How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and utility to children's rooms. They can also help save space.
Choose bunk beds that can be adapted, such as those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that is easy to take off. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be divided to create two separate beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing bunk beds for your children You'll need to think about size, style, and safety. Look at the ceiling height to ensure that the bunks will are suitable for your space. Make sure there's enough room for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be set far enough apart so that children are able to safely go up and down and not collide with one another or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is similar to the size of the lower one. This will help you avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the future.
You may also opt for an arrangement for your bunk that isn't traditional and suited to your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be ideal for a small space or a guest room shared by two people. It is a great way to save the floor space and can also accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on each of the lower and upper levels, based on the model you pick.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's the right time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance is a classic farmhouse style with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom and leaves more floor space for children to play on.
A loft bed is a different option that maximizes the space around corners in rooms with tweens. It's a great choice for smaller spaces because it doesn't take up as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk, dressers or storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children as it doesn't require stairs or ladders which makes it more accessible for larger children and adults.
Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, test it out in your kids bedroom using blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will give you an idea of whether it is easily climbed in and out at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. In addition, you should ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. They establish standards for guardrails and other features that prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features before buying. You'll need to choose bunk beds with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling over or getting trapped as well as a mattress that doesn't raise up the mattress too much. Also, pay attention to the capacity for weight, as some bunks have lower limits than others.
When you are choosing the bunk bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer to find specifications regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and they'll typically provide the total bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladders or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for security. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides, because they are unsafe for children to climb up or down, especially if the slats aren't tightly joined. If your children like to play on the ground, choose a low-slung bunk that lets them play and sit without being too far off the floor.
Consider 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 a lot of space. They take up less space and are typically only larger than a single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with small ceilings. They are also suitable for younger children who might be intimidated by high bunk beds.
If you're looking for a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used as twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that can grow with your child's development as they grow. It can even accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it is available in a variety of color options.
Style
It's for a shared room or just one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in many sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin over full style is popular with teens since it gives them room to sleep two kids in a single room, and still leaves space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. Certain designs have trundle beds which allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says that tweens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed because it takes up less space and gives them more room to spread out and work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.
Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically a raised platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at their end. This gives them a sleeker look and more room for a dresser or desk. They aren't as spacious as a bunk bed, but they give teens more room in their rooms.
If you're looking for an affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and portable and can be moved around if you want to redecorate your child's space in the future. However they're not as strong like a metal or wood bunk bed and don't have guardrails on the top bed.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can be used as seats for children younger than. Some models are even capable of converting into a chair and desk, allowing your child to create the perfect bedroom set-up to study or play.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's important to take into consideration your budget when shopping. Although there are plenty of affordable options but if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that is designed to last until the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying a little extra for a quality design that will be used for a long time.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be prior to shopping. 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 want to reduce space or the expense of a separate queen bed. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to select a layout that is lower than the ground.
The best bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that is able to grow with them. Select a style that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds if required. This design has a clean-lined modern design, boucle-upholstered railings, and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb and descend, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another way to save money is to locate a bunk that has built-in storage options, like drawers underneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also a good option in the case of a small space. Many of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some even come with additional storage accessories like bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.