Bunk beds have been a popular decorating item since their inception. There is no way to know just how many kids have fought over the right to sleep in the top bunk. Kids love them because they are fun and parents enjoy the fact that they save a lot of space. It is important to carefully consider the pros and cons of purchasing a bunk bed for your child as well as the various styles before you do so.

The Many Stylings

Bunk beds come in two main types. The first type is when the two beds are stacked directly on top of each other. In the second type the bottom bed is placed perpendicular to the top bed. These beds come in a variety of styles as well. From traditional wood bunk beds to sleek metal modern beds, it is possible to find a bunk bed to fit the décor of any room. Specialty bunk beds decorated in children's themes or with cartoon characters are also available.

Big Benefits

The main benefit of a bunk bed is the amount of space it saves. If you have two children sharing a relatively small room, a bunk can almost double the living space of the room. Even if you only have one child, a bunk can provide an extra place for a guest to sleep. Most bunk beds come with built in drawers for additional storage. Choosing the bunk bed type with a perpendicular lower bed allows space for a desk to be placed under the upper bed as well. As an added benefit, as your child ages and grows out of the bunk bed phase, many can be separated into two separate twin beds.

Simple Safety Should Rule the Day

There is one major flaw in the concept of most bunks. They are simply unsafe. Children either fall or jump from the top bunk causing all manner of injuries. Broken bones and scrapes and bruises can be the least of it. A child that falls from the height of a top bunk and hits their head could be seriously injured. The good news is it is possible to purchase a safe bunk bed. Teach your child some general safety rules and add an additional bed rail to prevent accidents.

If you do decide to purchase a bunk bed for your child's room, be sure you purchase one with safety features. At the minimum the bed should have a secure rail on the upper bunk and a stabilized ladder. Avoid beds with no rail or with a ladder that is simply propped up against the bed.

If you are unable to find a bed with a satisfactory rail, purchase one separately and securely install it. When you bring the beds home, spend some time speaking to all of the children in your home about safety. Remind them that they cannot fly, so jumping off the bed is a bad idea as is rough housing on it, jumping on it or leaning off the top bed. Keeping in mind these few simple precautions will make having a bunk bed in your child's room safe and fun.