Bunk beds are fun for kids. They save space and are usually more economical than buying single beds. However, buying bunk beds is a little more complicated than purchasing single beds because you have to take into consideration some safety issues. Following are tips for buying bunk beds.

1.      Measure the space you want to allocate for your bunk beds. Be sure to take into consideration the height of the bunk beds as well as the width. You will need to leave plenty of space (2 to 3 feet is recommended) between the top bunk and the ceiling, to prevent your child from bumping his or her head.  Keep in mind that sizes of bunk beds vary, with most measuring between 5-1/2 and 6 feet in height. Also be aware that bunk beds that have drawers take up more space, as do L-shaped bunk beds.

2.      Determine the style you want. Take into consideration the design and color scheme of the rest of the furniture in the room.

3.      Consider the features you need. Bunk beds come with a variety of convenient features. Some come with drawers.  Others come with separate storage pieces such as chests and trunks.  You can also find bunk beds that are part of an entire bedroom set including desk and chairs.

4.       Make sure the bunk bed you select has safety features that will protect your children.  The bunk bed you purchase should have guardrails on each side of the top bunk. The guardrails should extend at least five inches above the mattress. According to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the gaps in the guardrails should be 3.5 inches or smaller to prevent strangulation. Never allow children under the age of 6 to sleep on the top bunk. And never allow your children to play on the bunk or the ladder. Teach your child how to climb the ladder safely.  Make sure that no ceiling fans are in reach from the top bunk.

You can find affordable bunk beds from brand name manufacturers at secure sites such as Homelement.com, the online furniture superstore. Homelement.com offers great deals on bunk beds made by Chelsea Home Furniture, Coaster Furniture Collection, Hillsdale, Homelegance, Powell, Pulaski and South Shore.

Here are descriptions of a couple of the most popular bunk beds at Homelement.com:

Chelsea Home Furniture 31234 Twin Over Twin Staircase Quarters Bed with 5 Drawer Chest - Ginger Stain (ID: 63275). This handsome bunk bed arrangement features solid pine construction for extra durability and strength. All safety features exceed the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The rails include a 1.25" cleat, which is glued and screwed to the rail for extra strength to support the mattress foundation. Each solid wood drawer is mounted on a rolling metal glide for easy opening and closing. Drawer dimensions are 12" x 12" x 4.5".

Coaster 460020 Twin Futon Bunk Bed - Sandy Black (ID: 58058). A winning combination of innovative style and economy, this attractive bunk bed features a padded futon sofa that easily converts to a full-sized sleeping surface.

For more outstanding values on bunk beds as well as furniture and rugs for every room of your house, please visit Homelement.com. To speak directly with a customer service specialist, call Homelement.com at (800) 996-8221Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM EST