Bunk beds are great bedroom space savers

Kids love bunk beds and they are perfect if space is limited, but there are safety issues you need to be aware of so your little ones can play it safe on a set of kids bunk beds.

Here's what you need to know before getting a child's bedroom fitted with bunk bed furniture:

What's good about bunk beds? - There are lots of great reasons to get bunk beds, but they are particularly popular for growing families who are short on room. They are also a good alternative for rooms that are not used often, or for temporary arrangements such as in a spare room or holiday house.

Are bunk beds safe? - Falls from kids bunk beds are common and can result in fractures or concussions, and gaps around the bed may allow a child to trap their head. Since November 2002, bunk bed furniture makers have had to comply with the safety requirements of the Australia/New Zealand Standard 4220:1994. Check for this label on the bed, or ask the manufacturer. Product safety information is available on the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission website at www.accc.gov.au

 
So, can young children use them? - Bunk beds are not suitable for children under the age of nine, and they should never be used as a play area, no matter what age the child, as it's easy for children to fall off.

What sort of configurations do bunk beds come in? - Apart from the standard kids bunk beds with one bed directly on top of the other, they also come in an L shape to fit a corner space, or you can get bunks with a double bed below and a single above. Some also include drawers or a small study area next to the bottom bunk.

Can you configure the beds yourself? - Not usually. The bunk will usually only come in the one configuration, but with many bunk bed furniture sets you can separate them and create two separate beds.

To find yourself a set of bunk beds for space saving (and hours of childhood fun), browse the products available at bed retailers online: