How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft bed can add fun and functionality in the room for kids. They also can help save space.
Look for bunk beds that can be adapted, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or trundles that are easily removed. There are also stacked twins which can be separated to make two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
You'll want to think about the size, style, and safety when choosing a adult bunkbed for your children. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough space around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be placed sufficiently apart that children are able to safely go up and down without having to collide with each other or the walls. It is also important to determine if the top bunk bed can be able to support a mattress of similar to that of the lower one. This will help you avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the near future.
You can also pick a bunk design that isn't traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For example, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can help save space on the floor, and also accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both upper and lower levels depending on the model you choose.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time for them to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example it has a classic farmhouse style with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This gives more room for kids to play.
Another option is a loft bed, that maximizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces since it doesn't take up the same amount of vertical space and allows the lower levels to be used for desks as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's also a good choice for older children because it doesn't require them to climb stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will give you a sense of whether it could be easily climbed in and out of at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. In addition, you should ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds, which establish standards for guardrails and other features that prevent entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to take into consideration the safety features when buying. You'll need a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to stop children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that does not elevate the sleeping surface excessively. Also, be aware of the weight capacity, since certain bunks are less able than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available regarding mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed and the bunk bed.
The most suitable bunk beds are sturdy and have stairs or ladders that is securely attached to the frame and has handles on the sides. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides, because they are dangerous for children to climb up and down, especially if the slats aren't tightly connected. If your children love to play on the ground, choose a bunk with a low slung that allows them to play and sit without having to be too far off the ground.
If you're limited in space or do not want to occupy too much space in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less space and are usually only larger than a single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with small ceilings. They're also more suitable for younger kids, who might feel intimidated by a bunk that is higher.
If you're looking for a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best bunk beds for kids option. 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 elegant and sturdy choice that can grow with your child as they grow. 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 comes in a variety of colors.
Style
If it's an entire room or just one kid, the right bunk bed for teens will provide something to be excited about. Many designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in different sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full, and even queen. A twin over full style is a favorite among teens because it allows them to accommodate two children in the same room and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the bottom. Some options have trundle beds which allow the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says that teens like a twin-over-king loft bed since it occupies less space and provides them with more space to spread out or work at home. A bunk bed made of metal with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy grown-up bunk beds online available," she adds.
Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, 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 room to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as effective at saving space as a traditional bunk, but they're an attractive option for teenagers that offers more room to move around in their rooms.
You should consider a futon bunk if you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are compact and portable, so they can be moved around if you're looking to revamp your child's room in the near future. However they're not as strong like a metal or wood bunk bed, and they don't come with guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs on the other hand, could be used as a seating area by younger children. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair to allow your child to have the ideal bedroom set that can be used for play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's crucial 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 through the teens and into adulthood, it's worth spending more for a quality product that can be used for years.
Before you shop bunk beds, consider who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs could be. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults who wish to make space and avoid the cost of buying an additional queen or king 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 choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.
The most suitable bunk beds for teens are ones which are priced at a reasonable price and can adapt to the teenager. Select a style that can work in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two beds, if needed. This design has a modern sleek, clean lines, boucle upholstered guardrails and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.
A bunk bed that has built-in storage is another option to save money. It could be drawers under the lower bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will help you keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free. It's also helpful for those with a smaller space. Many of the bunks listed on our list have this option, and a few come with additional storage options such as a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.