Are Bunk Beds a Good Idea?
Here are the pros and cons of bunk beds that will help you decide whether they are the way to go
Kids’ bedrooms are often small but they need to be highly functional so as to fit in furniture like beds, study tables, wardrobes, book cabinets and toy shelves. In order to optimise space, bunk beds have emerged as a popular option for young siblings who share the same bedroom. These beds are available in a variety of playful design themes and colours that bring in perpetual cheer into the kids’ bedroom; they not only look cute but effortlessly create an adventurous zone which the little ones just love.
However, since the upper bunk is fixed at a height of about 5 feet (or more) from the floor level, there are questions about the bed’s safety and suitability. This makes it essential to weigh the strengths and shortcomings of bunk beds before you purchase one for your children’s bedroom.
However, since the upper bunk is fixed at a height of about 5 feet (or more) from the floor level, there are questions about the bed’s safety and suitability. This makes it essential to weigh the strengths and shortcomings of bunk beds before you purchase one for your children’s bedroom.
Pro. Ideal for storage and shelves
Most bunk beds ensure clever utilisation of space. Well-designed bunk beds come with a lot of organised storage, such as drawers under the lower bunk, shelves for toys, mini wardrobes and steps (to climb up) that could also function as drawers for books, clothes, toys or stationary, just as in the example above.
Tip: Some bunk beds come with the option of pull-out beds on castors which makes provision for an extra bed within a compact space.
Most bunk beds ensure clever utilisation of space. Well-designed bunk beds come with a lot of organised storage, such as drawers under the lower bunk, shelves for toys, mini wardrobes and steps (to climb up) that could also function as drawers for books, clothes, toys or stationary, just as in the example above.
Tip: Some bunk beds come with the option of pull-out beds on castors which makes provision for an extra bed within a compact space.
Pro: Kids get some private space
Another advantage of a bunk bed is that it provides a small private space for each child within a shared bedroom. Take a look at these bunk beds: there are headboards that act as partitions and individual lights for each bunk so every kid has the option to stay up or read without disturbing the others.
Note: Children will eventually outgrow their bunk beds so you can opt for beds that have the option to convert into full-sized single beds for later use.
Another advantage of a bunk bed is that it provides a small private space for each child within a shared bedroom. Take a look at these bunk beds: there are headboards that act as partitions and individual lights for each bunk so every kid has the option to stay up or read without disturbing the others.
Note: Children will eventually outgrow their bunk beds so you can opt for beds that have the option to convert into full-sized single beds for later use.
Con: Safety concerns
- The support framework of the bunk bed should be fabricated in plywood so that the bed is highly durable, secure, strong and stable.
- Make sure that the position of the bed is not very close to a ceiling fan or light so as to prevent any kind of injury. Additionally, it should not be directly near an air conditioner otherwise the child will feel very cold while sleeping.
- For safety purpose, ensure that there is a guardrail on the top bunk so as to prevent the child from falling out while sleeping. As a precaution children younger than 6 years should not be allowed to sleep on the top bunk.
- It is advisable to opt for comfortable steps instead of ladders to climb up and down the bunk as there is a good chance of a sleepy child falling off the ladder in the middle of the night, if they need to go the washroom or something. Make provision for a night lamp near the steps/ladder to ensure night visibility.
Con: Difficult to make beds
Another drawback of the upper bunk is that since the upper bunk is fixed at a height and rests against a wall, both sides of the bed become virtually inaccessible. It becomes challenging to make the top bed because one has to climb the ladder or stand on a stepping stool to fix the bedclothes every day.
Another drawback of the upper bunk is that since the upper bunk is fixed at a height and rests against a wall, both sides of the bed become virtually inaccessible. It becomes challenging to make the top bed because one has to climb the ladder or stand on a stepping stool to fix the bedclothes every day.
Cons: Feels claustrophobic
Some kids find it claustrophobic to sleep on a bunk bed because they are not used to having the ceiling so close to them. Make sure that there is enough vertical clearance (approximately 4 feet) between the top and lower bunk as well as between the top bunk and the ceiling so that the children can sit up straight without banging their heads.
Read more:
Zany Bunk Beds Your Kids Will Love
19 Gorgeous Beds That Come With Lots of Storage
Tell us:
What’s your experience or opinion about bunk beds? Tell us in the Comments section below.
Some kids find it claustrophobic to sleep on a bunk bed because they are not used to having the ceiling so close to them. Make sure that there is enough vertical clearance (approximately 4 feet) between the top and lower bunk as well as between the top bunk and the ceiling so that the children can sit up straight without banging their heads.
Read more:
Zany Bunk Beds Your Kids Will Love
19 Gorgeous Beds That Come With Lots of Storage
Tell us:
What’s your experience or opinion about bunk beds? Tell us in the Comments section below.
Bunk beds are a great way to create more space. Since both the beds are connected vertically, the space occupied by two beds becomes equivalent to the space occupied by one bed. This arrangement creates more playing space and openness within a small bedroom.