Children's room

Dimensions follow age, from a cot of about 120x60 cm for the youngest, through junior beds of about 140x70 or 160x80 cm for pre-schoolers, to 160 to 180x80 cm for school-age children. A 200x90 cm bed covers everything from nursery to teenage years, so many people choose it straight away to avoid buying again. A bed height of about 45 to 55 cm makes it easier for a small child to get in and out alone.

The top bunk is intended for children aged six and over, because almost half of bunk bed injuries happen to younger children who do not yet have the coordination to climb up and down safely. The bed must have a guard rail on both sides that rises at least 13 cm above the mattress, and a stable, well-fixed ladder. Never put a small child on the top bunk.

Most children move to a bed between about eighteen months and three and a half years, most often around two and a half to three. The signs are climbing out of the cot, giving up nappies and outgrowing the cot. If a younger sibling is on the way, start the move two to three months earlier so the change is not linked to the baby.

The most common choices are E1-class chipboard, MDF and solid wood, which is the most durable and healthiest but also the most expensive. With board materials look for low formaldehyde emissions, that is E1 class from reputable manufacturers. Whatever the material, choose rounded edges, a stable construction that can be fixed to the wall and non-toxic finishes.

Divide the room into three zones, for sleeping, play and study, so the child links each part to its purpose. In small rooms go vertical, with wall shelves and a tall or corner wardrobe, and choose a bed with storage drawers. For two children a bunk bed saves the most floor space, and layered lighting covers different parts of the day.