Buying Kids’ Beds: The All-You-Need-to-Know Guide to Creating Dreamy Spaces

Kids grow up so fast, don’t they? Even if you’ve only just bought your little one their first crib — or even if you don’t have a child yet but parenthood is in your future plans — it’s never too early to think about buying kids’ beds.

Whether you’re buying bunk beds for little ones or choosing loft beds for teens, or whether you’re opting for a traditional style bed that will see them all the way through adulthood, there are a lot of things to take into consideration when you’re shopping for kids’ beds.

Your child will spend numerous hours sleeping, reading, playing, and chatting in their bed, so it is important to select one that suits their needs and one that they enjoy spending time in. With so many children’s beds on the market to choose from, you may find it hard to narrow down the numerous selections of designs and types available.

Luckily for you, our guide will make it easy to on how to create the ultimate dreamy space for your child with the perfect bed.

Different types of kids’ beds

Bunk beds

It would be hard to meet a child who doesn’t love a bunk bed! Long considered a sociable and interactive type of sleeping arrangement, the bunk bed provides the ideal solution for sleepovers with friends, or for siblings who like to share a space together. Bunk beds offer both comfort and versatility and are a great way to save space making them a popular kids’ bed option. They provide an exciting take on traditional beds, and some come with built-in storage, such as desks and play areas.

Loft beds and cabin beds

Loft beds are a fantastic kids’ bed option for smaller bedrooms. They look like bunk beds, but they don’t have a bottom bunk. Instead, the space underneath is used for a play area, storage space, or a study desk. The versatile loft bed or ‘high sleeper bed’ as it is more commonly known in Ireland, is particularly suitable for older children with hobbies or for those who need a dedicated study space. For smaller kids, cabin beds are a wiser choice. These mid-sleeper beds are also elevated, with room for storage or space to play underneath. But as they aren’t as high off the ground as the loft bed, you won’t get as much space to work with underneath.

Trundle beds

A trundle bed provides a very clever sleeping arrangement. It features a second bed that is hidden underneath the main bed. This is ideal for the occasional sleepover or for those looking to maximise the space available to them.

If you remove the mattress from the under-bed space, you have the option of using it as a facility for storing items such as books, toys, blankets, and clothes.

Safety considerations when choosing kids’ beds

Safety is a key factor to take into consideration when it comes to children’s furniture, as they are often so curious and active, yet unaware of potential dangers around them. There are a huge range of cool, quirky, and imaginative bed designs available; however, there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting the best kids’ bed to suit your child’s needs.

• Construction: Kids love to jump on beds and to bounce and play. Therefore, it is important when looking at kids’ beds to make sure it’s well-constructed and that it doesn’t wobble or creak.
• Secure bunk beds: Bunk beds provide an imaginative retreat for a child, but you need to be sure they are secure and safe. Choose a bunk bed with a guardrail on the top bunk, particularly if your children are younger, as some kids tend to move a lot in their sleep, and some may even fall out of bed occasionally. A bunk bed should be easily accessible, and the ladder should be durable and safe; it should not move or sway. The steps should be wide enough to accommodate little feet, and some may provide a handrail option for additional safety.
• Mattress: The mattress should fit a child’s bed frame perfectly. If it doesn’t fit the base properly, it may have gaps and your child could get stuck or fall.
• Rounded edges: Make sure the kids’ bed you select has rounded edges for additional safety, or you can purchase padded features to prevent injury.
• Non-toxic materials: The materials used in a child’s bed should be non-toxic. Always check the manual to ensure that the bunk bed meets approved safety standards.
• Fire-resistant: Make sure to choose a bed that is made of materials that are fire-resistant as some materials are more flammable than others.
• Size: Choose a bed that suits your child’s size and needs as using furniture that is the wrong size may lead to developmental problems and discomfort.
• Choking hazards: Avoid the possibility of choking hazards when choosing a bed for young children, such as strings, chords, decorative items, bolts, screws, knobs, or other small parts of the bed that may potentially come loose.

How to choose the perfect kids’ bed for your child

Choosing the perfect kids’ bed for your child can be fun and engaging. However, you will need to consider their age, needs, personality, preferences, and the space available to you prior to selecting the ideal one.

Age and size

Young children love colourful, animated beds, and beds with themes and features.  A lower bed helps them climb in and out of bed easily, and in some cases, a guardrail works great as an extra safety measure.

As your child gets older, you can opt for a loft bed or a bunk bed as a kids’ bed, depending on the space available to you and the function you require.

An adult bed is also an option and will give your kid room to grow.  In fact, many parents are surprised to learn that a child’s single bed is the same size as an adult’s single bed. This is convenient because it means you can buy a regular single mattress and bedding set to suit.

It also means that you have an array of options to choose from. Some beds have a more ‘childlike’ look than others, but don’t be afraid to choose a more ‘grown-up’ bed that will see them through the years. And ensure there’s space for teddies, favourite blankets, and everything else kids will want to keep with them while they sleep.

Space

The type of space you have and your child’s storage needs will help determine what type of bed you choose. For example, if you have a large room, you can choose a larger bed or a bed with additional features, such as built-in storage space or a study or play area. If you are tight on space, a bunk bed, loft bed, or a trundle bed will work best.

Durability

Quality and durability are the considerations that will determine how many times you need to replace your child’s bed from toddlerhood through the teenage years. You’ll naturally want an option that is safe and supportive for your children’s slumber, so think of the bed as an investment and buy kids’ beds with top quality craftsmanship and materials.

Plus, even the most well-behaved kids will inevitably use their bed as a wrestling ring or trampoline at some point, so a bed should be durable enough to handle jumping and roughhousing, not just quiet sleeping.

Personal taste

The style and type of bed you choose will likely also depend on your child’s personality. Some children like themed or adventure-styled beds while others prefer a simpler option.

Either way, you can incorporate the interests of the child into the overall décor of the space and into the theme of the bed. For example, if a child is young and likes racing cars, you may select a low-sized bed in the shape of a car, or if they are older, you may select a functional and comfortable loft bed.

Aesthetics

Regardless of what bed style you choose, it should match the overall décor of the space. A vintage-themed bed may not suit a modern home, and a modern loft bed may look out of place in a home with a classical or country theme.

And remember kids’ interests change frequently. One day they’re obsessed with space and astronauts; the next it’s oceans and sharks. While it can be tempting to cater to those interests by buying kids’ beds with a theme like a racecar shape or covering it with decals, keep in mind that your child might have a new ‘favourite thing’ within weeks. Instead, opt for a bed that can easily fit into any theme or decor style they might want in the future.

Think about the future

When you’re buying a bed for your first child, consider whether you might have more children in the years to come. If it’s likely that your kids will share a bedroom, you may want to go ahead and opt for bunk beds that will be ready to accommodate both your child now, and their future sibling. Many bunk beds can be split into two single beds as well, so you can always tuck one away in storage until it’s needed, or separate them in the future if your kids no longer share a room.

And plan for sleepovers

Whether they’re sharing a room with visiting family members or inviting friends over for a slumber party, your little ones are sure to need some extra sleeping spaces in their rooms at times. If you need to accommodate frequent visitors, buying bunk beds might be a good option to maximize floor space. Alternately, consider a sofa bed that can serve as seating most of the time and then fold out as needed. For occasional use, a cot or folding bed can also be a convenient addition to kids’ rooms.

The type of bed you choose for your child is of the utmost importance, as they will spend many hours sleeping, lounging, and growing in it. When selecting the perfect bed for your child, consider that pre-schoolers typically need 10-13 hours of sleep per day, school children need 9-11 hours of sleep, and teenagers need approximately 8-10 hours of sleep. Therefore, selecting a bed that is comfortable and functional are among the most essential qualities when choosing that perfect kids’ bed.

The bed you choose for your child will depend on taste, age, and the size of the space available to you. Creating a dream bedroom that is aesthetically pleasing and cosy is a wonderful way to let your design style shine, and the bed you choose will ultimately take centre stage.

When selecting a bed for your child, factor in key elements such as safety, comfort, space, and your child’s age and interests, and you will be well on your way to creating the ultimate dreamy space that your child will enjoy for many years to come.

Buying kids’ beds online or in store is easy with the range of options available at Corcoran’s. We have bunk beds, loft beds for teens, beds with built-in study spaces, and more, so you’re sure to find something that will suit your child’s bedroom. Plus, we have a range of other kid-friendly furniture like bean bag chairs, dressing tables, and wardrobes to complete a charming and comfortable bedroom setup. Shop online now or visit us in store and find everything you need for a great kids’ room.

Starting a new chapter as a new home owner? Learn everything about furnishing your bedroom in Our Ultimate Guide.