Types of bunk beds: what are they, how to choose

In today's difficult economic conditions, when prices on the real estate market are constantly rising and the purchasing power of the population is falling, the issue of acquiring spacious housing is very pressing. This is especially true for large families with two or more children. Unfortunately, only a small part of the population can acquire large living space.

Therefore, furniture and interior designers are offering more and more effective solutions for saving space in rooms, one of which is bunk furniture, including beds.

What is a bunk bed - its advantages

A bunk bed is a piece of furniture with two beds that are located one above the other. Occasionally, sleeping places may not be placed directly above each other, but slightly offset. The second type includes corner products that are related at right angles.

Do not confuse a bunk bed and a loft bed. In the second case, there is only one sleeping place.

Before purchasing, you should understand the advantages of beds with two tiers.

• Saving space. Such furniture can be easily placed in a room with a small area. As a result, it is possible to guarantee a solution to the problem of accommodating all household members.
• Great looks. The furniture will fit well into any interior. With the right selection, you can significantly enliven any room.
• If you compare the price of one bunk bed and two separate beds, the benefit will not be in favor of the latter. Buying furniture with two tiers also allows you to reduce the cost of furnishing the room.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages and disadvantages of two-tier models for children's rooms.

Classification of bunk beds

When choosing, you should understand that the types of bunk beds are divided according to a number of parameters. First of all, they are divided into transforming and non-transforming. Let's list the main nuances.

• Standard. Such beds consist of two sleeping places; they are not modified in any way during use. Can be additionally equipped with lockers.
• Transformable. Such furniture can be transformed. Bottom bed in a sofa, table or closet. Top in a closet or decorative wall. Not all models have a convertible upper berth.

There is also a classification by material. The following varieties are usually distinguished.

• Wood. This means solid wood. Typically oak, beech, and ash can be used. They are expensive, but also bulky.
• From wood boards. This type includes beds made of MDF or chipboard.
• Metal. Infrequently used. It has a high price and a sufficient level of reliability.

According to their shape, types of bunk beds are divided into corner and straight. In straight models, the beds are located exactly one above the other, in corner models, perpendicularly.

Separately, it is worth highlighting the grouping by age groups:

• children;
• teenagers;
• adults.

It should be added that the division into teenage and adult models is often very arbitrary.

Manufacturing materials

To make bunk beds, manufacturers use the following materials:

1. Metal. Models made from this material are in little demand, since they have a specific appearance that requires a certain design in the room. Parents are also concerned about the safety of their children and believe that a child hitting metal will cause greater injuries than hitting wood. Such structures are more durable and last longer than others, so their cost is higher.
2. Tree. Manufacturers use pine or oak for production. The design is varied, the material is natural and environmentally friendly. Often parents have to choose natural wood due to the child’s predisposition to allergic reactions. The material requires constant maintenance - it has to be coated with protective solutions to prevent damage. Another disadvantage is that the tree does not tolerate high humidity and sudden temperature changes.
3. MDF, chipboard and chipboard are inexpensive materials whose popularity is only increasing. They boast a wide design of models, are easy to process and durable in use. Manufacturers laminate the materials and coat them, if necessary, with child-safe paint. Among the disadvantages are fragility and a high probability of damage from mechanical stress.

As for the base of the bed, it is better to give preference to orthopedic bars rather than a hard bottom. The first ones are recommended not only by manufacturers, but also by doctors - with their help you can maintain an even posture in a child. Users note the durability of this design.

Types of bunk beds

Classic models

The simplest option is a standard bunk bed. It consists of two beds located on two levels. There are no additional elements provided here. There is a ladder to climb to the second tier.

The main advantage is low cost. This is the main criterion when choosing. Thanks to the large selection of finishes, you can easily choose the option that fits perfectly into your design.

Quite easy to use. It does not need to be unfolded/folded every day, this makes life much easier, especially for kids. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting its significant massiveness; moving furniture is not the easiest task.

Models with table

If you need to set up a workspace in the room, for example, for lessons, you should choose the option of a transformable bunk bed with a table. The main difference between such furniture is the ability to transform the lower bed into a table. The tabletop can be retractable, but folding options are more often used. The advantage of the folding option is the possibility of horizontal movement of the tabletop; in fact, the table simply falls down, you don’t even have to remove anything from it.

Sometimes there are varieties with a table that is located next to the sleeping places. Such models do not belong to transformers. They take up more space, although they do not require constant folding/unfolding.

The main advantage of this type of furniture is the possibility of effective zoning of the room. Even in a small room you can provide a comfortable place to work or study.

With wardrobe

Many people are attracted to the bunk wall bed. In fact, this is a standard model, which is complemented by built-in storage drawers. They can be located at the ends of the bed. The result is an almost standard cabinet.

There are quite a lot of different modifications of such furniture. For example, this could be an option using one tall cabinet and several bedside tables of different heights, forming a staircase to the second tier. Sometimes there are varieties that simply have open shelves for storing various items.

The main advantage of such furniture is the opportunity to save on buying a cabinet. By purchasing a combined product, you can spend less money. It also allows for more efficient use of space.

With a sports corner

The bunk bed with a sports corner deserves special mention. Such models are ideal for children's rooms. This is an excellent solution to take care of children’s physical health and gives them additional opportunities for active play.

Standard package includes:

• Swedish wall;
• crossbar or horizontal bar;
• rings.

Some models may add a swing, rope ladder or rope.

When choosing a bed combined with a sports corner, you should take into account the age of the children. Despite the standard sizes, the equipment requirements for teenagers and children differ.

The main advantage of this type of two-tier furniture is the opportunity to get the optimal solution for keeping children in excellent physical shape.

Pull-out matryoshka beds

If your children are afraid of heights, you can choose a matryoshka bed. This is a type of transformable two-tier furniture, where the sleeping area extends from under the upper tier. The main difference between this option is the low placement of the sleeping boxes. Rarely is the upper bed very high; usually it is slightly higher in height than ordinary sleeping places.

There are several varieties of such furniture depending on the method of placing the lower tier.

• With fastening. In this case, the stock is not detached from the main body, but is simply pulled out at night.
• Detachable. They are distinguished by the ability to completely pull out the sleeping place and move it to a convenient place.

In fact, a matryoshka bed allows you to use the room economically without cluttering it. At the same time, no psychological problems arise in children, especially if they have a fear of heights.

Transformers

Transformable beds should be included in a separate group. There are several types of such solutions.

• With a table. This type was partially described above. The peculiarity is the ability, if necessary, to transform the lower bed into a table.
• With a wardrobe. Sometimes a bed can not only be transformed, but also turn into a quite spacious wardrobe. The drawers are hidden under the lower berth.
• With a sofa. Such furniture serves as a comfortable resting place during the daytime. Depending on the modification, only the lower stock or both can be folded. When folded, the upper berth is masked by a decorative false wall.

Sometimes there are other modifications, for example, a sofa combined with a table.

In general, such furniture is comfortable and beautifully designed. As a result, the room is used more efficiently.

Additional items

The bed may have additional elements that will please the child:

1. Ropes - they are placed in the corner of the upper tier, often attached to the side itself, if the design allows it. Practicality and safety become an important element in this case. If the child is not interested in the rope, this element will interfere. Safety is ensured by high-quality fastening.
2. Slides are additional elements attached to the upper tier on which children can slide down. It is the parents' responsibility to check the attachment location. It is better to give preference to a one-piece structure - a “cast” connection between the slide and the upper tier.
3. Wall-mounted shelves on the sides are structures that allow you to stack things without going down to the floor. It is better not to use them at all, since the child often hits the corners while playing. For school-age children, such additions are necessary for placing stationery, toys, and other small items.

Additional elements are selected according to the child's preferences. It’s better to ask him what you need for a convenient and comfortable pastime.

Rules for choosing bunk beds

Often the question of which bunk bed to choose confuses people. Primarily due to the great variety. Even knowing what varieties are found, you can puzzle over the choice for a long time. We list the main points that must be assessed when selecting a specific model.

• We look at the height of the ceilings, it should be at least 2.5 meters. In general, there should be at least 90 centimeters of space from the top tier to the ceiling. Otherwise, the ventilation of the sleeping area will be impaired.
• Let's look at the material of manufacture. The best option would be furniture made of wood. But, if necessary, you can save money and buy a bed with MDF. You should not buy products with a chipboard base.
• Decide what you want from the furniture. If you only need sleeping places, take the classic option. When you need additional functionality, you should pay attention to combined furniture or transformable beds.
• Look at the features of the stairs. The safest option is wooden options. Chrome-plated metal handrails can be slippery and cause injuries. For kids, it is worth choosing options using bedside tables as stairs.

Before purchasing, make sure your children are not afraid of heights.

Ease of installation

Beds with 2 tiers help not only to save on purchasing beds, but also to properly organize all the space in the children's room. They also solve the problem of storing children's supplies and organizing play space.

Advice. Having children together in a limited space benefits their psychological development. This is how they learn to negotiate and take into account each other’s interests.

However, this furniture also has disadvantages. However, there are significantly fewer of them:

• Injury hazard: there is a possibility of falling from the upper tier.
• Inconvenient stairs. It is not always convenient to climb on it, for example, if children are sick.

The main disadvantage of a double bed is the need to climb up to sleep. This may not always be convenient, for example, for reading a fairy tale to a child or caring for him during illness.

How are the sleeping arrangements arranged?

Dimensions

In stores you can find a large number of beds with different sizes. The following standard groups are usually distinguished.

• 700×1500 (1600) mm. These beds are designed for babies. What you need to choose here is not so much the size, but how much ease of use.
• 800 (900) x1900 mm. This type of furniture is intended for teenagers, although it can also be used by adults.
• 90×2000 mm. The size is suitable for adults. Although it can also be used by teenagers.

In general, when choosing furniture for children, you should not buy very small beds. Children will grow up quickly, and you will have to buy a new bed that is suitable for their height. When choosing, always look at the size.

Base

It is also advisable to know in advance what types of bunk beds there are based on the base material. There are two types.

• Lamels. These are thin planks made of wood or plastic. They belong to the orthopedic type. They provide good ventilation of the mattress, which is especially important if a child uses the bed.
• Solid base. It is a shield made of plywood. This form is usually used in transformable beds. Disadvantage: poor ventilation of the mattress.

When purchasing, evaluate the quality of the base; it is best to use lamellas, they are more reliable and comfortable.

Mattress

Mattresses are not included and must be purchased separately. When choosing, you should consider who will use it: an adult, a teenager or a child. You should choose a sofa based on the requirements of a particular person.

• Orthopedic. They have a certain degree of rigidity. Perform the function of supporting the spine.
• Anatomical. Takes the shape of the body. For most people this is the best option.

When buying for a child, the quality of the mattress should be assessed by parents. Have your child lie down on the product. If the shoulders and hips sink, and the back and legs lie “on the surface”, the rigidity is ideal.

Knowing how to choose a bunk bed, you can choose this furniture most accurately and without mistakes. Be sure to take into account all the nuances that may affect the operating features.

What problems does this model solve?

Children at any age need space for active entertainment, activities and relaxation. However, in small children's rooms it can be difficult to organize all this. Multifunctional furniture helps eliminate these difficulties:

• space is saved - the compact combination of several pieces of furniture in one design does not require separate placement of a bed, table, chair or sofa;
• The lack of free space is compensated by the tiered arrangement of furniture. The room frees up space for outdoor games and comfortable movement;
• It’s easy to choose furniture for small rooms. Manufacturers offer a wide range of beds that look natural in modest-sized rooms;
• multifunctionality of furniture. One design serves several purposes: a study corner, a place for games and relaxation;
• Full-fledged sleeping places are provided. Beds do not need to be constantly transformed. And orthopedic mattresses allow children to rest comfortably.

Saving money cannot be discounted. Purchasing individual items (beds, work nooks, wardrobes, sofas) will cost much more than one or more two-tier structures.

Innovative design

When choosing Funky Kids beds, you must take into account the age, gender and hobbies of the children. For boys, colors don’t matter much; what matters to them is the complexity and height of the structures. But girls may have disagreements when choosing a bed for their room. They love graceful and smooth lines. They like soft tones.

Funky Kids bunk bed for girls.

Products attract consumers with favorable and affordable prices, high quality, beautiful appearance, and ideal design solutions. They can provide for everything down to the smallest detail. Additional drawers can be used to store textiles and children's toys. The presence of shelves allows children to arrange their favorite toys and books.

Comfortable, durable and safe Funky Kids bunk bed.

Whatever option you choose, when buying a bunk bed for children, give preference to proven brands and reliable materials.

The right approach to choosing a children's bunk bed will help organize the free space in the kids' room. With a bunk bed you can create a favorable atmosphere of warmth and comfort, and organize an exciting place for games. This is not all the possibilities of modern children's furniture. In any case, Funky Kids children's bunk beds are worth paying attention to when arranging your child's room. In the product catalog you will find the model of children's bunk bed that your child will be delighted with. All products are provided with a quality certificate and warranty card.

Stylish and functional two-level bed for a child's room from Funky Kids.

Make your little children's rooms interesting, useful and bright. Give your kids comfort and coziness. With the Funky Kids bunk bed you can make your children's room practical and functional.