How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and functionality to kids' rooms. They can also help to save space.
Find bunk beds that are able to be moved like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that's easy to take off. You can also find twins that can be stacked and separated to create two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
You'll want to take into consideration the dimensions as well as style and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your kids. Check the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that children are able to safely go up and down without having to hit each other or the walls. Also, you'll want to find out whether the top bunk is able to support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so you won't need for a trundle or another additional bed in the future.
You can also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape that is for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed could be the perfect choice for a small room or an area that is shared by two people. It can save floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you pick.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are made to adapt to your child's needs, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to an adult bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Kid Bunk beds Bed features an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails that run along the top bunk bed for kids. 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 another option that makes the most of the corner space in rooms that are tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces because it doesn't require as much vertical room and allows the bottom level to be used as a desk and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older children because it doesn't require you to climb stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, try it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will be off the ground. This will allow you to determine whether it's possible to climb into and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. In addition, you should ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. These regulations establish standards for guardrails and other features that reduce entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, however, it's important to take into consideration the security features when you shop. You'll need bunk beds online beds with railings that are high enough to keep children from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress which does not raise the mattress too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have a lower weight limit than others.
When choosing a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress sizes 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 as well as the bunk bed.
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 for safety. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides, as they could be unsafe for children to climb up or down, especially in the case where the slats haven't been tightly fitted together. If your children like to play on the ground, choose a low-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without being too far from the floor.
If you have a limited space or do not want to take up the entire space of your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. These require less floor space and are typically only about the same width as a single bed making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for children of smaller age who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.
If you have more space, you can opt for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. They are the most stylish and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that grows with your child's growth. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made of sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.
Style
The right bunk bed can keep teens content regardless of whether it's the shared bedroom or for only one child. Many designs are sleek and minimalist and some have more fun elements. Bunk beds also come in various sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin over full style is popular for tweens because it lets them sleep two kids in a single room, and still leaves space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers in the bottom. Some options have trundle beds which allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says that teens love a twin-over-king loft bed because it takes up less space and gives them more space to spread out or work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and are the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.
Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. These beds are designed with a ladder at their end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a desk or dresser. These beds aren't as space-saving as a bunk bed, but they allow teens to have more space in their rooms.
Consider a futon bunk if you want an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable, so you can move them around if your children want to redecorate their rooms in the future. However they're not as strong as a wood or metal bunk bed and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, could be used as a seat by children who are younger. Some models are even able to convert into a desk and chair and allow your child to create the perfect bedroom space to study or play.
Budget
A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to factor in your budget when you shop bunk beds. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if you want a bunk bed to last into the teens and into adulthood, you should consider spending more for a quality product that can be used indefinitely.
Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping on the bunk bed and what their needs for sleep might be. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings who share the same bedroom, whereas the full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who want to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bunks at the top and bottom. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance, it might be best to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.
The best bunk beds for teenagers are those which are priced at a reasonable price and can grow with the teen. Choose a style that will work well in traditional and modern rooms. Or, 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 clean-lined contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb up and down and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.
Another option to save money is to find a childrens bunk beds with built-in storage options, like drawers under the bed or a shelf below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also useful for those with a smaller space. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.