By stacking one bed over another bunk beds are a fantastic space saving solution that are always popular with kids. In fact the top bunk is usually so popular that you'll have to use all your negotiating skills to decide who gets to sleep below.

However, if you're looking to try and save money on a bunk bed you should familiarise yourself with the pitfalls of buying cheap first - just like any other product on the market, when choosing a bunk bed you'll have a balance between price, quality and availability.

The safety aspects of a bunk bed are paramount and so when looking for a cheap bunk bed remember that there's no such thing as a free lunch - if it really is dirt cheap then you may be risking you child's health - remember that one of the fun aspects of a bunk bed is its elevation, which is also a risk and a sturdy ladder and a safety rail are both of utmost importance.

In fact, instead of thinking "cheap bunk bed", perhaps you're better thing "bargain bunk bed" - what I mean is, instead of searching for potentially unsafe bunk you are doing you and your kid a favour if you find a high quality bunk at a discount.

Probably this limits you to two areas. The first is to find an online bargain because online retailers often offer quality beds at reduced prices due to their low overhead costs.

The second options is to look at the used bunk bed market - if you make a full inspection to make sure the bed is from a reputable manufacturer and is in good condition then your saving can be huge.

One other area in which bunk beds are useful is combining the functional aspects of a bed while making in fun to play - I'm thinking of a bunk bed with slide here and you may even be able to get your child out of bed in the morning simply by using the slide.

It also has the advantage of only having one bed, which is elevated, saving you from those tortuous arguments about who sleeps on top. The area under the bed can be used as a play den, or failing that, just for storage - you know it's a mess in there, but at least it'll be hidden from view.