by Shayla Johnson

Created on: May 18, 2010

Shopping for children’s beds can be fun at first and then turn into a nightmare. The reason the fun adventure turns bad is because there are a ton of bed choices but usually such a small space to fit it in. Budget can also aid in the downturn of the shopping trip. Children’s furniture can run as high as adult furniture. Being prepared and knowing your options before you run out looking for the perfect bed can keep the experience fun and light.

First, start with the internet. The internet is full of information. You can check many different stores’ supply before ever actually entering their store. If the internet doesn’t show anything interesting to you, then skip that store and move on. Granted sometimes items do appear a little differently than they do online, so take your time when searching.

Second, know your budget. When beginning the search it is best to set aside a certain amount of money and try not to deter too much from your stated guidelines. You may be surprised to find the cost of some children’s furniture these days, so make sure your budget is realistic. This will keep you from experiencing the dreaded “buyer’s remorse.”

Third, know your dimensions. Do not go furniture shopping without first having measured the area the furniture is to go in. If you do not measure and end up purchasing furniture that is way too large, then that leads to the headache of having to return everything and starting all over again. Who wants to do that? Buy furniture that fits the space. The overall look will be much better with the appropriate furniture in place.

Fourth, know your options. Children’s beds come in wide variety. Options range from anything an adult would choose to a bed shaped like a fort. Some of the more popular choices for a small girl are the canopy bed, the trundle bed, the daybed, and the four-post bed. All of these can seem whimsical to a young girl. However, choices such as the canopy bed and daybed could be quickly outgrown. If budget is a key factor in the search, look for pieces that will grow with the child. Other bed choices include the famous bunk bed and loft bed. These can be a great option for rooms with limited space. The bed is lifted off the ground and all the floor space beneath becomes accessible. Many of today’s bunk beds come with built in features such as desks, dressers, and play areas. The loft bed is slightly less high than a bunk bed but could still feature another bed underneath or some of the built in features. Another space-saving option for children with small rooms is having a platform bed with drawers built in to the base. This could allow a dresser to be removed from the room, or extra space for toy storage.

With all the options and pre-requirements before shopping, the more knowledge you have the better. Keeping all the above in mind when shopping, a bed that works with space should appear. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find the perfect bed right away. If it is appearance that bothers you the most, remember that can be changed.

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