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.