Bunk bed: pros, cons, is it worth buying

Having appeared on the furniture market, bunk beds immediately gained love and popularity.

The popularity of bunk beds has increased several times over the past few years. This demand can be explained quite simply – saving living space. However, touching on the topic of bunk beds, we naturally ask ourselves the question, “is there anything else useful about them, besides the practical side of the issue?” We decided to consider all the pros and cons of such a piece of furniture and talk today about how the purchase of such beds affects the development of our children (and, according to psychologists, it really does). So,

bunk beds - positive and negative theory and practice of comfortable furniture...

What kind of bunk bed can it be?

Interior designers have come up with many types of bunk beds, designed not only for two, but also for one child. The bed can be equipped with a desk, a play area or a sofa.

Two berths of the same width

Prices for Ormatek Sonata Kids two-tier:

The most popular type of bunk beds. In a small area you can place two full-sized sleeping places. This format is suitable not only for same-sex children, but also for opposite-sex children, when it is not possible to allocate each child his own room. Each will have their own individual space where the child can be alone when he needs it.

Most often, the older child sleeps upstairs, and the younger one sleeps downstairs. But this is optional. The younger child usually wants to grow up quickly and catch up with the older one, so he will want to occupy the top shelf, to be the tallest and biggest. If the youngest is at least 5 years old, and the older one doesn’t mind, then why not.

Two berths of different widths

The lower bed is wider than the upper one.

The sleeping area is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom. Even if a child somehow incredibly falls from the second floor, he will fall not on the floor, but on the soft bed of the first tier. This option is superior in security to the previous one, but inferior in functionality. This type of bed takes up more space, which is not always convenient.

Bed on top and sofa below

The folding structure on the first tier can be unfolded and slept on at night, and folded up during the day and used as a sofa. Multifunctional furniture is very convenient, it saves space in the apartment. But it is not very comfortable to sleep on a fold-out sofa all the time, since there is a depression between the parts of the sofa. In terms of orthopedic level, the sofa is also inferior to the bed and mattress.

Attic

This model has a sleeping area on top and a play area below (sometimes vice versa). The bed is intended for one preschool child; it allows you to organize both a sleeping place and a play area in a small space, which is very practical.

The model is suitable for very well-lit rooms, since the lower tier is shaded. Constantly playing in low light conditions can damage your eyesight. Another disadvantage of the model is its short service life. A child over 10 years old no longer needs a hut for games; he needs a workplace for studying more. Therefore, after a certain time, the model will have to be changed, because it no longer corresponds to the child’s age.

Desktop

The desktop is always in the shade.

On the second floor there is a sleeping place - and on the first floor there is a desk, drawers, space for a computer and books. The model is suitable for one child and allows you to organize both a working and sleeping area on two square meters.

The only drawback of such models is the lack of natural light. The bunk bed is placed near the wall, not near the window. This way, the child's desk will always be in the shade. A schoolchild, even on a clear, fine day, will work with a table lamp that does not shine as brightly as the sun. This creates additional strain on vision. It is better to place a traditional desk near the window and not risk the child’s health, and use the desk in a bunk bed for studying with a computer.

Complex corner design

Interior designers offer a variety of options for bunk beds, for example, corner ones. The bed can fit into any, even the most non-standard space and effectively use every square meter of the apartment area. In addition, a designer bed is an interior decoration. The only negative is the high cost of products, which are made in a single copy specifically to your requirements.

Two-level

The low bed is equipped with wheels. In the morning it rolls under the second, higher one. During the day, the structure looks like a regular single bed and takes up less than two square meters, and at night you get two full-sized sleeping places. Convenient and practical option.

The lower bed fits closely to the upper one, and it is not advisable to roll it out completely, otherwise it will be difficult to get into the necessary grooves later. It turns out that two beds are located next to each other. The child on the top tier lies down on his bed, stepping on the bottom tier. There is a danger that he will step on his brother sleeping below. The model is suitable for neat, non-conflict children.

general information

If we consider a bunk bed for one child, then usually the first tier consists of a wardrobe and a desk . A cabinet can also be installed there, which can be used as a container for clothes or toys. In bunk beds for two children, both the first and second tier serve as a sleeping place.

Such models are made of plastic, wood, metal, or use different materials during assembly. When purchasing such furniture, you should make sure that there is a quality certificate. This is important because some manufacturers use toxic materials in the manufacture of models that can cause allergic reactions in children and other health problems.

Bunk beds are divided into the following types:

1. Bunk beds-sofas.
2. With gymnastic complexes.
3. Classic beds.
4. Loft bed with table.
5. Pull-out sofa beds.
6. With play complexes.

Boxes

Prices for Ormatek Sonata Junior two-tier crib: 25,665 ₽ for 80×200

Many models of bunk beds are equipped with drawers. Thus, on the two square meters that the bed occupies, there are not only two full-fledged sleeping places, but also a wardrobe. This saves money on buying a chest of drawers and space in the apartment. Drawers can be used to store bed linen, bedding or child's toys. A child can put things in and out of drawers himself and get used to maintaining order from an early age.

The influence of a bunk bed on the psychological development of a child

All the same American psychologists claim that

Bunk beds like this teach our children... to communicate.

By showing a little imagination and adding a little creativity, you can make such a bunk bed the highlight of the interior in a children's room.

How can this be? Oh, now imagine this picture. A bed appears in the children's room, she has one, and there are two children. This is where the first skills of possessiveness and the ability to negotiate among themselves are formed in our children. Children, in order to sleep peacefully in essentially the same bed, will have to make compromises, look for optimal options for their behavior and be friendly. Such early difficulties are very beneficial for our children, and the task of parents is to help them find these compromises and avoid possible conflicts.

However, that's not all. Such bunk beds also provide unique social and communication opportunities :

• Despite the fact that there is only one sleeping place in the room, each of the children still has his own personal space, where he can feel protected and independent. This is especially true for children of different sexes, who, despite the friendship between brother and sister, still have different points of perception of the world around them.
• Such beds show the child a unique example of hierarchy. So, older children, as a rule, sleep upstairs, and younger ones downstairs. Moreover, as psychologists and educators advise, it is very important that younger children’s parents firmly determine their place to sleep. Although there are cases when children agree among themselves about who will sleep and where.

This preparation of children for social adaptation is very important and your bunk bed in such preparation can serve you very well.

Materials

The three most popular materials for bunk beds are:

• Chipboard. A popular modern material, characterized by a wide selection of colors and budget cost.
• Solid wood. Reliable, environmentally friendly material. It has a longer service life than chipboard, but also a higher price. The most commonly used are ash and beech - these are hard woods with an interesting texture. Service life - more than 15 years.
• Metal. The most durable and strong material. Metal can be used in any room, including in a country house or country house, because it is not afraid of changes in temperature and humidity.

Design in accordance with the modern interior of a children's room

In addition to its functional characteristics, a bunk bed should be combined with the overall interior of the room. Fortunately, the choice of modern models allows you to satisfy every taste.

• A classic bed should have a moderate number of decorative elements. At the same time, an impressive size option will fit well into this style.

Classic style

• An interesting bed in the Provence style will definitely please a girl. Light ruffles, curtains, curved legs, light furniture and rounded shapes are suitable for this style.

Provence

• High-tech means modern materials, built-in lamps, chrome elements, and a lot of cool electronics. This design is more suitable for children of high school age. The main thing here is not to overdo it, so that the unusual room does not look like an office.

High tech

• Minimalism presupposes straight lines; a bunk bed in this style should be made in one main color; there is no need to decorate it.

Minimalism

• Art Nouveau is characterized by the presence of sand, cream and white colors. Beautiful side furniture made from modern materials will look good.

Not only the designer, but also the parents themselves can implement high-quality design ideas for a nursery with two-story options.

So, as can be seen from the article, a bunk bed solves a number of problematic issues in terms of space saving and functionality, will decorate the bedroom interior and will bring pleasure to children. But I recommend paying close attention to practicality, reliability and safety.

In addition, I would like to add for parents: do not forget to take into account the wishes of the child, because this will be the key to warm family relationships.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xYuMAlVEuc

Colors

The choice of bed colors depends not so much on the taste and gender of the children, but on their age. The bed is selected for a minimum of 7 years. A 10-year-old child will choose a model with an interesting print with cars or princesses. In three years, a 13-year-old teenager will already be embarrassed by his frankly childish bed and ask to buy another one.

Therefore, choose children's cheerful colors for boys and girls aged 4-7 years, and for older ones, buy models in calm neutral colors that will be able to sleep on even after 8 years.

Pros of a bunk bed

The main advantage is saving space. When you need to accommodate two boys or girls in a small room, this is definitely a good option to free up space for furniture, books, and toys.

Such beds are practical because, unlike folding sofas, they do not require daily folding and unfolding, and they always look neat.

There is also a psychological advantage, this is an opportunity for the child to retire, play away from prying eyes, without disturbing anyone.

One of the advantages is the opportunity for a child to have privacy, play away from prying eyes, without disturbing anyone.

TOP 3 best manufacturers

Russian manufacturers offer a decent selection of bunk beds with different functionality.

Ascona

One of the largest manufacturers. It has its own laboratory in which new models are tested.

Ormatek

One of the oldest companies, supplies its products to 13 countries of the world, produces beds that meet European quality standards.

DreamLine

Specializes in the production of solid wood beds. These are stylish, reliable, durable, environmentally friendly models.

Basic recommendations

When choosing bunk beds, you must strictly follow some rules and follow useful recommendations so that you do not regret the purchase later. Here are some of the most important and useful recommendations for choosing a bunk bed for children.

• Don't choose a bed that is too high. It happens that the first tier is located quite high, which is due to the fact that the second tier of the bed is located at a fairly decent height. As a result, it may turn out that one child will sleep almost under the ceiling, where there is less oxygen and it is much hotter both in summer and in winter during the heating period. In addition, with the high height of the second tier, there are many risks of injury for the child, especially when he gets up at night in a sleepy state. The first tier can be located quite low, this will not cause any particular inconvenience, but the second child will sleep in safety and comfort.
• The bed model must be strong and stable. At the selection stage, there is no need to be embarrassed to shake the bed properly, tug on all parts of the structure, which in no case should dangle or come apart. The entire bed should be like a single solid - strong and not loose. There should be no gaps between the components, the fittings should be of high quality and durable, and the bed material itself should be strong enough and not subject to deformation. Moreover, the bed should not creak at the time of purchase, otherwise this sound will only intensify over time and will cause a lot of inconvenience.
• It’s good if the bed has a mechanism for transforming into two single beds. This is convenient if there are children of different sexes in the family. And same-sex people may get tired of sleeping next to each other and want a change, then such a mechanism will become a salvation and will save you from the need for additional expenses on two new beds for children.
• We should not forget about the high sides on the two tiers. The child should feel safe both on the upper and lower tier, especially if a 2-3 year old baby sleeps below. At the same time, mattresses should not be too high; it is important that there is at least 15 cm from the mattress to the end of the side.

Advantages and disadvantages

So what are the advantages of bunk beds?

• They take up little space, which is very important for owners of small city apartments.
• They allow you to organize not only a sleeping area, but also a working space for the child on a few square meters.
• To get to the second floor, you need to make a little physical effort. If a child gets in and out of bed several times a day, it is as if he is doing exercises.
• Children who sleep close to each other communicate more and become friendly.

Minuses:

• The second floor can be stuffy and hot if the room is poorly ventilated.
• Despite the high sides, there is a risk of falling from the upper bed.

As you can see, there are more advantages, so a bunk bed is a good solution.

Design solutions for multi-level beds with storage systems

It is worth remembering that such furniture is not only a place to relax, but also a convenient storage system. It often includes shelves, niches, and drawers for things.

With the help of a successful configuration and design, it will be possible to disguise the bed using a roller device.

At the same time, such systems, like the Murphy folding mechanism, do not overload the space. Often stairs are used as new storage areas.

Furniture designers work hard to ensure that, with the help of such a design, it is possible to divide the room into functional zones.

Additional comfortable modules for bunk beds are being developed. However, furniture should not only be functional, but also bring joy to children.

Therefore, designers are working not only on storage systems, but also on play modules in the form of stairs, channels and slides for children to ride.

Review of the best model

Prices for DreamLine Junior 2 Ash: 52,328 ₽ for 80×200

The most popular bunk bed model from the MnogoSna store is DreamLine Junior 2 Ash.

Why do customers love her so much?

1. The bed is made from environmentally friendly solid wood. It does not emit harmful compounds into the air and does not smell of anything.
2. Classic design cannot become outdated or go out of style. Classic is out of fashion.
3. Durability. Ash is a hard wood, and a bed made from it will last for several decades. And all this time you will look luxurious and fashionable.
4. Durable varnish protects the wood from scratches, and even after many years the bed looks like new..

Constant movement

When the battle phase ended or on days when sisterly love returned, they decided that sleeping together on the lower level was a great idea. But that's not true!

Because while it does look really cute when they snooze peacefully together, before they get to this stage they end up spending hours talking, laughing, sometimes even coloring something instead of actually sleeping. Naturally, the next morning they wake up like two children who have been lost in the deep desert for months - disheveled hair, dark circles around their eyes, a hoarse voice that can hardly be understood.

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Making bed legs

The frames are ready, now you can focus your attention on the legs. To make each L-shaped leg, 5x10 cm and 5x15 cm boards are connected at an angle of 90 degrees

The distance between the screws fastening them, screwed in at an angle, is important, although it does not particularly affect the strength of the structure. You just need to arrange these screws so that later they are hidden by the stair steps

When the legs were already ready, I realized that the 5x15 cm boards I bought on the cheap were far from being of the best quality. Most of them had numerous nicks left by the rollers of the mechanisms that move lumber in the sawmill. I used my end plane to remove them (though I now realize I should have just cut off the bad side on a cutter).

At the next stage, I made blanks for the steps of the stairs. By leveling the surfaces of the boards that form the bed frames, I actually lost 3 mm of the width of the stairs. The steps will be attached to the wider part of the leg, and in such a way as to hide the holes of the screws that fasten the two boards that form the leg. I used a couple of spacer blocks to determine where to drill the pilot holes.

The steps are attached to the legs of the bed using glue and screws. The main thing at this stage is to remember to ensure that the steps are positioned strictly perpendicular to the legs.

Now you need to attach small wooden blocks to the legs, which will support the bed frames at the proper height during assembly. One such block is needed for each corner of the frame.

What are the advantages and disadvantages

A metal bunk bed has a number of obvious advantages. Thus, the metal used in the product is practically not afraid of any external mechanical influences. It is not subject to corrosion, as the manufacturer uses special protective coatings.

The weight of the structure depends on the choice of steel or aluminum, while aluminum products are more resistant to corrosion and do not require periodic surface treatment.

Compared to wood, metal will never dry out or rot. The fire safety of metal furniture can also be highlighted as an undoubted advantage. In addition, as we said above, such beds will help you save space in your living space, providing two beds at once in a cramped area.

If the humidity regime in the room is violated, the product does not deform and remains resistant to the formation of fungus, rot, and other microorganisms.

At the same time, such furniture also has disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages is the limited range of such products compared to wooden products, since iron processing is a much more complex technological process. Also, it should be remembered that if the protective coating of the metal is damaged, there will be a risk of corrosion.

The surface will ensure easy cleaning; the product will not lose its appearance if something is spilled on it or painted with a marker.

Compared to wood, steel is a more traumatic material, and therefore both children and adults will at least get a bruise if they accidentally hit a metal corner. In addition, metal is an excellent heat conductor and can become very hot when exposed to sunlight.

Durable coating provides resistance to scratches, chips and other damage.