In conditions of limited space, special attention must be paid to ensuring that all pieces of furniture are at the same time comfortable, practical and compact. This requirement is especially relevant in the case of a nursery, since kids are usually not allocated the largest room, and they need a lot of space - after all, they want to play and relax, and they will also have to study here. If there are also two of them, then children's bunk beds made of solid wood are no longer just a good choice, but a necessity.
Features and Benefits
What is a bunk bed - everyone probably knows. Someone saw this in a children's camp, someone in the army, sometimes such products come across even in old hospitals. Another thing is that in the broad public sense only the most primitive construction is seen - the one that was massively used in Soviet times. However, the years have passed, and the attitude towards interior design and furniture has undergone significant changes.
Today, a bunk bed is not only strict minimalism, aimed exclusively at needs, but also a beautiful appearance, plus significantly expanded functionality, which leads to the presence of dozens of different models. If we talk about the advantages of modern two-tier structures, then we cannot fail to note the following of them:
- As before, the main task of the bunk bed - to save space, which modern models cope with no worse than classical ones.
- The variety of models allows you to meet the needs of a wide variety of consumers, and it's not just about design, but also about functionality. A simple example: some types of bunk beds provide only one sleeping tier - the upper one, but the freed up space can be successfully used to accommodate a play or work area.
- The functionality (compared to the models of the last century) has improved significantly... Today, a large bed is almost always equipped with additional "bonuses" (storage boxes or shelves), it can be sold complete with a desk and chair or other additions.
- If we talk about children's models, then the designers tried to give them such an appearance so that the children were satisfied with their new property. Often, the product is specially decorated with drawings or carved elements, the upper tier can be stylized as a bungalow or a tree house - and so on.
- Since we are talking about models made of solid wood, it is worth noting the highest strength and durability of such furniture. Children's energy is very often destructive, especially if there are two kids, but parents may not be afraid for the safety of such a bed, because it will definitely stand it.
But among the disadvantages of such an acquisition, only one can be noted - the high cost.
However, the aforementioned advantages will probably offset the costs, because this purchase will last for many decades. If the appearance turns out to be inappropriate over time, it can be resold to other young parents.
Models
Today, there are several visions of how a children's bunk bed should look like. First, it's worth talking about a version close to the classics - one in which there are two separate tiers, each of which is intended for sleeping.
The solution is not always standard. The lower tier may not even turn out to be a bed, but a sofa, and all kinds of models - both a sofa and various modifications of a folding sofa.
However, two ordinary tiers are usually made of solid wood, each of which is a bed.
The second point, which cannot be ignored, is the storage possibilities. If there are two children and they are in the same room, then they probably have a lot of things, and there is not enough space to store them in the nursery. For this reason, the bunk bed is equipped with additional features.
With a relatively high arrangement of the lower tier, you can purchase a model with boxes for linen directly in the body of the product. You can often find a headset, complemented by one or even two small lockers. If there are two, they are placed in the head and legs, and in parallel they can serve as the basis for the upper tier.
It is not uncommon for these types of bunk beds, which are equipped with only one berth. It is located on the second floor, and under it you can often see a computer table with a chair, which are sold as a set with a bed.
Less often, the bottom is left for the playing area. If the creators decided that way, then there is probably a whole small house equipped, the interior of which is able to amaze any child. This type of model is called a loft bed.
By the way, a bunk bed does not always imply a strict arrangement of tiers one above the other. It is possible to combine the option described in the previous paragraph with an ordinary bed, but in one, integral body - then the lower tier will be pushed out beyond the main rectangle or even deployed at right angles to it.
The second tier is not located above the first, so the bed of the first can be raised higher, and additional storage boxes can be placed in the body - and at the same time leave the wall open. This option is most appropriate if the children have a significant difference in age - then the high-raised lower tier will go to the eldest.
Materials
Solid wood is traditionally considered one of the strongest and most durable materials, but this does not apply to any type of wood. Most often, preference is given to deciduous trees - beech and oak, since it is these species that have the most impressive performance characteristics.
True, their price discourages a significant number of buyers, so many prefer natural wood furniture of other (albeit less reliable) species - for example, birch.
Since the bed is bought for children, the difference will not be so noticeable, because the strength is approximately comparable, and the duration of operation, reduced from half a century to a couple of decades, will not be a problem.
Conifers are used much less frequently, and a particularly popular option for such furniture is a pine bunk bed. Such wood requires more careful processing and (with its overall strength) is relatively soft, so children can damage its surface relatively easily.
Dimensions
Talking about the possible dimensions of a piece of furniture, parents too often start not from the needs of children, but from the availability of free space in the room. On the one hand, this is true, since too large a bed simply does not fit into a confined space, on the other hand, you cannot make a choice in favor of the model where the sleeping place is too small for the child.
When deciding on the size of the bed, pay attention to its width - it is usually recommended at the level of 70-80 cm. If the bed is planned to be left until adolescence, then 90 cm will not be superfluous.
As for the length, it should be 15-20 cm longer than the child's height, but do not forget that children are growing. Choosing a bed, you immediately set the maximum life of it.
Only when these requirements are met, you can think about what other additions to the bunk bed will fit in your nursery. If there is really little space, you have to choose between models with a normal bed, but without lockers, and with lockers, but with a reduced bed, choose the former. The main purpose of the bed is to provide a good rest for the baby.
Popular brands
Since solid wood beds can be safely called an expensive product, there are generally recognized brands in this area, the choice in favor of which guarantees compliance with all the necessary product requirements. They should be given a little more attention:
- Toris offers a range of beds, the frame of which is made of the most durable wood species, sheathed with veneer for greater aesthetics. Such bunk beds are substantially close to the classic form, as a maximum - they are equipped only with drawers.
- Dreamline in its performance characteristics resembles the previous brand, but has a significant difference - the refinement of cutting the railings. This bed looks in the best aristocratic traditions - in contrast to the emphatically homelike colleague described above. Many consumers like these models, because these products look just great.
- But Woodmaster - these are models of bunk beds, special attention in the design of which is given to children's issues. From the outside, such a product looks gorgeous, it is made in the form of a house, ship, car, and there is even an option with a transforming lower tier, which, if necessary, turns into a table and two sofas.
Tips for choosing
A bunk bed made of solid wood is a very expensive thing, so in no case can you make a mistake with the choice. To avoid mistakes and not be disappointed in your choice, pay attention to the following points:
- The bed is for relaxation - this is the main function of such furniture. No other bonuses in the form of storage boxes, cabinets, work and play areas or just a beautiful design should not interfere with convenience, otherwise you can safely put an end to this model.
- In conditions of lack of space buy a bed by understanding the needs of children. If there is already space for storing various things, extra lockers will be useless and will only clutter up the room. In the opposite situation, a headset with lockers will be an excellent saver of space and money. It is necessary to take into account the specific case.
- Choosing unusual design models, from which the child will almost certainly be delighted, think about whether such an option will normally fit into the interior of the nursery.
How to choose a solid wood children's bed, see the next video.
