Beds for children: how to save money and space

Like most products in the home, if you buy smart when it comes to kids’ beds, you can save on both storage and costs. These are essential concerns in the days when toy boxes are overflowing and many families are making do in homes which are smaller or have fewer rooms than ideal. Fortunately, there are plenty of options on the market which don't have to mean comprising on quality or value.

Bed design has evolved over the years but good quality bunk beds for kids are still one of the fail-safe ways of keeping their bedrooms tidy and organised. Perfect for twins or young siblings, bunks free up a fair amount of floor space for other furniture, and contemporary products can come with anything from under-bed drawers to detachable beds, saving pennies later on when your kids become more independent.

Loft beds offer a similar solution for the single bedroom and can combine a bed with a study or play area underneath, making these one of the most economical ideas out there. Similar versions like cabin beds come with built-in drawers which are great if your budget won't stretch to another chest or storage unit.

If you're thinking of buying a camp-bed or sofa-bed for overnight guests, it might be more cost-effective to look at trundle beds, which have a spare single that you can pull out from below the bed frame. Some can also be completely separated from the unit, making them flexible for use around the house.

Most parents are after something which achieves both utility and comfort for the bedroom, but it's still good to consult your child about their preferences to avoid expensive re-fits later on. Take some time to measure the room, think about specific needs and plan the best layout; as the focal point of the room, maximising the space is much easier when the bed is taken care of.