Kids bunk beds are a great way to fit two beds in a small room. Several or more different kinds of bunk beds are available. Let’s try to find out what is the best fit for your family and your children.
The main different styles of bunk beds are these types:
- twin on top of twin
- twin on top of full
- twin on top of futon/full
- twin on top of desk/ bed combo.
Twin on Top of Twin (Single) Bunk Bed
The twin on top of twin or single bunk bed is the most common type. A couple of very different configurations are possible. Sometimes the bottom bed is perpendicular to the top bed and sometimes it is parallel.
- The bunks that are perpendicular to one another can be used when you have a little more space and you like the style of the bed.
- When space is a big issue, the parallel bunks are probably your best choice. This configuration takes up the least amount of space possible.
Twin on Top of Full (Single over Double)
The next option for bunk beds is twin on top of full. This is a great option for a family with an older child that would be sleeping on the bottom.
The style helps the older child to feel a little more grown up with the size of his/her bed. Single over double is also a great option for a guest room because it is a bigger bed that a couple could share.
Twin on Top of Futon/Full (Single over Double)
The twin on top of a futon/full sized bed, perhaps with a trundle, is another option that is often popular with teenagers. The set has the two beds but the bottom bed can be easily used for sitting on during the day.
The style is a good option when the children have friends over or if they have a television in their room so they can watch it comfortably. Single over double is also fantastic when there is only one child but they want an extra space for visiting friends to sit or stay over.
Twin on Top of Desk/Bed (Single with Desk)
Another option for kids bunk beds is the twin on top of a desk/bed. Sometimes this combination has a bed and a desk on the bottom and sometimes it only has the desk.
The design suits older children who are doing lots of school work. It can also be a great space saver for one child. With a small room, you save space with the desk and bed taking up one area instead of taking up different sections of the room.
Safety Tips for Bunk Beds
Bunk beds can be very safe with a few common-sense precautions. Anything that gets kids up in the air can pose safety risks. But avoiding the potential for serious injury is quite easy with these tips in mind.
- Assemble properly, paying particular attention to the guard rails on the top bed. Make sure the rails are secure and correctly spaced.
- Keep the bunk bed clear of anything that could contribute to an accident or a choking hazard, including lights, ceiling fans, heaters and blind and curtain cords.
- If you have very young children, especially a toddler, remove the ladder when the bed is not in use to prevent them climbing up.
- Test the strength of the bed occasionally to make sure it remains stable and can easily support your growing child.
- Don’t allow too many items to accumulate on the top bunk or for extra mattress layers to be added. Greater height under a child makes the guard rails less effective.
For more information on child safety, visit Child Safe and Product Safety Australia.
Choosing the Right Bunk Bed for Kids
While many options for bunk beds are possible, you want the logical choice for your family and room size. Sometimes it is fun to have bunk beds even when there is only one child, so there is a place for a visitor or friend to stay. Bunk beds are also handy for co-parenting, joint-custody situations since a child may not need a whole bedroom to themselves.
Kids bunk beds have come a long way and are more versatile for today’s families. For exclusive information, guides and resources on kids bunk beds, visit the number one child furniture resource on the net: Beds 4 Kids.