How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and function to children's rooms. They can also help to save space.
Find bunks designed to be flexible, such as bottom storage drawers or a trundle bed which is easy to remove and stacked twins that can be divided into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll want to think about the dimensions, style, and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your kids. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be placed apart enough that children can safely get up and down without having to collide with one another or the walls. Also, you'll want to determine whether the top bunk can support a mattress of the same size as the bottom one so you won't need for a trundle, or an extra bed in the future.
You may also opt for a bunk shape that is not traditional and suited to your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be the perfect choice for small spaces or a guest room shared by two people. It saves the floor space and can also accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on the lower and upper levels, based on the model you pick.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens are made to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to move up to a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance, features a classic farmhouse style with curved headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for kids to play.
Another alternative is a loft bed which maximizes corner space in rooms that are tween. It's a great option for smaller spaces because it doesn't require the same amount of vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children as it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder and makes it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.
Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, try it out in your kids' bedroom with blue painter's adhesive to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will help you determine whether it's possible to climb up and down at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. You should also take into consideration the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails as well as features that protect against falls and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are an ideal option for families with children of all different ages. However, it's essential to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll want to look for a bed with guard rails that are high enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleeping surface too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.
When you are choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check its manufacturer's website for specifications regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and typically list the total bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your kids love playing on the ground, opt for a low-slung bottom bunk so that they can play and sit without being too high off the floor.
Pick an L-shaped mattress if you don't have a lot of space in the room of your child or if you don't want it to take up lots of space. They take up less space and are typically only as wide as one single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with small ceilings. They're also suitable for children of smaller age who may be scared of higher bunks.
If you need a bit more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. They are typically the safest and most fashionable bunk beds on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will grow with children as they get older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made from sustainably sourced Baltic birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.
Style
It's for a shared room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed for teens will provide something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek, minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with tweens because it permits them to sleep two children in the same space, while leaving enough space for a desk dresser, or storage drawers in the lower part. Some options come with trundle bed that allows the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress.
Tweens also love a twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, says Fenton. A bunk bed made of metal with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.
Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is basically a raised platform bed. These beds have the ladder on the end giving it a more sleek look and gives more space for a dresser or desk beneath. They're not as efficient at conserving space as a traditional bunk, but they're an attractive option for teens that gives them more space to move around in their rooms.
If you're looking for an affordable bed that will provide plenty of safety and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are compact and portable and can be moved around when you want to redecorate your child's space in the future. However, they're not as durable like a metal or wood bunk bed and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, could be used as a seating area by younger children. Some models can be converted into a table or chair to let your child have the ideal bedroom set-up for play and study.
Budget
When choosing a bunk bed, it's crucial to think about your budget. Although there are plenty of inexpensive options out there, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that will last into the teens (or even adulthood), it may be worth paying a bit more for a better design that can be used for years to come.
Before you start shopping, consider who will be sleeping on the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for families with multiple children, while a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who wish to make space and avoid the expense of buying a separate queen or king mattress. It is also important to determine how much headroom you want between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.
The ideal bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Select a style that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds if needed. This design features a contemporary sleek, clean lines as well as boucle upholstered guardrails a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is another way to save money. This can include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom tidy and clutter-free. It's also helpful in the case of a small room. Many of the bunks in our list have this feature. Some even offer additional storage options, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.