How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft bed can be a great way to add fun and function in the kids' room. They can also help save space.
Choose bunk beds that can be adapted like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that is easy to remove. There are also twins that can be stacked and separated to make two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing bunk beds for your children you should consider size, style and safety. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be enough apart that kids can get up and down safely and not bump into one another or fall into walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is similar to the size of the bottom. This will allow you to avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.
You may also opt for a bunk design that is not traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For instance, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can save the floor space and can fit a queen or twin over full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, based on the model you choose.
Many of the best bunk beds best buy bed for teens are made to adapt to your child's needs by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to the size of a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance is a classic farmhouse style with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the bottom and top beds with more space for kids to play on.
Another option is a loft bed, that maximizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's a great choice for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical space and allows the lower levels to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's a great choice for older children since it doesn't require stairs or ladders and makes it more accessible for large children and adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room using blue painter tape. This will allow you to determine if it is possible to climb up and down at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. It is also important 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 prevent entrapment or falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, however, it is important to think about security features when you shop. You'll want to choose beds with rails that are tall enough to keep children from falling or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't elevate the bed's surface too high. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have less weight limits than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available on mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and they'll often list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.
The best solid wood bunk beds bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're poorly connected. If your children love playing on the ground, you should opt for a lower-slung bunk to let them play and sit without being too high off the floor.
If you're limited in space or don't want to take up too much room in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They require 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 ideal for children who might feel intimidated by a bunk that is higher.
If you have a little more space, you can opt for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. They are the most stylish and safe bunk beds available. They can be used for full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will grow with children as they age and even can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made from sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it comes in multiple color options.
Style
The ideal bunk bed will make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's the shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds are also available in various 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 room and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers at the lower level. Some options have trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Tweens also love the twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home, says Fenton. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is another popular option for older children because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.
For a truly cool bunk, think about an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the top, which gives the appearance of a sleeker design and allows more room for a dresser or desk underneath. These beds are not as spacious as a bunk bed however, they can give teens more room in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed If you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are small and flexible and can be moved them around if your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the near future. They're not as sturdy as wood or metal bunk beds and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.
Bunks that include 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 by children who are younger. Some models are capable of converting into a desk and chair, allowing your child to create the perfect bedroom set-up for play and study.
Budget
When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's crucial that you consider your budget. There are many affordable options If you're thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that will last into the teens (or even into adulthood) it might be worth paying a little more for a better design that will last for a long time.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements could be prior to shopping. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a room or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults who want to save space and avoid the expense of buying a separate queen or king mattress. You'll also have to decide how much headroom you want between the bunks at the top and bottom. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it may be better to go with a lower-to ground configuration.
The best deals on bunk beds bunk bed (just click the next document) for teens will be a good value, and one that can adapt to their needs. Find a design that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or opt for something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can separate into two freestanding twin beds in case you need to reconfigure your space in the future. This design features a contemporary 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.
Another way to save money is to locate a bunk with built-in storage, for example drawers underneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and is especially beneficial when you have the space of a small one. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even come with additional storage options like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.