How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft and bunk beds can add fun and functionality in the room for kids. They can also help save space.
Find bunk beds that are able to be moved like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that's easily removed. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be divided to create two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll want to think about size design, style, and security when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Make sure you check the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, ensure that there is best bunk beds for teenager around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be enough apart that kids can climb and descend safely and not collide with each other or crash into the walls. Additionally, you should determine if the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the bottom one, so that you can avoid the need for a trundle, or an additional bed in the future.
You could also choose a different shape for your bunk one that is more suited to your space. An L-shaped bunk bed could be the perfect choice for a small space or a guest room that is shared by two people. It will save space on the floor, and also accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the upper and lower levels depending on the model you pick.
Many of the best bunk bed for teens are built to grow with your child by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to transition to an adult bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance is an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curved headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom, leaving more floor space for children to play on.
A loft bed is a different option that can maximize the corner space in rooms that are tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces since it doesn't take up as much vertical room and allows the bottom level to be used for desks as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's also a good choice for older children since it doesn't require you to use an elevator or ladder, making it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, check it out in your kids bedroom using blue painter's tape to determine how high it will be above the ground. This will give you an idea of whether it can be easily climbed into and out at night without bumping heads 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 prevent entrapment or falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are an ideal option for families with children of all age groups. However, it is essential to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You should look for beds with rails that are high enough to prevent kids from falling off or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleep surface too high. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.
When you are choosing a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications 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 provide the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladders or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles for safety. It is also recommended to avoid bunks that have slatted sides as they could be dangerous for kids to climb up and down, particularly in the case where the slats haven't been tightly connected. If your children love to play on the ground, pick a bunk with a low slung that lets them play and sit without being too far from the ground.
Pick an L-shaped bed if don't have much space in the room of your child or if you do not want it to take up a lot of space. These are smaller in size and are usually as wide as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for younger children who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.
If you have a little more room, go for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. They are typically the safest and most stylish bunk beds on the market, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will expand with kids as they get older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it is available in a variety of color options.
Style
The right bunk bed can keep teens content regardless of whether it's the shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds are also available in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin over full style is popular for tweens because it gives them room to sleep two kids in a single room, and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers in the bottom. There are some options with trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says that teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed since it occupies less space and gives them the space to spread out or work at home. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most durable adult-sized bunk," she adds.
If you want a cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are designed with a ladder at their end. This provides a more modern look and more room for a desk or dresser. They aren't as space-saving as bunk beds however they do allow teens to have more space in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed if you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable, so they can be moved around when you're planning to redesign your child's bedroom in the future. They're not as sturdy as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and are easier to climb, while stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for smaller kids. Some models can be transformed into a chair or desk so that your child can have the perfect bedroom set that can be used for study and play.
Budget
When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's crucial to consider your budget. There are many inexpensive options available, but if you need a bed that will endure through your teens and on into adulthood, it's worth paying more for a quality product that can be used for a long time.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements could be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room and a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults looking to save space and avoid the cost of purchasing an additional queen or king-sized mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, it may be better to select a layout that is lower than the ground.
The best bunk bed for teens is a good value and one that is able to expand with them. Look for a style that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or go with something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds in case you're looking to alter your space down the road. This design has a modern elegant, clean-lined design with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. It could be drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom tidy and free of clutter. It's also helpful for those with a smaller space. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some come with additional storage accessories like bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.
