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Bunks beds are specifically designed to make efficient use of space, allowing more room for other pieces of bedroom furniture. They now come in a huge variety of colours and themes, together with a host of useful features and accessories, making them an even more practical option for growing families. Types of Bunk Beds The main types of bunk beds that can be purchased in-store or online are: 2-sleeper Bunk Beds 3-sleeper Bunk Beds Toddler or Junior Bunk Beds Futon Bunk Beds The 3-sleeper bunk bed comes in two different styles -- a single top bunk with a double bottom bunk or a standard 2-sleeper with a pull-out bed underneath the lower bunk. The toddler bed is a shorter version of the standard bunk bed and is a safer and cosier option for younger children between the ages of 3-6 years. The futon bunk bed consists of a single top bunk with a futon underneath. The futon takes the form of a chair or sofa that conveniently opens out into a useful single or double bed. Materials and Finishes The use of wood is prevalent in the construction of bunk beds. Solid pine from Scandinavia is a very popular option. Other wood options include oak and spruce. Many bunk beds are oiled and finished in a choice of maple, beech or natural lacquer. The finishes and laminates make them easy to wipe down and care for. Some bunk beds are constructed from metal and particle board. Features and Options Bunk beds lend themselves to an array of space-saving and play features. Depending on the model and manufacturer chosen, these may include pull-out drawers and guest beds which are stored underneath the bottom bunk bed. Other handy accessories range from pocket tidies and clip-on shelves which are great storage places for books, magazines, toys and clothes, through to slides, tents and even rope ladders. Safety Considerations Safety isn't always the first thing we think about when buying furniture but there are a number of key considerations for bunk beds. Ladders -- both straight and sloping -- should be designed with flat treads and strong grips to ensure safe climbing and should offer glow-in-the-dark markings for night time use. Safety rails, particularly around the top bed are essential features to prevent a child falling. Mattresses are often sold separately - always obtain the correct mattress dimensions to ensure a perfect fit for the bunk bed. Children must be absolutely forbidden from jumping or hanging objects from the top bunk to avoid any accidents (falls or strangulation from hanging objects). Bunk beds usually require home assembly -- follow the instructions carefully, making sure to assemble each part with care. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer. The best manufactured beds can collapse if they are incorrectly assembled. Every bunk bed should be sturdily constructed and designed to meet the stringent European safety standards and should display the European CE marking accordingly. Conclusion Bunk beds can be a great investment as many of the designs grow with the age and needs of the child. Carefully consider the layout of the bedroom before making the purchase. For the layout to work well, make sure there is adequate room for any pull-out features such as drawers and guest beds. Additionally, make sure there is enough space for the other pieces of bedroom furniture. Finally, don't ignore the key safety points: buy the best bed you can; ensure it meets European safety standards; assemble it carefully and establish clear ground rules with the children to ensure that whilst they have as much fun as possible with their new bed, their safety isn't compromised.
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Ashton Kenlay is an independent researcher and author. Find further information on selecting childrens bunk beds at Allkids, one of the UK`s most popular childrens` and parenting resources with over 3.9 million visitors in 2006, together with a wealth of information, resources, kids safe websites & shopping.
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