How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can be a great way to add fun and function in the room for kids. They also can help save space.
Look for bunks that are designed with flexibility, like bottom storage drawers, a trundle bed that's easy to take down, and twin beds that can be split into two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When you're choosing bunk beds for your kids You'll need to think about the size, style and security. Look at the ceiling height to ensure the bunks are suitable for your space. Make sure that there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be far enough apart to allow kids to get up and down safely and not collide with each other or crash into the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is the same size as that of the lower one. This will help you avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the near future.
You can also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape, which may be better for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be perfect for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It saves the floor space and can fit a queen or twin over full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you pick.
Many of the best bunk bed for teens are made to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to an adult bed. For instance, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This leaves more space for children to play.
Another alternative is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in rooms that are tween. It's ideal for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great option for older kids because it doesn't require you to use stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room using blue painter tape. This will help you determine whether it's safe to climb up and down at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Also, it is important to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. They establish standards for guardrails and other features to prevent entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, but it's important to take into consideration the security features when you shop. You should look for a bed with rails that are tall enough to prevent kids from falling off or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't raise the bed's surface too high. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have less weight limits than others.
When choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer for details regarding the mattress's dimensions 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 top bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.
The ideal bunk beds will be sturdy and have stairs or ladders that is securely attached to the frame, and has handles on the sides. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides, because they are dangerous for kids to climb up and down, particularly when the slats aren't securely connected. If your kids love to play on the ground, select a low-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without being too far from the ground.
If you're limited in space or do not want to occupy too much space in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less space and are usually only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with small ceilings. They're also suitable for children of smaller age who might be intimidated by the higher bunks.
If you have more room, go for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used for full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will expand with kids as they grow older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made from sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in multiple color options.
Style
The ideal bunk bed will keep teens content regardless of whether it's in the bedroom of a couple or only one child. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in different sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular for tweens because it gives them room to accommodate two children in the same room and still leaves space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers at the bottom. Some designs come with a Trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress.
Fenton says teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed since it occupies less space and gives them more space to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.
For a really cool bunk, think about an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. The beds feature a ladder at the end, which gives it a more sleek look and gives more space for a dresser or desk underneath. They aren't as space-saving as bunk beds, but they allow teens to have more space in their rooms.
You should consider a futon bunk if you want a bunk bed uk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable and can be moved them around in case your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the future. They're not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one isn't equipped with guardrails.
Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can be used as seats for children younger than. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair to allow your child to have the ultimate bedroom set-up for play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is an expensive purchase, so it's essential to consider your budget when buying. There are many inexpensive options available, but if are looking for a bunk bed that will endure through your teens and on into adulthood, it's worth paying an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used indefinitely.
Before you shop think about who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs could be. For instance, a twin over a twin configuration is great for rooms with siblings and a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who want to make space and avoid the cost of purchasing a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll also have to decide how much headroom you want between the bunks at the top and bottom. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.
The best bunk beds for teens are ones that offer a good price and can grow with the teenager. Choose a style that will work in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds, if needed. This style features a modern, clean-lined silhouette with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.
A bunk bed that has built-in storage is an additional way to save money. This could include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves below the top. This will allow you to make your bedroom less cluttered, and is particularly useful when you have a small space. Many of the bunks in our list feature this feature. Some come with additional storage accessories, such as headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.