HomeA Bunk bed is essentially two beds placed one above the other and held apart by support struts. It is widely used in ships and this is possibly where the practice originated. By using vertical space, a bunk bed allows two people to sleep in the floor space of one. Therefore, it is popular in places where multiple people must sleep in a small space like dorms, hostels, prisons and summer holiday accomodation.
WHAT IS A BUNK BED?
A Bunk bed is basically a two-in-one bed, with one bunk placed on top of another with the support of a bed frame and accessed by a ladder or steps. The top bed is surrounded by a railing to prevent the sleeper from falling out, and some models also have a privacy curtain for the lower bunk. Because of the need for support, the upper bunk is almost always single-person, whereas the lower bunk can either be a single-person or a larger two-person bed. Bunk beds are common in areas where space is less but users are more, like dorms, hostels and small bedrooms. Usually made up of wood or metal, the bunk beds come in a variety of styles and designs.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF BUNK BEDS?
There are a number of variations of the normal bunk bed available. Some of the popular varieties of bunk beds are:
Standard bunk bed: The most common type is the standard bunk bed which has two same-size bunk beds placed one directly over the other.
Double bunk bed: This is similar to the standard bunk bed, except that in this type, the lower bunk is a double bed size that can accomodate 2 people.
Futon/couch bunk bed : A futon bunk is also like a standard bunk except that the lower bunk is a Western-style futon couch which converts into a bed rather than a standard mattress. Futon bunks can be used to save space in small apartments or rooms because the lower bed converts into a couch for use during the daytime.
L-shaped bunk bed: In an L-shape bunk the bottom bed is oriented at a right angle to the top bed such that when viewed from above the beds form an L. This also creates a small alcove where a desk or bookshelf can be placed.
Loft bunk beds: A loft bed denotes a bunk bed that has only the top bunk, creating an open space underneath that can be occupied by a chest, drawers, or even a work area. This way the entire vertical space (that would otherwise be left unused) is utilised efficiently. Some loft beds even have stowable/trundle beds while retaining workstations and drawers.
Triple Bunk bed: A triple bunk bed has 3 tiers instead of the regular 2 bunks. However, it is not very common. A triple L-shaped loft bed is an arrangement involving a total of three beds. These beds are a combination of bed types, where a loft bed is perpendicularly attached to a bunk bed to form an L-shape. Since the top bed is likely to be even higher in this arrangement and a long way to the ground, safety becomes even more important.
You have a wide choice as best suits your existing bedroom decor. They are available in many styles and variations from traditional and rustic to contemporary and modern. They range in price from economy models made with metal or softwood frames to expensive models made from hardwood which are outfitted with drawers, shelves, and other accessories.
An example of a traditional bunk bed.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A BUNK BED?
The bedroom bunk beds are simple in design and great space-savers and are increasinglybecoming popular. Here are some advantages of the bunk bed:
Durability: The bunk bed is durable and can be used by your child from age three through college.
Sharing a bedroom: A bunk bed allows two kids to share a room. With today’s homes and their small bedrooms, the bunk bed is a huge benefit.
Space-saver: It frees up valuable floor space for a desk and play area for your child.
Resale: A good quality bunk bed can be sold later and you can get a good resale value for it.
Flexibilty: Metal bunk beds are more flexible, which makes it easier to change the format of the bedroom.
The essential components of a bunk bed.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF A BUNK BED?
Ladder and guard rails: The top bunks have a ladder and are equipped with safety rails.
Drawers: The latest bunk beds also consist of drawers and shelves.
Detachable: Nowadays, many bunk beds are designed in such a way that the upper bunk bed is like a separate bed placed on top of the lower bed. This allows it to be detached from the lower bunk if required, for example when the kids grow up.
An example of a detachable bunk bed
WHAT SAFETY TIPS SHOULD BE FOLLOWED IN THE USE OF BUNK BEDS?
Safety is vital when using bunk beds, whether it’s adults or children sleeping in them. Kids sleeping in raised beds of any form must be taught that they are not toys. As well as the possibility of falling, entrapment is a serious potential risk for kids in bunk beds. For these reasons, the top bunk of a bunkbed is not recommended for children under six years of age.
Strength: Whenever you plan to buy a bunk bed, always check its sturdiness. To test its sturdiness, shake the upper bed to check whether there is any kind of movement.
Guardrails: A bunk bed should have at least two upper bunk guardrails.Make sure that there are no openings on the guardrails, because it is unsafe for small children. The openings would allow a child’s head or body to slip through. In case the guardrails are railings or slats, make sure that the gap between would not allow the child’s head or upper body through.
Ladder: The ladder should be locked into the bed frame. It is advisable to have a nightlight near the ladder, so that sleepy children can find their way down safely.
Placement in room: Ensure that the bed placement is correct. The best place should be in a corner, where the bed will have support from two walls. The top bunk placement of the bed should be done in such a way that an adult should be able to enter and exit the top bunk without hitting the ceiling, ceiling fans, or light fittings.
Instructions: Make sure that you have the instructions about the proper mattress size and how to use the beds safely.
Manufacturer’s details: Bunk beds must have all the details on a label - the name, address of the manufacturer, the model number, and the month and year of manufacture.
Do-it-yourself: Pay particular attention to the safety aspects should you decide to build your own bunk bed.
