How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft and bunk beds can bring fun and utility in the room for kids. They can also help to reduce space.
Find bunk beds that are able to be moved like ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that is easy to take off. There are also stacked twins which can be separated to create two separate beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.
Size
When you're choosing a bunk bed for your kids you should consider size, style, and safety. Consider the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will fit into your space. Make sure that there's enough space for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be spaced enough apart to allow kids to move up and down with ease and not run into each other or smash into the walls. Also, you'll want to determine whether the top bunk is able to support a mattress similar to the bottom one so you don't have to pay for a trundle, or an extra bed in the future.
You can also choose an arrangement for your bunk that isn't conventional and suited to your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be perfect for small spaces or a guest room that is shared by two people. It saves the floor space and can fit a queen or twin over full mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you choose.
Many of the best bunk bed desk bunk beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance it has the classic farmhouse look with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for kids to play.
Another option is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in rooms that are tween. It's ideal for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's a great choice for older children since it doesn't require a ladder or stairway and makes it more accessible to large children and adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom with blue painter tape. This will give you a sense of whether it is easily climbed in and out of at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You should also consider the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features that protect against falls and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to consider the safety features when buying. You'll need to choose bunk beds with railings that are high enough to stop children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that does not raise the sleeping surface excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.
When you are choosing a bunk bed, check its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure security. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides as they could be dangerous for children to climb up and down, particularly when the slats aren't securely fitted together. If your kids love playing on the ground, opt for a low-slung bottom bunk so that they can sit and play without being too high off the ground.
Consider an L-shaped bed if you don't have much space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it taking up a lot of space. They require less floor space and are usually the same size as a single bed making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for children of smaller age who may be scared of high bunk beds.
If you require a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best choice. These are usually the safest and most stylish bunk beds on the market and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that will grow with your child as they grow. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemical. It is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.
Style
The ideal bunk bed will make teens happy regardless of whether it's the shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalist while others are 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 allows them to sleep two children in the same space and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers on the lower level. There are some options that include a trundle bed that allows the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress.
Fenton says teens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it takes up less space and gives them more space to spread out and work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice 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 essentially a raised platform bed. They're designed with a ladder at their end. This gives them a sleeker look and more room for a desk or dresser. They're not as good for conserving space as a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teenagers that offers more space in their rooms.
Consider a futon bunk If you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are compact and portable and can be moved around if you want to redecorate your child's space in the near future. However they're not as strong as a metal or wood bunk bed, and they don't come with guardrails for 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 also be used as seats for children younger than. Some models are even able to convert into a desk and chair and allow your child to create the perfect bedroom space for study time and playtime.
Budget
A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to consider your budget when buying. There are many cheap options available, if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that is designed to last through the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying more for a better design that can be used for many years to come.
Before you begin shopping think about who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs could be. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings who share bedrooms, while the full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults looking to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.
The best bunk bed brands bunk beds for teenagers are those that offer a good price and are able to grow with the teenager. Pick a design that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds if needed. This style features a modern elegant, clean-lined design with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk beds best buy bed that has built-in storage is a different way to save money. This can include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and is especially beneficial if you're working with smaller space. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.