History and Types of Bunk Beds

The idea of bunk beds is thought to have come from ancient Egyptians who used the similar concept of loft beds. To date, there are different types of bunk beds made from different materials you can choose from, offering great benefits and uses.

Bunk beds have gained its popularity because of their space-saving and multi-purpose benefits. What really are bunk beds and where did they come from? Here are some information on bunk beds you might find interesting:

Idea of bunk beds

Bunk beds are made up of two beds, one on top of the other. A frame supports these two beds, along with a ladder going to the top bed. There is really no evidence on how the use of bunk beds began or where it started. However, during the ancient times, the Egyptians who introduced the use of beds, were found to have utilized a loft bed, which is similar to that of a bunk bed. Others consider it as a type of bunk bed.

Bunk beds are ideal for rooms with limited floor space, such as small rooms, dorms, military camps, and even ships. They are also fun for your kids who are sharing the same room. These bunk beds are usually made up of wood or metal.

Different types of bunk beds

There are different types of bunk beds you can choose from according to your needs. These bunk beds vary in style and size of beds used. The most common types are twin over twin, twin over full, L-shaped, three bunk beds, and futon bunk bed.

• Twin over twin. This is simply described as a twin-sized bunk bed on top of another twin bunk bed. Otherwise known as standard bunk bed, this is the most common type of bunk bed available in the market and sought after by users because it saves a lot of space.


• Twin over full. This type of bunk bed is a twin-sized bed on top of a full-sized bed. You can also choose other bed size combination, such as full over full bunk beds, depending on your needs and the size of bed your room can accommodate.


• L-shaped. This type of bunk bed is designed in a such a way that it forms an L when viewed from the top. The bottom bed is positioned forming a right angle with the top bed. The other side is usually utilized as a working or study table great for you and your kids or designed with drawers.


• Three bunk beds. When you have only one room for your three kids, you can save a lot of space with this type of bed. It features two twin-sized beds on top, perpendicular to each other, and one twin or full-sized bed at the bottom. Same with an L-shaped bunk bed, the extra space at the bottom can be utilized depending on your kids' needs.


• Futon bunk beds. Futon bunk beds are very practical for small rooms and apartments, where you can integrate a couch and bed with one piece of furniture. This type of bunk beds are designed with a twin or full top bed and a bottom bed, usually full-sized, that can be converted into a couch for day use.

It is great to see how bunk beds have evolved from standard bunk beds to sophisticated futon beds and fun loft beds, allowing you to choose from many different styles that suit your needs. Bunk beds nowadays do not only help you with your limited room space, but they also satisfy your style and help create a fun room for your kids to sleep, play, and study.

4 Distinctions of Bunk Beds, Bunk Bed Futons and Loft Beds for a Guided Shopping

Bunk beds, bunk bed futons and loft beds differ in their configuration, mattress details, ideal use and safety.

Parents often prefer bunk beds, bunk bed futons and loft beds than other sort of beds because their kids simply adore them. They are made from different materials and in different colors, most common ones are the white bunk beds. They do not only save space but also makes a room stylish and play-friendly. But one problem that shoppers are facing would be how these three differ. Find out there distinctions for a much guided shopping.

Configuration

Bunk beds are distinctive space-saving bedroom furniture pieces and they come in many styles too. A bunk bed is a twin bed, one on top of the other. Two people can sleep in a similar floor footprint. One can climb up the upper deck through a ladder. There are some bunk beds that provide another pull out bed or a storage compartment. Futon bunk beds are similar in configuration as regular bunk beds but the difference is that the lower bed of the futon bunk bed can be used as a couch. On the other hand, loft beds have a twin bed on top and an open space down low. This open space can be used as a play area by kids or a workstation by elder children. It can also be used as a mini closet.

Mattress details

A standard bunk bed has two mattresses – one twin size bed on top and another twin size bed below. Both beds cannot be folded thus they are fixed twin beds. A bunk bed with a futon is a configuration of a twin bunk bed on top and located below is a full-size futon sofa. The futon underneath could be spread out into a bed at night and then back into a sofa by daytime. Great thing here is, you don’t have to move the entire bed when making the bed into a couch once more because it is front-operating. Lastly, loft beds have but one twin bed above and the part below is an open space for other selected furniture. Mattress protectors should never be left aside especially for little ones. This will shield your foam from bedwetting. It also protects those who sleep in it from allergies caused by dust mites and other pests and bugs. These add-ons are easy to wash and placed back on the bed.

Ideal use

Bunk beds are ideal for kids and great for older ones too. This is a convenient solution to space problems. It can accommodate two persons – one on top and on below. Futon bunk beds are perfect for sleepovers and guests who are staying for the night. This has room for one older child on top and two little kids occupying the futon below. Loft beds have the least capacity in these three choices. It can accommodate just one person on top.

Safety

Before purchasing any kind of furniture, check its safety first. Beds on top should always have guardrails on both sides of the mattress to avoid unconsciously rolling off the bed at night. Make sure that the spacing between the guardrail and mattress isn’t wide enough for a kid to slip through and get strangled. Choose one that has a secured ladder which won’t slip when someone climbs on it. Inquire the manufacturers about the safety ratings and weight limits to prevent injury and accidents.

So you see, different bed fixtures can satisfy different needs. But if you really want the best for your children, choose the best features there is.

5 Factors to Consider before Buying Bunk Beds

To have the best choice of bunk beds, here are a few factors that you need to consider before buying one: room space, bunk bed type, bed features, bed style, and bed safety.

Choosing a furniture is not an easy task especially when choosing those intended for kids to use. Your choice of a bunk bed, for one, is a crucial decision to make. A kid's bunk bed should not only be functional and in style, but, it should ultimately guarantee your kid's safety at all times. Go over the five factors that absolutely require your careful scrutiny:

Room space

A bunk bed is definitely fitting for a small room, although, it can greatly benefit to larger rooms as well. It is advisable that you measure the room space by measuring both the ceiling height and the floor space. There should be approximately 2 feet gap from the ceiling to the topmost part of the bunk bed. Although, height of bunk beds may differ, but the average height is about 6 feet high. With regards to the floor space, a twin bunk bed would not be needing as much space as a standard bunk bed, yet, certain additional features of a twin bunk bed might need some extra space. An additional feature would be a pull-out drawer for extra storage space in the room.

Bunk bed type

The type of bunk bed would solely depend on your kids' needs. The two major categories are: basic bunk bed and lofted bed. A basic bunk bed can be a twin bed over another twin bed or it can also be a twin bed over a full bed. A lofted bed, on the other hand, can be a loft bed over a futon bed or it can also be a loft bed over an open space than can be utilized as a study area.

Bed features

A special feature for your bunk bed would depend also on your kid's needs as well as with his age. For kids who love to invite friends to sleep over to your house, then futon bunk beds are more appropriate. A bunk bed with pull-out feature is another good option.

Bed style

There are various styles of bunk beds available for you and your kids to choose from. You have an option of buying one that is made of wood, or made of steel perhaps. A combination of wood and steel is also a nice choice. You can choose from either the traditional style or the modern style. A country style bunk bed would be another option for you. In fact, if your kids would like to have a theme room, there are numerous choices of these too.

Bed safety

First thing to note in buying your kids' bunk bed is their safety. Standard safety features would include a footboard, headboard, and a guardrail.