The bunk bed remains one of the most popular beds around for children and in applications where space is at a premium such as on boats. There are many different types available including metallic framed examples and also wooden framed examples. Both of these are available in a multitude of colors with red, silver and white counting amongst the most popular.

The use of white bunk beds can provide a clean and elegant solution to the problem of fitting out a child’s bedroom. Whilst light woods can provide an off white color, the use of laminates can provide a brilliant white which can be painted or stenciled on to provide a unique canvas for you or your child’s artistic ability. They can also be painted to resemble a particular object such as a bus or spaceship and this provides more opportunity for the young imagination to run riot.

The basic bunk bed, and still the most popular, is the single over single arrangement where one single bed is suspended over another by a frame of supports. The modern bunk bed is used predominantly in smaller rooms and as such the preferred color is white or off white. If you intend to use a white wood finish for bunk beds then its worth taking the time to select carefully. Most laminates are not as strong as other woods and are usually joined with nails or screws. Make sure that they are well embedded and also that they are galvanized (zinc coated) or made from brass so that they do not rust or blister. Nothing ruins the effect of clean white wood more than nails which are conspicuous by their state of decay. The marks produced will be red in color and will stand out like a beacon, completely spoiling the clean effect that is intended.

Other woods which are used to produce white bunk beds include maple and pine. Although these tend to not be pure white in color the effect in bright light is one of cleanliness and they often appear to be brand new if looked after carefully and cleaned regularly. The most effective way of cleaning a white bunk bed will depend on the material from which the bed is made.

For a laminated wood, simply use washing up liquid diluted in water on a clean cloth. This will remove most marks and dirt. The most stubborn marks tend to be glue residue from pictures or transfers that have been attached to the bed and these may have to be subjected to a little nail polish remover. Only a little will be required and be sure to wipe with a clean cloth afterwards to remove the polish remover.

For a real wood such as maple or pine, remove surface dirt that may be ingrained into the surface of the wood with a dry soft-bristled brush. Then clean carefully with warm water and a proprietary wood cleaning solution. Use the soft brush to get into areas which are particularly dirty and always brush in the direction of the grain. Finally rinse the wood with warm clean water and dry.

The use of bunk beds for kids is becoming increasingly popular since the basic premise of such a bed is to allow two people to sleep in the same room whilst using the floor space of only a single bed. This principle feature means that they are popular in children’s rooms where more than 1 child will sleep since they allow the space to be optimized to best effect.

The upper bed is supported over the lower bed and access is normally gained to the upper bed via a ladder. The ladders come in many different types but common ones include wooden flat faced steps and also the well known metal cylindrical type. Since the upper bed is normally some height from the floor, they are more suitable for older children over the age of six. The top bunk also usually has a safety rail which surrounds the bed for added safety.

Bunk beds for kids come in many different types apart from the standard which comprises one single bed over another. It is also possible to buy a futon style bunk bed, which has a futon style couch underneath a single bed. Again these are used to conserve space in smaller rooms since the futon can be converted into a single bed at night. Some bunk beds are arranged as loft beds which consist of only an upper bed, underneath which sits either a work area or storage units. These types of bunk beds are more expensive than the traditional bunk beds due to their extra complexity.

When shopping for such a bed you have a number of choices from the cheapest option which is a flat pack which is assembled by the purchaser to more expensive ready built units made from metal or softwoods. The most expensive bunk beds are ready built and finished and made from expensive hard woods such as oak or mahogany.

You should consider what you need from a bunk bed before purchase. For example, think about your childs’ age and how long the bed will need to last. Although popular with children, this type of bed quickly loses its attraction as the child gets older and therefore a cheaper bunk bed might be a more appropriate purchase than a more expensive longer lasting one. Don’t be afraid to take the child with you and watch carefully how they get into the bed, looking out for any danger signs. The upper bed should have a guard rail all the way around it and not just on one side. Although it is common to place bunk beds against a wall, this is not always the case and its better therefore to have a rail that surrounds the bed.

If the upper bed will be used by a younger child, check the gap between the guard rail to ensure that they cannot slip between the gaps or become trapped in the gaps. The guardrail should be high enough to prevent a child from falling out of the bed, and you should expect that the guardrail will extend at least five inches above the height of the mattress.

Also check the ladder carefully, and in particular the way it secures to the bed. The ladder should ideally not be able to be removed easily and certainly not become dislodged when in use, resulting in serious injury of the child.