Like any furniture purchase buying the right bunk bed requires a lot of thought and preparation. There are many factors to consider before making a final decision. Unlike other furniture purchases, however, buying a bunk bed will often involve a third party: the precious cargo that it carries - your children. While you might see a bunk bed as an economical and space-saving solution to your children’s slumber needs, your kids will undoubtedly view it as their own private abode.
DETERMINE YOUR SPACE NEEDS
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If you are already thinking about buying a bunk bed, space is most likely an issue. Small rooms benefit greatly from a bunk or lofted bed, but there are plenty of benefits for large rooms too. First take some measurements to figure out how much space is available. It is extremely important to measure the ceiling height. All bunk beds vary in height but the average bunk is going to stand between 5 ½ to 6 feet tall. You want to make sure there is at least two feet of space between the bunk and your ceiling. This will cut down on unnecessary bumps and bruises.
Standard bunk beds usually won’t take up more space than a single bed but not all bunk beds can be considered standard. Bunks with pull-out beds, desks, or an L-shape design will surely require a greater sacrifice in living space.
WHAT TYPE OF BUNK BED WILL FULFIL YOUR NEEDS?
Bunk beds have evolved over the years and there are now many different types to choose from. From a basic, no frills design, to an elaborate combination of features, we offer bunks that cover this whole range of styles. The classic single-over-
The original bunk bed design style is still quite popular. The loft design consists of one bed suspended over either another perpendicular bed, or an open space occupied by a desk, drawers, or shelves - a versatile design with countless possibilities. See our range of kids beds
The ‘Pull-out’
WHAT FEATURES SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR? - http://www.limelightdirect.co.uk/
Providing a room’s worth of furniture with just one purchase is entirely possible with the array of features available for today’s bunks. Many bunks have desks incorporated into their design. The desk is either placed under a lofted bunk or attached at the end of the bed. As a supplement to a desk, storage drawers are often in-built under the bottom bunk, or found in the form of a dresser on either side of a lofted bed. It is common for bunks with a desk to contain bookshelves too. With a desk and plenty of storage space you can create a “home office” for your child- no excuses for not doing homework!
These features can greatly enhance your bunk bed’s functionality and should be considered when deciding upon the perfect set-up. Many of these features are available separately and can be added to your bed later on.
CHOOSE A STYLE THAT FITS -
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You need to decide on both the layout of the bunk and the form of construction that you prefer (wood, metal, wood and metal combined). While it is ultimately your decision on which bed you purchase, it can’t hurt to ask your children’s opinion. Here are a few of the different styles available:
Casual: These beds are very traditional in their styling. Featuring darker wood grain finishes and overall simple designs, casual bunks create a comfortable atmosphere for your children.
Contemporary/
Cottage: Inspired by the architectural styles found in the countryside of France, these beds feature soft finishes, distressed woods, and fence-like characteristics. They carry a light and authentic charm.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR BUNK BEDS
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Choose bunk beds that have:
Guardrails on all sides which are screwed, bolted or otherwise firmly attached to the bed structure.
Spacing between bed frame and bottom of guard rails that is no greater than 3-1/2 inches (8mm).
Guardrails that extend at least 5 inches (127 mm) above the mattress surface to prevent a child from rolling off.
Ensure that cross ties under the mattress foundation which can be securely attached.
A ladder that is secured to the bed frame and will not slip when a child climbs on it.
If your children are not quite old enough to sleep safely on an upper bunk some designs allow the upper and lower beds to be separated to form two single beds that can be placed side by side until the bunk is required.
Choose a mattress that correctly fits the bed.
Always use two side guardrails on the upper bunk. Keep guardrails securely in place at all no matter what the age of the child. Children move about during sleep and may roll out of bed
Do not permit children under 6 years of age to sleep in the upper bunk.
Be sure cross ties are under the mattress foundation of each bed and that they are secured in place even if bunks are used as twin beds.
Emphasize to children to use the ladder and not chairs or other pieces of furniture to climb out of the top bunk.
Teach children that rough play is unsafe around and on beds and other furniture.
Consider using a night light so that children will be able to see the ladder if they get up during the night.
If the spacing between guard rails and bed frames is more than 3 1/2 inches (89 mm), or another rail is close to the space to prevent head entrapment.
Keep guardrails in good repair and securely in place.
Replace loose or missing ladder rungs immediately.
Repair or replace loose or missing hardware, including cross ties immediately.
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