How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and function to rooms for kids. They can also help save space.
Choose bunks that are built with flexibility, such as drawers that store items in the bottom and a trundle bed that's easily removed and stacked twins that can be separated into two beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll want to think about the size, style, and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your kids. Take a look at the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to fit into your space. Also, make sure there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be spaced sufficiently apart that children can safely get up and down without having to hit each other or the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is similar to the size of the lower one. This will allow you to avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the near future.
You may also opt for a bunk shape that is not traditional and suited to your space better. A bunk bed with an L shape can be ideal for a small space or an area that is shared by two people. It can save 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 choose.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's the right time to move to a normal double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance is a classic farmhouse style with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom with more space for kids to play on.
Another option is a loft bed which optimizes corner spaces in rooms that are tween. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical space and allows the lower levels to be used as a desk and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's a great option for older children since it doesn't require a ladder or stairway which makes it more accessible for larger children and adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room using blue painter tape. This will give you a sense of whether it is easily climbed into and out of at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You should also think about the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features that stop falls or 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 choose beds with rails that are tall enough to keep children from falling over or becoming trapped, and a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available on mattresses and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. best space saving bunk beds 'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed and the bunk.
The ideal bunk beds will be sturdy and have stairs or ladders that is attached securely to the frame and comes with handles on the sides. Avoid bunks with slatted sides as they can be dangerous for kids to climb up or down, especially in the case where the slats haven't been tightly joined. If your children like to play on the ground, select a low-slung bunk that lets them play and sit without having to be too far off the ground.
Choose an L-shaped mattress if you do not have enough space in the room of your child or if you do not want it to take up much space. They require less space and are typically only as wide as one single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with narrow ceilings. They're also ideal for younger kids, who might be scared of a higher bunk.
If you need a bit more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will grow with children as they grow older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of harmful chemicals. It's made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.
Style
A good bunk bed can make teens happy regardless of whether it's in a shared bedroom or for just one child. Many designs are minimalist and sleek, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds also come in various sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with teens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same space while still leaving space for a desk dresser, or storage drawers at the bottom. There are some options with Trundle beds that permit the upper level to fit an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Teens also adore the twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and is the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.
Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is essentially a raised platform bed. They have a ladder on the end giving an elegant look and makes room for a dresser or desk beneath. They're not as good for conserving space as a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teenagers that offers 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 lightweight and adaptable, so you can move them around if your kids want to redecorate their rooms in the future. However they're not as strong as a wood or metal bunk bed and do not have guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can also be used as seats by younger children. Some models can even be capable of being converted into a desk and chair which allows your child to have the perfect bedroom space for study time and playtime.
Budget
When choosing a bunk bed, it's important to consider your budget. There are many inexpensive options available, but if you want a bunk bed to endure through your teens and on into adulthood, it's worth spending an extra amount for a quality product that can be used for years.
Before you begin shopping think about who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their needs for sleep might be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing bedrooms, while the full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who want to save space or reduce the cost of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you may want to choose a bed that is lower to the ground.
The ideal bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option, and one that can adapt to their needs. Find a design that works in traditional and modern rooms, or go with something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be split into two separate twin beds should you want to change the layout of your space later on. This design has a clean-lined contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is an additional option to save money. This could include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and it's especially useful when you have smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and a few offer additional storage options like an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.