How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft bed can be a great way to add fun and function in the children's room. They also can help save space.
Look for bunks that are built with flexibility, such as drawers for storage at the bottom and a trundle bed that's easy to remove, and twins that stack and can be split into two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll need to consider the dimensions as well as style and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Make sure you check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be spaced enough apart that kids can move up and down with ease and not run into each other or crash into the walls. It is also important to determine if the top bunk bed can support a mattress the same size as that of the bottom one. This will allow you to avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the near future.
You could also choose a different shape for your bunk that is suitable for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be perfect for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It saves floor space and can accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you choose.
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 an adult bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the bottom and top beds, leaving more floor space for children to play on.
A loft bed is a different option that maximizes the space at the corner in rooms that are tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical room and allows the lower levels to be used as a desk as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's a great option for older children because it eliminates the use of a ladder or stairway, making it more accessible for large children and adults.
Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, try it out in your kids bedroom using blue painter's tape to see how high it will be above the ground. This will let you know whether it's possible to climb up and down at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. You'll also want to take into consideration the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features that prevent entrapment or falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it's essential to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll need bunk beds with guardrails that are high enough to stop children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not elevate the sleeping surface excessively. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to see the specifications available for mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.
The ideal bunk beds will be sturdy and have a ladder or stair that is secured to the frame and comes with handles on the sides. Avoid bunks that have slatted sides as they can be dangerous for kids to climb up or down, especially when the slats aren't securely joined. If your kids love playing on the ground, go for a lower-slung bunk to allow them to play and sit without being too high off the ground.
Pick an L-shaped bed if don't have much space in your child's bedroom or if you do not want it to take up much space. They are smaller in size and are usually only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with narrow ceilings. They are also suitable for younger children who might be intimidated by the higher bunks.
If you have more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used as twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will grow with children as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemicals. It is made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.
Style
Whether it's for the shared room or one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist while others are more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. A twin over full style is a favorite among teens because it allows them to sleep two kids in the same space and still has room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers at the lower level. best bunk beds for small rooms bunkbedsstore have trundle beds which allow the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Tweens also love an over-king twin loft bed that occupies less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is another popular option for older children because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy, grown-up bunk," she adds.
For a truly cool bunk, consider a l-shaped or T-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the top giving the appearance of a sleeker design and allows more room for a desk or dresser beneath. They're not as effective at saving space like a traditional bunk but they're an attractive option for teens, and give them more room to move around in their rooms.
Consider a futon bunk If you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are portable and compact and can be moved around in case you're looking to revamp your child's space in the near future. They're not as sturdy as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one isn't equipped with guardrails.
Bunks that include ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and are more convenient to climb, while stairs are safer and can double as a seat for younger children. Some models can be transformed into a chair or desk to allow your child to have the ultimate bedroom set that can be used for play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to take into consideration your budget when buying. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if want a bunk bed to last through the teens and on into adulthood, it's worth paying an extra amount for a high-quality product that can be used for a long time.
Before you begin shopping think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs might be. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings who share a bedroom, while the full-over-full bunk is a great option for adults who are looking to reduce space or the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it may be better to go with a lower-to ground configuration.
The ideal bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that is able to grow with them. Choose a design that works in traditional and modern rooms, or go with something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds if you're looking to alter your space later on. This design features a clean, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb and descend and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. It could be drawers beneath the bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom tidy and clutter-free. It's also useful if you have a small room. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some come with additional storage options, such as a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.