How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can add fun and utility to rooms for kids. They also can help in reducing space.
Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers that store items in the bottom and a trundle bed that's easy to remove, and twin beds that can be divided into two separate beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When selecting a bunk bed for your children, you'll want to consider the size, style and security. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be placed far enough apart so that children are able to safely go up and down without having to hit one another or the walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk can support a mattress the same size as that of the bottom one. This will help you avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the near future.
You may also opt for an arrangement for your bunk that isn't traditional, if it suits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be perfect for a small space or an area that is shared by two people. It is a great way to save floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on each of the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you select.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs by converting into two independent beds when it's the right time to move to a normal double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This creates more space for kids to play.
A loft bed is an alternative option that maximizes the space around corners in tween-rooms. It's great for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's an excellent choice for older children since it doesn't require a ladder or stairway, making it more accessible to adults and children of larger sizes.
Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, check it out in your kids' bedroom with blue painter's adhesive to see how high it will rise off the ground. This will let you know whether it's possible to climb up and down at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. Also, it is important to ensure your family's safety is on your 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 a great choice for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to take into consideration the security features when you shop. You should look for a bed with rails that are high enough to stop children from falling or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleeping surface too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have smaller weight limits than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out the specifications available for mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed as well as the bunk.
The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladders or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure safety. Avoid bunks that have slatted sides because they are dangerous for children to climb up or down, particularly if the slats aren't tightly connected. If your kids love playing on the ground, go for a lower-slung bunk to allow them to sit up and play without being too high off the ground.
Consider an L-shaped mattress if you don't have much space in the room of your child or if you don't want it taking up much space. These take up less floor space and are usually the same size as a single bed, so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for children who might be intimidated by higher bunks.
If you require a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best choice. They are generally the most secure and stylish bunk beds that are available, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that can grow with kids as they get older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. 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
The right bunk bed can keep teens content regardless of whether it's in a shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds come in different sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin over full design is a favorite among teens because it gives them room to sleep two children in a single room, and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. There are some options that include a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to fit an extra mattress.
Fenton says teens love a twin-over-king loft bed because it occupies less space and gives them more room to spread out or work at home. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is another popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last, and is the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.
Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design, which is basically a raised platform bed. The beds feature a ladder on the end that gives an elegant look and gives more space for a desk or dresser under. These beds are not as space-saving as a bunk bed however, they can 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 small and flexible which means you can move them around if your kids want to redecorate their rooms in the near future. However, they're not as durable like a metal or wood bunk bed and they don't have guardrails on the top bed.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and are easier to climb. Stairs are safer and can double as a seat for younger children. Some models can be transformed into a desk or chair to let your child have the perfect bedroom set for both play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is a major purchase, so it's essential to consider your budget when you shop. Although there are plenty of cheap options available, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that can last through the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying a bit more for a better design that can be used for years to come.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs might be prior to shopping. best place for bunk beds -overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing bedrooms, while a full over full bunk is ideal for adults who are looking to save space or reduce the cost of a separate queen bed. It is also important to determine the amount of headroom you'd like between the top and bottom bunks--if kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example, it might be best to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.
The most suitable bunk beds for teens are ones that are affordable and can grow with the teen. Choose a design that is suitable for both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds if you're looking to alter your space in the future. This design features a contemporary elegant, clean-lined design, boucle upholstered guardrails and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another option to save money is to locate a bunk with built-in storage, for example drawers under the bed or shelving down below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also useful in the case of a small space. Many of the bunks listed on our list come with this feature, and some come with additional storage options such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.