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.

8 Things to Consider when Buying a Mattress

In order to get the best deal in buying a mattress, here are a number of things that you should consider: warranty, price, size, coil, firmness, side support, ticking, and brand.

Selecting the right mattress needs some careful attention. If you want to have the best in terms of quality and price, then scrutinize before making the purchase. Below are important things that you should consider:

Warranty

When you buy a mattress, make sure it has a ten year warranty. Also, ask regarding proration. It means the percentage, basing from the original cost of the mattress, that the manufacturer should pay you for any defects that may have occurred. It is important to note that a warranty claim will not be honored should the mattress be found with stains on it. It is advisable to buy a cover that is waterproof to protect it from any stain.

Price

Prices of mattresses are definitely negotiable. Although, not all. But, most of the leading brands are willing to negotiate with their price. It is just a matter of learning how to use your bargaining skill with a salesman. And, if a discount isn't possible, then maybe you can ask for free pillows or sheets perhaps, that can go along with the purchase of the mattress.

Size

Consider the user's height in picking a mattress. If you are about 6 feet tall, then choose a king size bed. If you and your partner are under 6 feet tall, a queen size bed will do.

Coil

Coil count is a very essential factor in choosing for a mattress. The higher the count becomes, the better the quality of your mattress. A standard mattress should have about a count of 300. A queen size should have 375 coil count. And, a king size mattress should have 450 coil count.

Firmness

Choose a mattress that is neither too soft nor too firm. A very firm one isn't very good for you since it might cause your spine to bend forcefully.

Side support

The edges of a mattress is as important as the middle portion. Check whether the sides can provide you with maximum support too.

Ticking

Ticking, which is the fabric used to upholster and cover your mattress, should be made of damask. And, not of polyester or vinyl since any of these materials can make you feel really uncomfortable during a warm weather.

Brand

It pays to choose the leading brands when purchasing a mattress. It may be a little expensive compared to other brands, but, it's worth your money anyway. Oftentimes, a manufacturer of cheap mattresses would cut corners in making them so as to offer attractive low prices.

There are several types of mattresses to choose from, yet, many would go for a futon mattress particularly a western futon. This is because it is inexpensive. And, this type of mattress is relatively firm making it a good choice to sleep on.

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.

3 Ways of Avoiding Bunk Bed Injuries

Here are three ways of avoiding bunk bed injuries: practice safety behavior, ensure safe construction, and attention to added considerations.

Injuries are common in kids with bunk beds in their rooms. Common and rampant these injuries may seem, yet, they can still be prevented to happen. It is just a matter of doing some ways to limit if not totally avoid incidence of doctor visits due to falls or head bumps brought about by bunk beds. Below are some helpful ways:

Practice safety behavior

Here are some safety behavior practices that should be strictly followed:

• you should not leave your children below 6 years old unaccompanied in rooms with bunk beds. A fall is a common injury that happens because of bunk beds, and is highly to occur in kids below six years old.


• horseplay is a no-no for kids, either on or under the bed.


• only one kid is allowed on top of the bunk bed.


• don't let your kids hang items on bunk beds like ropes, belts, etc. This is to prevent any strangulation to occur.


• make sure to reinforce to your kids of the safety policy you have given them. It is better not to presume that your kids know and have remembered completely what you told them with regards to safety rules.

Ensure safe construction

It is your lookout that you child's bunk bed should have a safe construction. These are the factors you need to consider:

• the top bunk bed should have a guardrail. The opening for entrance and exit should not exceed 15 inches.


• the top bunk's rails should be about 5 inches from the mattress' surface.


• make sure that the size of your mattress is the appropriate one. Don't use a larger or a smaller one to prevent your child from falling.


• ensure that the ladder is strong enough to accommodate your child in going up and down it.


• the ladder should not have hanging items or clutter.

Attention to added considerations

Apart from the ones mentioned above, here are additional things to be considered too:

• don't position a bunk bed under a ceiling fan.


• don't place it directly under a lighting fixture.


• ensure that there is enough space for your kid to sit on the bed without bumping or hitting his head.


• don't use water mattress for your kid's bunk bed.


• a nightlight is necessary especially for you child sleeping on top of the bunk.


• avoid using substitute parts for your bunk beds. Instead, have the replacement from either the dealer or manufacturer.


• don't remove any earning label as provided on the bunk bed by the manufacturer of bunk beds.

Whether your kids are using full bunk beds or other types of bunk beds, safety holds a very vital aspect in choosing, buying and using these type of beds.

Homelement.com Introduces its High-Quality Specialty Store

BedroomSetDirect offers a complete range of bedroom furniture. Their expansive inventory includes traditional and contemporary bedroom set; beds, headboards, dressers, chests, nightstands, armoires, vanities & mirrors, benches, bedroom accessories, daybeds and futons, and much more. Just some of the popular brands featured are Powell, Pulaski, American Drew, Homelegance, Hillsdale, Global Furniture USA, Home Styles, Nexera, Prepac, and Abbyson Living.

The country’s tumultuous economy has increased demand for quality, affordable furniture. BedroomSetDirect meets this demand: every item offered combines high quality and superior craftsmanship. Additionally, all items are durable, which offers long-lasting value.

BedroomSetDirect.com is committed to creating a smooth, complete—and safe—online shopping experience. To accomplish this, they offer “Furniture Shopping Made Simple.” More than a motto, this is a company mission, driving them to offer Selection, Quality, Better Savings, and Professional Service, with every transaction.

The BedroomSetDirect site is incredibly easy to use. Additional features include: bestsellers, for the site’s current top-selling items; featured items, highlighting the day’s big deals and specials; and shop by brands, an easy-to-use sortable feature allowing customers to quickly search for their favorite brand. All items for sale are viewable in clear, helpful—and authentic—photographs. BedroomSetDirect accepts all major credit cards, Google checkout, and PayPal, and provides a secure web server payment technology.

Homelement Stores, Inc., parent company of Homelement.com, is excited about the launch of BedroomSetDirect.com. “Our customers have been telling us for months that they’d like a one-stop store specializing in bedroom furniture. BedroomSetDirect resoundingly meets this demand by providing selection, price, and quality,” states Joice Tan, Operations Manager for Homelement.

Press

Luxurious Cosmovoide Bed

We have seen a lot of bed concept and ideas but the Cosmovoide bed has to take the cake. If you were a fan of the 80’s TV series Mork and Mindy, this bed capsule design is sure to be a familiar site. Equipped with various multi-media gadgets and technology features, this bed will certainly be something to behold for people who can afford it. It is estimated to be worth around $60,000.00 which may as well limit this bed design to people who have LOTS of money to spare.

Their luxury bed is shaped like an egg (to either give you Morkian dreams, or wrap you up in cozy cosmic harmony or some such nonsense), has hammock-like suspending springs, seven rainbow-coloured LEDs, a telephone, and a DVD/home theatre set-up including a TV at its foot. Most fascinating? Its twin "electric relaxation bed frames," which just get the mind boggling. That price is the base model, by the way: it's customisable, according to its crazy French manufacturers.

(Source) Gizmodo