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 can also help in reducing space.
Choose bunk beds that are flexible like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that is easily removed. You can also find twins that are stacked, which can be separated to create two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll need to take into consideration the dimensions, style, and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your kids. Examine the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be placed apart enough that kids can safely move up and down and not hit one another or the walls. Also, you'll want to determine whether the top bunk can support mattresses similar to the bottom one, so that you don't have to pay for a trundle or another extra bed in the future.
You may also opt for a bunk design that is not traditional and suited to your space better. For example an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. It saves floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, based on the model you pick.
Many of the best bunk bed for teens are designed 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. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style 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 creates more space for children to play.
Another alternative is a loft bed, that maximizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's a great option for smaller spaces because it doesn't require as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a good choice for older children because it doesn't require them to use an elevator or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will give you a feel of whether it could be easily climbed into and out of at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You'll also want to 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 can be the ideal choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's essential to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll need to find bunk beds with guardrails that are tall enough to stop children from falling over or getting trapped as well as a mattress that doesn't raise up the sleeping surface excessively. Be sure to be aware of the capacity for weight, as some bunks are less able than others.
When selecting a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and will typically list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best childrens bunk beds bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for security. You should also avoid any bunks that have slatted sides as they can be dangerous for kids to climb up and down, especially when the slats aren't securely fitted together. If your children love to play on the ground, pick a bunk with a low slung that lets them play and sit without having to be too far off the ground.
Choose an L-shaped bed 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 are smaller in size and are usually only larger than a single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with narrow ceilings. They're also more practical for younger kids, who might feel intimidated by the higher bunk.
If you have more space, you can opt for a full-over-full best bunk bed bed. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that can grow with your child's growth. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemical. It is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.
Style
The right bunk bed can make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's a shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in many sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with tweens because it permits them to sleep two kids in the same space, while still leaving space for a desk dresser, or drawers for storage at the bottom. Some options have trundle beds which allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says that tweens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed because 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 choice for older children because they're "built to last and are the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.
Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at their end. This provides a more modern look and more space to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as efficient at conserving space like a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teens that gives them more room to move around in their rooms.
If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that can offer plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and adaptable which means you can move them around in case your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the future. However they're not as sturdy as a wood or metal bunk bed and don't have guardrails on the top bed.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and are easier to climb, while stairs are safer and can double as a seating area for younger children. Some models are even able to convert into a chair and desk which allows your child to create the ultimate bedroom suite for study time and playtime.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to consider your budget when you shop. There are many inexpensive options available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will last into the teens and even into adulthood, you should consider spending an extra amount for a quality product that can be used for years.
Before you begin shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their needs for sleep might be. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings who share a bedroom, while full over full bunk is perfect for adults looking to save space or reduce the cost of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you might want to select a layout that is lower than the ground.
The ideal bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that is able to grow with them. Choose a style that will fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two beds if needed. This style features a modern, clean-lined silhouette as well as boucle upholstered guardrails a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.
Another way to save money is to choose a bunk that has built-in storage options, like drawers beneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. 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 options like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.