How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and utility to children's rooms. They also can help in reducing space.
Look for bunk beds that are able to be moved, such as those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that is easy to remove. There are also twins that can be stacked and divided to create two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing a bunk bed for your kids You'll need to think about size, style, and safety. Examine the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks to allow children to move around. The beds should be spaced enough apart that kids can move up and down with ease and not run into one another or fall into the walls. Additionally, you should find out if the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so you don't have to pay for a trundle, or an extra bed in the near future.
You can also opt for a different shape for your bunk that is for your space. For example, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It is a great way to save the floor space and can also accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you choose.
Many of the best bunk bed for teens are designed to grow with your child, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the bottom and top beds, leaving more floor space for kids to play on.
Another option is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in tween rooms. It's ideal for smaller spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's a great choice for older children as it doesn't require stairs or ladders and makes it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room using blue painter tape. This will give you a sense of whether it can be easily climbed in and out at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You'll also want to take into consideration the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features to prevent entrapment or falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, but it's important to take into consideration the safety features when shopping. You'll need bunk beds with railings that are high enough to stop children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which does not raise the sleeping surface too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have a lower weight limit than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out what specifications are available regarding mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress can be, and will often list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best Bunk Beds Store beds will be sturdy and have stairs or ladders that is securely attached to the frame and has side handles. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, particularly if they're not securely joined. If your children love to play on the ground, choose an un-slung bunk that lets them play and sit without being too far off the floor.
If you're limited in space or don't want to take up the entire space of your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less space and are generally about the same size as a single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with narrow ceilings. They are also suitable for younger children who might be intimidated by higher bunks.
If you're looking for a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. These are usually the most secure and elegant bunk beds available that are available, and they 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 mattress (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.
Style
It's for the shared room or one kid, the right bunk bed will give teens something to be happy about. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, such as twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with tweens because it permits the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space while leaving enough room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers in the lower part. There are some options that include a Trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress.
Fenton says that tweens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed since it occupies less space and gives them more room to spread out or work at home. A metal bunk bed with an extended guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last, and is the most durable grown-up bunk available," she adds.
Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the end that gives it a more sleek look and allows more room for a dresser or desk beneath. These beds are not as space-saving as a bunk bed, but they give teens more room in their rooms.
If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of safety and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are compact and versatile and can be moved them around if your kids want to redecorate their rooms in the future. However, they're not as durable as a metal or wood bunk bed and don't have guardrails on the top bed.
Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and can be more convenient to climb, while stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller kids. Some models are even able to convert into a desk and chair, allowing your child to have the perfect bedroom set-up for study time and playtime.
Budget
When shopping for a bunk bed, it's essential to think about your budget. Although there are plenty of cheap options available, if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that will last until the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying extra for a quality design that will be used for a long time.
Before you begin shopping take into consideration who will be using the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs might be. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room, while a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults looking to make space and avoid the expense of buying a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.
The best bunk beds for teens are ones that are affordable and can grow with the teen. Select a style that can work in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two twin beds if needed. This design has a clean-lined modern design, boucle-upholstered railings, and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb and descend, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is another way to save money. It could be drawers beneath the bed, or shelves beneath the top. This can help you make your bedroom less cluttered, and is especially beneficial for those who have a small space. Many of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and some offer additional storage options such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.