great if you have a little more floor space. Instead of one bed directly on top of the other, an L-shape bunk features the lower bed facing at a 90-degree angle. This type of bed works especially well in the corner of a bedroom. They can also be matched with additional furniture such as desk spaces or different storage options found on many mid-sleeper beds.
- Triple or quadruple bunk beds. If you’re looking to accommodate more children (or have kids who love sleepovers!), triple and quadruple beds offer the ultimate space-saving option. These are also a great option for a guest room to cover adults and children who may be visiting your home. Triple beds are either available in a classic single style, with three beds on top of each other, or laid out with a double bed below and a single above. Quadruple beds sleep up to four, with two doubles in a classic bunk style. These are becoming increasingly popular in Irish homes when there is a lack of space.
It is a hard call to make when choosing a bunk bed as your kids will most likely be begging for one. Bunk beds are amazing not just for a bit of privacy but also as a space saver. There is never enough storage room for toys that are scattered around the house in unlimited quantities. Having limited room space bunk beds will free up some of it for storing the toys.
However fun the bunk beds may seem to your kids consider it from a practical view. If you’re short on space, on storage space and you want some privacy for your kids, bunk beds will be a perfect solution for that.
What Age Can A Child Go In A Bunk Bed? – Some Safety Plans
A lot of parents’ concerns would be the safety of the bunk beds. It is a legitimate concern since the bunk bed that your children will be sleeping in is raised above the ground and may seem simple to use.
Ever since bunk beds have been invented the safety regulations on them have been reinforced. Any bunk bed that you’re purchasing should have a guard rail on the top bunk. It is vital because no matter how confident you’re in your child’s sleeping patterns, the guard rail will protect them from any potential accidents.
You might have noticed that even with single beds we tend to put carpets beside them. Firstly it is out of comfort and it’s much nicer to step on a carpet first thing in the morning rather than a hardwood floor that can be cold. Same principle should apply with bunk beds for extra safety and comfort to position a carpet underneath the bed.
Buying a bunk bed with your kids makes sure you establish some basic safety rules. These should include: no jumping on or off the beds; no more than one person on the top bunk; use a designated ladder or stairs to get up and down the top bunk. These are simple but golden rules that every household should reinforce about their bunk beds.
We often get asked, “can toddlers go in bunk beds?”. And, while bunk beds are designed for children, there are general guidelines for age restriction to ensure they’re safe to use. Children under the age of six shouldn’t be sleeping on a top bunk, and children under the age of three shouldn’t be on bunk beds at all. If you’re looking for a bed for a toddler,there are more suitable options that will be safe and offer great space saving ability. Remember to always ensure that your children know the dangers of bunk beds. Manufacturers aim to make their products safe, however, falling from a height can cause serious injuries for young children.
Can Adults use Bunk Beds or are they just for Children?
For those playing host through a home B&B, seeking to provide more space for guests, or simply injecting a feeling of nostalgia into their home, providing bunk beds suitable for adults can be a really good way of maximising the space available – particularly in a guest room where you are hoping to clear some more floor space.
Not all bunk beds are created to sustain the weight of an adult. Some have no problem, however this is something you should check within the product guidelines. So, the answer is, it really depends. Bunk beds are conventionally designed to support a child’s weight, though some of the more secure bunk beds can support an adult’s weight. Check the slates to ensure that they are strong and that the overall structure doesn’t have an issue with your weight. We advise you to check the assembly instructions where possible, or just make your best judgement after a trial lay down.
Finding the best bunk beds in Ireland
There are a number of elements that will affect the shopping budget of a bunk bed. Let’s get it clear, a metal bunk bed will be cheaper than a wooden one. All bunk beds that will have extra storage built into them will be more expensive. Stairs instead of ladders will also add to the price of the bunk bed due to increase of material and a slightly more complicated layout. Take into consideration that you will need two mattresses, factoring it into your bunk bed budget.
With their increasing popularity both amongst children and for adults, bunk beds are now a popular staple across most bed retailers and home furniture stores in Ireland. To find the best bunk beds for your home, we suggest that you check our great online furniture store. Explore the full collection of bunk beds.