Bunk Bed Variations

Bunk beds have traditionally been arranged one over the other so as to maximise the use of space, however different types and styles are also available to buy. Recently the L-shaped arrangement has become popular. This shape creates a storage area under the top bed and makes sleeping in the lower bunk a less oppressive experience. It does, however, have a more limited range of rooms into which it can physically fit.

A "bunk bed" with a bed only at the top is known as a loft bed.

Some bunk beds you can buy have a "slide" for the child on the top bed. The danger here is that it makes the child more likely to think of the bed as a play-space with the resulting safety risks.

It's also possible to buy the rather implausible sounding futon bunk bed. This usually consists of a futon style base, used for seating during the day, underneath a normal bed.

An L-shaped bunk bed has the two beds placed at 90 degrees rather than parallel with each other. This arrangement is often used where two beds of different sizes are needed. Very often a so-called l-shaped design is closer to a T in reality.

Whatever type of bunk bed you decide to buy, always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and put safety first.