The History Of Best Bunk Beds For Teens

How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and function to rooms for kids. They can also help reduce space.

Choose bunks that are built with flexibility, such as bottom storage drawers and a trundle bed that's easily removed and stacked twins that can be split into two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When you're choosing bunk beds for your kids you should consider the size, style and security. Check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough space around the bunks for children to move around. The beds should be spaced sufficiently apart that kids can safely move up and down and not collide with one another or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can support a mattress similar to that of the lower one. This will help you avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle later on.

You can also pick an arrangement for your bunk that isn't conventional and suited to your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed can be ideal for small spaces or a guest room shared by two people. It will save the floor space and can accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you select.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are made to grow with your child by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to move up to an adult bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired style with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails that run along 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 alternative is a loft bed which maximizes corner space in rooms with tweens. It's ideal for smaller spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a good choice for older kids because it doesn't require you to use an elevator or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, test it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will allow you to determine whether it's safe to climb up and down at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. Also, it is important to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds. These regulations set standards for guardrails and other features that prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to consider the security features when you shop bunk beds. You'll want to look for a bed with rails that are high enough to prevent children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have less weight limits than others.

When you are choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer for details on the mattress sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress can be, and will typically list the total bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladders or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure security. It is also recommended to avoid bunks that have slatted sides as they could be dangerous for children to climb up or down, especially in the case where the slats haven't been tightly connected. If your children love to play on the ground, choose a low-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without being too far off the floor.

If you have a limited space or do not want to occupy the entire space of the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less space and are usually only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them suitable for small rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for children of smaller age who might be intimidated by higher bunks.

If you need a bit more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. They are typically the safest and most elegant bunk beds available that are available, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will grow with children as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattress (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, and it is available in a variety of color options.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will keep teens content, whether it's in a shared bedroom or for only one child. A lot of designs are sleek and minimalist and some have more playful elements. Bunk beds also come in different sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. A twin over full style is popular for tweens because it gives them room to accommodate two children in the same room and still has room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper level to fit an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Tweens also love an over-king twin loft bed that occupies less floor space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and is the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the end that gives an elegant look and gives more space for a dresser or desk under. They aren't as spacious as a bunk bed however, they can allow teens to have more space in their rooms.

If you're looking for an affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of safety and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are compact and versatile and can be moved them around if your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the future. They're not as sturdy as metal or wood bunk beds and the top bed does not have guardrails.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are smaller and are more convenient to climb, while stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller children. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair to let your child have the ultimate bedroom set for both study and play.

Budget

When choosing a bunk bed, it's essential to consider your budget. There are a variety of affordable bunk beds for kids options available, but if are looking for a bunk bed that will last into the teens and into adulthood, it's worth spending more for a quality product that can be used indefinitely.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be prior to shopping. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for rooms with siblings, while a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults looking to make space and avoid the cost of buying a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.

The ideal bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option and one that will grow with them. Look for a style that is suitable for both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be split into two separate twin beds should you're looking to alter your space in the future. This style has a sleek, modern bunk beds design, boucle-upholstered railings and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

Another way to save money is to locate a bunk with built-in storage options, like drawers beneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom tidy and clutter-free. It's also useful in the case of a small room. Many of the bunks on our list come with this option, and a few offer additional storage options such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.