Bunk Bed

Let's face it, bunk beds are awesome. Kids adore them, parents love them, and college kids enjoy only paying half rent so that makes everyone happy. Whatever your intent a bunk bed is a great way to save space, customize, and enjoy your room.

First things first you need to size up what you already have.  Available space, age of kids, recklessness level of kids, budget, and theme.  Once you have an idea of what size and price you can afford it's time to start looking at some different styles.

Most bunk beds are made out of eithe wood or metal. Wooden Beds usually look better and you also have more options on what kind of materials to choose from. Materials range from plywood to oak, and everything inbetween. These beds usually feel give the room a more welcoming feeling and are a bit more inviting then metal.

Metal Beds are great if you are going more for economical over aesthetic. These beds are usually cheaper, easier to move, more durable, and can take quite a beating. Metal beds are a favorite among college kids because they are great for saving space and don't mind if you neglect them. Be careful however to choose metal frames that are rust and corrosion resistant. 

Styles include:

- Twin Bunk Beds

- Twin/Full Bunk Beds

- Ladder Beds

- L-Shaped Bunk Beds

... and much more. All come in wood and metal variations. Some have a futon mattress on bottom that folds into a couch for sitting.  This is great for college kids that have small apartments as it is and want to have sitting space for when company comes over.  Also a smaller niche, cabins make great housing for bunk beds.  Pack all the kids in a couple rooms and leave more space for relaxing and having a good time.

You can get creative. There are other more modern varieties of bunk beds if you wish to stay in fashion. These can integrate desks, dressers, cabinets, slides or just about anything else you (or your kid) can imagine.  These more contemporary designs are fun but likely to cost a bit more. Your kids won't complain I'm sure, anything different is cool to them.

You can buy almost anything online, even bunk beds - imagine that! If you are worried about price try Ebay or something of like form and function. Remember everyone's kids eventually grow up and move out leaving lots of lonely bunk beds. Getting a used frame can save a whole lot of money, and most of the time your kids will never know the difference.

Just as a side note make sure to take appropriate steps to fit a bed set like this into your budget.  Forgetting to do this can be disastrous during these tough economic times.  Check your credit score scale, and make sure you are constantly tryint to improve your credit.  Most bed sets are not super expensive if you look in the right place, but better safe than sorry.

Just a tip, when buying wood bunk beds pay close attention to what kinds of woods are used. Remember you don't have to buy an oak frame if a well built ply will do the job just as well. Pine is a good alternative, cheaper and still sturdy. Be smart in your looking and check local furniture listings. We are living in a time when frugality is commended. Be smart but live a little as well.