Optimizing Space with Bunk Beds

Typically, bunk beds are too often associated with children's bedrooms and college dorm rooms. With the majority of bunk beds being manufactured in the past aimed towards children, most grown ups avoided bunk beds due to silly child-like themes and lack of full size bunk beds.

Quite often, many full size adults may have no other option in furnishing their small apartment or bedroom with a loftbed. With many bunk bed manufacturers designing more adult-friendly designs, it is much easier to find the perfect piece of furniture. Bunk beds and Loft beds now come with a fully elaborated system of furniture such as a loftbed with a desk under, bunk beds with dressers attached. You can even go as far as having bunk beds with a full shelf system along with dressers and a full size desk. The choices are endless. For those who are aiming to keep a certain theme to your furniture, this is a great way of doing so. Another great option that is available is a futon bunk bed. The bottom mattress can be folded into half to make a couch when not in use as a bed. If you have a roommate, this is a very great option. With literally hundreds of thousands of models to choose from, the option of choosing a bunk bed may come easier than expected.

While design is one factor that adults may typically opt for, size is another factor that cannot be ignored. For a full size adult to have a good night sleep, at least a full size mattress is required. Luckily, most bunk beds and loft beds now come in full size! Different options of twin over full and full over full are now available. Unfortunately, many adults prefer to sleep on queen or king mattresses. There aren't many queen or king size bunk beds, if any, but building your own may always be an option.

Now with all the choices you have, why not get a bunk bed? The prices vary but typically can be much cheaper than buying two different beds. Make full use of your space and furniture. The practicality of bunk beds, loft beds, futon beds and the likes are a great way to keep all your furniture pieces practical while still looking beautiful. The design is on par with traditional beds, and you can most definitely save lots of space!

How old should you be before buying a loft bed

A monumental time in the life of any toddler is moving from the crib or child’s bed to a real “grown up” bed. Consider choosing a loft bed for your growing youngster, especially if the room he or she occupies is small for much else than a bed or shared with a sibling. However, before you move your child to any bed other than a crib, ensure he or she is at least two years of age and no less than 35 inches tall. If your child is a late bloomer or showing no interest in moving up to a larger bed, allow him or her a certain amount of leeway in regards to switching to a “big boy” or “big girl” bed. Many parents choose to invest in a loft bed for their child because another child has arrived, is on the way, or currently occupies the house. A loft is a great way to give each child his or her space without having to sacrifice floor space for child’s play. Also, a loft bed is a great way to entice your son or daughter to leave your bed in exchange for something a great deal cooler in their eyes. One thing to keep in mind when choosing a loft bed for a young child is to avoid the ceiling scraping beds and instead choose lofts that are no taller than four feet. This is especially true if you are dealing with a youngster who may have a slight fear of heights, since everything is taller to a child. A four foot loft still allows a great amount of room underneath the bed and can be arranged to house a fantastic fort, tent, or enclosed space that is only for the child. Some children’s furniture manufacturers are even including specialized loft beds into their furniture designs that are sure to tickle your child’s imagination. Another critical aspect to keep in mind is the safety of the loft. Ensure the guard rails are stable and properly placed on the bed. Furthermore, ensure both sides of the bed come equipped with guard rails. Quite often, children can become trapped or even fall out of the bed if two guard rails are not present on the bed. Also, check out the ladder to make sure your child will be safe while entering and exiting his or her bed. Furthermore, ensure the ladder is correctly installed on the bed to prevent any accidents or injuries due to improper equipment. Once your child has made the move into a loft bed, make time to speak with your son or daughter regarding safety. Set rules for entering and exiting the bed and ensure your children will not play or roughhouse, which can call potentially cause injury.

How to buy a loft bed (bunk beds)

Individuals of all ages choose to invest in a loft bed or bunk bed for their home. This classic childhood sleeper is quickly becoming a fun, inventive way for ‘tweens, teens, college students, and young adult hipsters to maximize their space without having to roll out a sleeping bag every night. When it comes time to shop for furniture, look to stores that specialize in bunk beds or loft beds. First things first, there is a major difference between bunk beds and loft beds. Bunk beds are the most common form of alternative bedding, with an upper bunk stacked above a lower bunk. Some bunk beds stack two same-sized mattresses horizontally, while others stack a twin bed above a full size bed or even a futon that can serve as a larger sleeping or living area. Finally, other bunk beds create a playhouse type environment, with a top bunk running horizontally overtop of a vertically running bottom bunk. Some of these alternative bunk beds include stair steps and even slides, allowing the beds perfect for younger individuals. Loft beds feature elevated platforms for sleeping, leaving much needed floor space below to place a desk, couch, or entertainment center to provide extra space for living. Generally associated with cramped dorm rooms, loft beds are becoming increasingly popular with teenagers who feel cramped in smaller rooms and want to expand their livable space. Also, young adults are also elect to choose loft beds in first apartments that may have less than desirable sleeping quarters. Think of loft beds like the new, hipper version of the classic Murphy bed. When shopping for a bunk bed or loft bed, first consider the person that will be sleeping in the bed. For children, consider safety above all other aspects of the bed. Teenagers or young adults may want to focus on the size or the style of the bed more so than safety worries. When dealing with children, be sure that the child is ready to upgrade to a “grown up” bed before making the move. Children should be at least 35 inches long or two years of age before he or she should be moved to a bunk bed. Also, ground rules should be made regarding the proper conduct involving the bunk bed, since most injuries occur due to roughhousing or horseplay. Regardless of your age, you should ensure the bunk bed or loft bed you choose has two sets of guardrails and a sturdy ladder that can support your weight. The guard rails are critical, even though your bed may reside next to a wall. More so with children, but occasional with teens or adults, bunk beds or loft beds without a guardrail next to the wall can cause the sleeper to slip between the bed and the wall during their sleep. Also, a guardrail on the other side of the bed is critical, since anyone can fall out of a bed while asleep. For children, the guard rail should be no more than three and a half inches above the mattress. If the guard rail is too far away from the mattress, the occupant can slip between the mattress and the rail, resulting in a fall. Also, the guard rail should run at least five inches above the mattress to prevent the occupant from rolling over top of the rail. Keep in mind there are a variety of bunk beds and loft beds on the market. Younger kids may enjoy the activity themed bunk beds, while teens may desire a bed that incorporates a loft instead of a bottom bunk. Also, the size of the room is directly associated with size of the bunk bed or loft bed. Although having a double or queen size bed may be luxurious in comparison to a tiny twin, but carefully think of the available space before choosing.

Bunk Beds Change, People Don't

I remember vividly the day my family moved from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Chicago. I was all of ten years old and like any child would be, excited to see the city. My father had received a promotion at the bank he had worked at since well before I was born and we were now leaving the relative comfort of our home for an apartment on Michigan Avenue. Driving into the city was almost surreal, and although sullen over leaving my friends behind, I was enthralled with the possibility of great opportunities that lay ahead. All the wonder and amazement I was experiencing after having traveled through the concrete canyons of the Windy City was soon overshadowed by the news that my father decided to impart to me the moment we entered our new domicile. I would be sharing a room with my younger brother.

I recall the feeling one might have if a death sentence were handed down to him over some petty offense. The fact that they wanted me, a sophisticated young lad who was sure than manhood was only weeks away (and had been for years), to share my personal space with this unworldly little snot-nosed brat was unbearable. Looking back, I now have a great appreciation for sharing a room with my brother and what I learned from the experience, but at the time, I would have preferred a root canal. Although we rarely got along, it didn't take long to get used to the situation. Still, I never got used to sleeping on our bunk bed. Of course, we fought tooth and nail over who would get the top bunk. Once I established dominance, I was free to climb the small metal ladder to my throne on high and become master of all I surveyed in my miniature kingdom below. Unfortunately, my throne left much comfort to be desired, and I was told on more than one occasion that my brother wasn't too happy with his vassel's parcel either. Although the bed was new, it creaked and swayed with the slightest movement and had mattresses that I was certain were made of stone. I became resigned to life with my brother, but neither of us could reconcile with that awful bed. To give you an idea of just how poorly constructed bunk beds were at that time, I left home (and the bunk bed) to join the military at eighteen and on my first night of basic training, felt that I was sleeping in the Lincoln Bedroom at the White House.

It's now a lifetime later and I have two boys of my own. My wife and I recently had a new addition, and she has taken one of their rooms, leaving them with one to share. Recalling with no particular fondness my bed of the past, I set out to find a bunk bed that would at least allow the boys some comfort during sleep. I was pleasantly surprised to find a manufacturer who makes nice beds that actually sleep like a bed should. When searching, I found beds that have storage, full sized mattresses and are solid and sturdy. After careful consideration, I purchased a nice model and brought it home. The minute I had it set up, the age old struggle for top bunk began and I stood there with a grin on my face while my sons argued over who would be king of the hill. While that matter has been settled, they still don't always get along. They do, however, get a good nights sleep. I'm glad bunk beds have changed, because boys haven't.

Bunk Bed Safety

I remember years ago, when I was just 8 years old, my brother and I had a nice little bunk bed. Our parents had purchased it for us with the intentions of keeping the bunk bed separate into two twin beds but with much convincing, our parents finally gave it and built it into a stackable bunk bed. Of course, being the younger brother that I am, I got the lower bunk. My brother was never really a calm sleep. He had a habit of moving around quite a bit while sleeping and once in awhile talking in his sleep and making random movements. While this would not normally be a problem had it been the lower bunk, this got my parents somewhat worried.

I remember the day that my brother fell off the top bunk. Fortunately, he was not injured, but he was pretty shook by the fact that he had just tumbled roughly six or seven feet from the top bunk. My brother avoided a potentially dangerous fall that could have seriously injured him, like the 500,000 children and adults who become injured and sometimes die from bunk bed related accidents. Children and adults alike are at their most vulnerable stage when they are asleep. You or your children may not know exactly what kind of movements they are making while sleeping. Sleepwalking is actually quite common in children and adults. While my brother was lucky enough to not get injured, this is something that should not be ignored.

Now at an older age, I cannot stress this enough to all parents. Yes, kids love bunk beds, and I realize that they save space and money, but please consider all safety standards before purchasing one. Common safety rules such as no jumping or standing on the top bunk should be strictly enforced. Similarly, place your kids bunk bed where your children will have enough headroom to sit up and easily climb in and out of bed. Placing your bed under a ceiling fan or light fixture is also not the best idea. Pay attention to details! Like everything else, it is better safe than sorry.

Beds: Buying them the simple way

For decent bed advice a site that is managed by somebody like a bed manufacturer will certainly be perfect, Some of the many interior design newsgroups and blogs may also be wonderful resources for discovering good quality bed tips and info, these type of places might easily answer some thoroughly precise questions concerning items such as wood and iron beds or wrought iron headboards.

This bed search tip is especially valuable, instead of simply using a research term like "beds ", you should make use of a more particular search engine phrase such as"queen and kingsize beds" or "modern headboard makers", in doing this your results are going to be highly targeted to your specific bed needs.

You should also be aware that bed specialists and other people who might often work with or have some involvement with beds can easily be discovered via the regional telephone books, there will be no shortage of individuals who are in some way linked with the subject of beds and they can save you a sizable amount of your valuable time by helping you with your bed related queries.

The bed experts will be capable offering you a lot of prime niche assistance on matters such as obtaining the best deals on metal frame twin beds and how to get the proper product guarantee whenever getting a bed, their bed expertise will surely help you get the best item for your needs.

A whole host of bed related searches might possibly have led you to a bed or interior design associated portal, searches such as "find heavy duty bed frames" or "guides on adjustable orthopedic beds", the real trick with any bedding portal is to go immediately to the site menu, if you do this you should not be side tracked due to bed guides that are not connected to the home furnishing item you need.

Now if you should need advice on antique bed platforms it will often be better to use a bed site in order to initiate contact with a bed expert, by doing this you will obviously be able to get a modest amount of bed information for free.

It might very well be you purchase a wood loft bed and a little later find that the bed merchant you got it from did not supply the goods at the lowest price, to be certain that this never comes about some other time make sure you carry out an online price review or check a reasonable variety of bed merchants first, it may be a king iron bed is being sold for a certain price on one internet store however is being marketed for thirty five percent lower on another, some great deals can be found if you look around.

particular beds might not turn out to be that easy to come across, lets imagine you are wishing to buy loft bunk beds it might be that you might have to purchase your items directly from a bed manufacturer, even the top websites may not always solve every bed purchasers requirements however a large number of home furnishing products can be acquired by some means.

Are loft beds (bunk beds) safe

If you are trying to maximize the space in your room, consider purchasing a loft bed or bunk bed to elevate your sleeping area. With loft beds, the bed is elevated on a platform with space left underneath for living, working, or playing. Bunk beds work on the same principal, but with another bed underneath the top bunk. Both are popular with children and teens, who often have limited space in their rooms; however, many parents worry about their safety.

Each year, thousands of children are rushed to emergency rooms after falling from the top bunk of their bunk beds or loft beds, while many more receive less serious injuries that are not seen by a medical professional. Typically, the main reason of injury involving bunk beds or lofts beds is horseplay and not from improperly installed beds. Before you purchase bunk beds or loft beds for your child, consider the age of the child and plan to make rules regarding the use of the bed. Although younger children are thought to experience more injuries, the most problems occur with older children who are more apt to disregard rules and exhibit unsafe or risky behavior.

For the most part, bunk beds and loft beds are just as safe as conventional beds. For smaller children, consider designating the lower bunk as their bed instead of allowing them to regularly climb to the top bunk. Also, ensure the bed is properly maintained and meets all current safety regulations and standards. Additionally, approximately eight percent of bunk bed related falls and injuries that must seek medical attention are related directly to the ladder. In addition to ensuring the ladder is properly installed, instruct your child on the correct method of ascending and descending the ladder.

When you begin searching for an appropriate bunk bed or loft bed for your child, choose a bed that appeals to all the safety standards. A bunk bed should have guard rails that have no more than three and one-half inches of space between the rail and the mattress. This will prevent children from falling through the space and potentially injuring themselves. If necessary, you may need to install extra boards if the space between the guard rail and the mattress. Furthermore, the guard rail needs to extend no less than five inches above mattress so that your child will be unable to roll off the top bunk.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the bunk bed or loft bed your purchase has guard rails on both sides. Even though one side of the bed will be placed next to a wall, a guard rail is essential due to a child potentially falling next to the wall and becoming trapped between the wall and the bed frame. Again, the guard rail should be no greater than three and one-half inches above the bed frame. Also, you should ensure that the mattress purchased to fit the bunk bed or loft bed properly fits the frame. Many parents choose to use a preexisting mattress used on a child-sized bed that is smaller than a traditional twin bed frame. Children can potentially fall between the mattress and the frame in this situation, so you should ensure the mattress is of the proper size.

In addition to ensuring the mattress is of proper size, you should also check that the mattress foundation is properly suspended above the bottom bunk or the space below. If the bed sits on a wooden platform, consider reinforcing the mattress with wooden slats or metal straps. This will prevent the top bunk from collapsing, especially if the lower occupant is kicking or pushing the above mattress.

By purchasing a quality, well constructed bunk bed or loft bed that meets all safety guidelines, you can make certain that your child will be safe and free from injury from the bed.

Why Choose a Bunk Bed for Your Child?

Why should you choose childrens bunk beds for your home? Bunk beds can bring a number of endless possibilities to your living area. Whether you have restricted space, or you want to create more available floor space in a room, bunk beds may be just the answer you are seeking. There are twin bunk beds and combination bunk beds with a twin mattress on top and a full mattress on the bottom, as well as loft bunk beds which can offer considerable storage space. There are numerous bunk bed options available for any room layout you are trying to create.

Bunk beds save space:

Bunk beds come in all shapes and sizes. There are bunk beds that come with enough compartments for practically everything you could possibly need space for, all in one beautiful piece of furniture that doesn't take up much living space at all. Bunk beds offer the added benefit of utilizing vertical space as opposed to horizontal space. This frees up floor space for other needed uses and is an ideal solution for smaller rooms. Bunk beds are also great for compact or studio apartments where you need all the space you can get. Loft apartments are growing in popularity, converting large buildings in highly populated cities into individual living spaces. Bunk beds can help you creatively use your available area in a small loft apartment.

Bunk beds are fun:

Bunk beds offer a different alternative from a standard bed. For children and teens, bunk beds offer a sense of fun. Siblings can stay close to each other, yet have their own space to sleep. Youngsters can pretend they are in a fort, on a pirate ship, or a damsel in distress awaiting rescue from the knight in shining armor who will climb up the ladder to save her; bunk beds tend to let one's imagination soar.

Bunk beds give you more available space for overnight guests:

Birthdays, parties, family reunions - we all love those great get-togethers. Wouldn't it be great to have extra overnight bed space for those special loved ones that you don't get enough time to visit with? Have a fun-filled day of activities, enjoy a leisurely evening with no one in a rush to get home, because they will be home for the evening, and get a fresh start the next morning. Bunk beds can help give you that opportunity.

Bunk beds are great for children/teenagers:

Bunk beds are a must for older children or young teens having to share a room with another sibling. Bunk beds give each child his or her own space. Sleeping on the top bunk bed is generally not recommended for children under 6 years of age, due to the fact they are more likely to fall. Guard rails on both sides of the top bunk bed mattress can help prevent falls from occurring. A secure bunk bed ladder and a night light can also be beneficial.

Some types of bunk beds can be taken apart and used as a regular bed. If a teenager has an opportunity to move into his or her own room at some point, he or she already has a bed to furnish it with, leaving the child sharing the previous room with his or her own bed as well. Bunk beds serve multiple purposes and are a diverse piece of furniture that can work in practically any living space.

Wood vs Metal Loft beds (bunk beds)

If you are in the market for loft beds or bunk beds, a major choice is wood versus metal. Depending on the overall look and size you desire, you will want to choose a differently constructed bed. Although both materials are both sturdy and safe, many individuals choose either metal or wood when searching for the optimum bed to fit the room.

Most older bunk beds are made of wood, and are generally easier to make safety modifications and enhancements. Also, the price of wooden bunk beds may be more economical, especially if you are shopping at second hand stores or using a bed previously used by a friend or family member. Furthermore, wooden bunk beds can be easily repaired, painted, stripped, or stained to create a completely different look for differing tastes.

Metal bunk beds are usually made of tubular metal and thought to be a classic kid’s type of bedding. How many times have you seen a red or white metal bunk bed in a child’s bedroom? Metal bunk beds made in recent years are built to the set safety requirements, but if any safety requirements are not up to par, emendations are much more difficult to make.

When looking at loft beds, the newer, stylish beds are made of metal. Additionally, metal loft beds take up less space so that tight spaces will not be further infringed by bulky metal creations. Also, metal beds allow a greater amount of decoration than wooden beds, so these are quite popular with the feminine crowd. Additionally, a change in style requires nothing more than a can of spray paint in the new and improved color.

Wooden loft beds are most associated with college dormitories, where loft beds built of raw two by fours are king. These beds can be found around every corner of campus come move-in day, so keep your pennies for things like books and purchase a used loft bed. You may even gain a couple new phone numbers, since most college co-eds use their loft beds as a huge message pad. The plus side of a wooden loft bed is that you will save a great deal of money on paper!

Whatever type of bunk bed or loft bed you choose to purchase, ensure the bed is safe. It does not matter if you are two, twelve, or twenty, safety is still important when entrusting your bodily safety while you sleep. A teenager can roll out of bed just as easily as a toddler, so be sure all beds have the proper guard rails and safety precautions. Generally, the choice between wood and metal bunk beds or loft beds is completely personal and depends on the space and the style.