Luxury Bed Sheets & Bedding

Some Historical Facts

It is believed that the concept of bunk beds began in Europe between 1400-1500. Wealthy lords traveled across country largely via carts, which were designed for sleeping. The cart/bed was formally named the “truckle bed” which is also known as the trundle bed. It refers to any bed that can be stored underneath another bed.

During Elizabethan times, servants often traveled with their masters and they slept on the lower bed, which is the origin of the expression to “truckle under,” which implies a lower social status. This was later changed to “knuckle under” as one had to get down on one’s knees in order to “knuckle under.” That expression later came to mean obeisance to one’s master.

It is not known exactly how the bunk bed got its name, but it may have its roots in the military, as these beds were often used in places with limited floor space, such as ships and army garrisons. They are also commonly found in dormitories, summer camp cabins, hostels, children’s rooms, prison cells and university residence halls.

A bunk bed, specifically, refers to a type of structure in which one bed frame is stacked on top of another. Usually, four poles or pillars support bunk beds, one at each corner of the bed. To get to the second bunk a ladder is often used, although taller children have been known to find faster, more creative methods of climbing into them. The top bed is usually railed off to prevent the sleeper from falling out, and some models also have a “privacy curtain” for the lower bunk.

Types of Bunk Beds

The most common bunk bed is the standard type, which has two same-size mattresses stacked one directly over the other. A “futon bunk” is arranged as a standard bunk as well except that the lower bunk is a couch which converts into a bed rather than a standard mattress. The futon bunk bed is a real pace-saver and is often used in small apartments.

The “loft bed” is another form of bunk bed. It relates to a bunk bed with only an upper level. This automatically creates a vertical open space underneath which would not have been available otherwise that can be utilized either as storage or a work place. Because of added features and built-in storage capacity, loft beds are generally more expensive than ordinary bunk beds.

Bunk beds are available in many varieties and prices range from the cheapest models, which are made with metal or softwood frames in which the mattresses are supported by metal wire and spring suspension to expensive models made from hardwood which are outfitted with drawers, shelves, and other accessories. Other options include do-it-yourself bunk beds made from wooden planks and fasteners, either from scratch or using plans or designs that they have purchased.

Bunk Bed Safety Issues

In order to insure optimum safety, the bunk bed ladder must be properly attached to the upper bunk and the mattress supports for that section must be properly fastened to the frame. It is mostly young children who are at risk, as they are more likely to engage in potentially unsafe activities. Falling from the top bunk is the primary danger and this can be avoided by installing guard rails on all four sides of the mattress, running the full length of the mattress and frame.

Some bunk beds only have one guard rail, but attempts to cut costs may result in more expenditure in the end because the assumption that the bunk bed will be placed against a wall may or may not be so. Children may move the bunk bed away from the wall or it may be otherwise improperly located, exposing the possibility of a perilous fall.

Two other safety factors relating to bunk beds should be addressed here; namely, the sturdiness of the ladder attachment and the proper assembly of kit-style bunk beds. It should be noted that even if the rungs of the ladder are secure, the screws may loosen over time and use. The proper assembly of beds can also be problematic. Some of the high-end bunk beds come directly to the consumer fully assembled, but many of the lower priced kits, which are assembled by the customer can be accidents just waiting to happen.

When assembling a bunk bed all of the instructions must be followed exactly as they are stated. There is no room for anything but disaster with personal interpretation. Children’s body parts can easily be trapped in large gaps in bunk beds (more than three-and-one-half- inches in diameter). Children must be told that they are only to use the ladder to reach the top bunk, and that they should not climb up “jungle gym” style on the frame. Only the proper-sized mattress should be used in a bunk bed; using too-big or too-small mattresses could lead to the mattress becoming dislodged and falling.

Better safe than sorry, and your bunk beds will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

And that’s no bunk!