A double bunk bed is an ingenious kind of bed where one double bed frame is placed atop the other, enabling two or more beds to fully occupy the same floor area normally occupied by only one. They are commonly found in dormitories, military, ships, hospitals, hostels, camps, prisons and others. A double bunk bed seen at choicemart.co.uk is much cheaper than a single bed, as they can be stacked when not in use, freeing up additional space for storage or other uses. On the other hand, a single bed has to be specially made to accommodate two persons. Also, there is the issue of safety; two people cannot share the same bed simultaneously, unless both are of the proper size and stature.
Double bunk beds are manufactured from various materials, including metal, wood, fiberglass, and many others. Most double bunk beds feature at least one twin mattress and one full mattress. Some models are double wide, with the ability for either twin or full-sized bed across the bottom, while others are single wide with the option of a twin or full on top. A few of them also feature drop-leaf systems, where one of the side panels can fold down and be used as a headboard.
The design of double loft bunk beds is generally that of a standard single bed, except with a side partition for the headboard, which is an integral part of the structure. The typical design features a slatted wooden frame around the entire bunk, with a ladder extending from each side of the bottom bed, allowing access to the top bed. The head and footboards are separated by a set of shelves located above the ladder. As with single-bed bedrooms, the headboard is able to expand and contract according to the weight of the occupant, adding a sense of space to the bedroom.
Most of double bunk beds have built-in desks, although some variants can include pullout drawers under the mattresses for storage purposes. When the headboard and footboards are pulled out, they are usually situated toward the front of the bed, in a position that allows access for the top bunk beds, but not for standard bunk beds, whose sides are unable to expand. The headboard and footboards of some types of loft bunk beds are fitted with a sliding mechanism, via a series of hooks and bolts. This type is most often seen in traditional wooden bunk beds, where it adds ease of mobility, but is not as useful in modern designs.
Most loft bunk beds feature a desk underneath the surface, either integrated into the structure or separately, with a limited amount of space to work with. Some designs feature built-in desks with cubbyholes to store books or other belongings. Others feature built-in cabinets or storage spaces, but these features can be expensive and are unlikely to be found on cheap children's beds. A more affordable option is to buy a storage chest that attaches below the mattress, or to install an overhead cabinet with a door – an arrangement that would allow easy access to books or other items stored under the bed.
There are many ways to maximize space in a child's room, and to keep things organized. Taller children will benefit most from a loft bunk bed with a built-in desk, as their heads will be among the tallest parts of the bed, making it easier to reach things. For children with shorter heights, a simple ladder can be used to access the loft. In either case, make sure the ladder is securely attached to the side of the bed, to prevent accidents. Above all, keep organized. It may take some effort to devise a system that will organize even the most disorganized child's room, but organized storage spaces will help children stay more organized and decrease the risk of accidental injuries.