Searching for a Thrifty Bed
August 14, 2007 by Karen Weideman
Filed under frugal living, saving money, shopping
Our daughter just turned 4-years-old. Although she is small for her age, I felt it was time to move her out of the toddler bed and into a “big bed”. Her toddler bed was cute though. It was a cottage bed; you know, the pink one with the roof and shutters. Best of all, it was a hammy down, so it was free!
I began asking around to friends and relatives so see if they had a bed to donate to us. I was looking for a daybed, bunk bed set, twin bed with trundle, or queen size bed. I needed something that would sleep more than one person so that Cuddlebug could bunk with Alligator when we have company.
We had no luck getting one from a friend or relative, so I placed an ad on Freecycle. Still no luck, so my hubby and I went to the furniture stores and about croaked at what we saw. Beds are expensive! We looked at bunk beds and children’s furniture. I just couldn’t see paying that much money.
We decided to hold off on getting anything just yet. Then on my way to church one Sunday night, I saw that Big Lots was having 20% off everything in the store. I told my hubby about the sale because I remember seeing a bunk bed set in there for $200. It wasn’t exactly what I wanted, but it was solid pine, which is more than I can say for some other stuff we saw in the furniture stores.
I decided to go to Big Lots after church to take a look at the bed again. The store was getting ready to close, so I decided to go ahead and buy the bed with the 20% discount and pick it up later. That would give me some time to think over the decision.
We decided to keep the bed. Hubby put it together the night of my interview with Cooper Lawrence. He pulled the bed out of the box to put it together and realized that the bed needed more support. The bed only came with about 8 wooden slats. DH decided to put all the slats on the top bunk and to have more made from the bottom bunk with 1×4’s. I went to Home Depot and the guy was nice enough to help me and cut the boards for me, although I was nervous because I wanted to have plenty of time to think before my interview.
With hubby’s modifications the bed is nice and sturdy. I will tell you that to save money, you should can have plywood cut instead of buying the bunker boards, which are $40 each.
We were even able to get the Sealy or Serta? mattresses 20% off at Big Lots. I got the twin bunk bed set and 2 twin mattresses for about $320 (without tax). Not bad, I don’t think. To go along with the beds, I picked up 2 twin bed sets 1/2 price at Linens and Things. They were only $30 each. The beds, mattresses, bedding , and wood only cost us about $420. I’m pleased with our purchase and so is Alligator.
We’ve been dealing with the same bed shopping issues and the adaptation tip will really help us. Thanks.
I will chekc out the outlet in town. They usually have bunk beds for $100. I will keep my eye out at Once upon a child. I wish I had known. I passed up on an adorable Princess bed for only $120. It would have solved your problem and I had a 20% off coupon. Sorry for the late news.
If you have one close to you Ikea is always a good place to look for deals. I saw a metal bunk the other day for about $175. Their kid stuff is really cute and unique too! They sometimes have great prices on big people furniture as well.