How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft and bunk beds can add fun and functionality in the children's room. They can also help to save space.
Look for bunks that are designed with flexibility, like bottom storage drawers, a trundle bed that's easy to remove, and stacked twins that can be divided into two beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When you're choosing a bunk bed for your children, you'll want to consider the size, style and security. Examine the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks to allow the kids to move. The beds should be spaced sufficiently apart that children are able to safely go up and down without having to hit one another or the walls. Also, you'll need to determine whether the top bunk is able to support a mattress similar to the bottom one so you can avoid the need for a trundle, or an extra bed in the near future.
You may also opt for a bunk design that isn't traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It is a great way to save the floor space and can also accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on each of the lower and upper levels, based on the model you choose.
Many of the best bunk bed for teens are designed to adapt to your child's needs by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to move up to an adult bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance it has an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom and leaves more floor space for kids to play on.
Another alternative is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's a great option for smaller spaces because it doesn't take up as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk, dressers or storage cabinets. It's a great choice for older children since it doesn't require stairs or ladders which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, test it out in your kids bedroom using blue painter's tape to determine how high it will be above the ground. This will give you a feel of whether it can be easily climbed in and out of at night, without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You'll also want to think about the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features that protect against falls and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with kids of all ages, however, it is important to think about security features when you shop. You'll want to choose a bed with guard rails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling over or getting trapped. Also, you need an option that doesn't raise the bed's surface too high. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.
When choosing the bunk bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer for details regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed and the bunk bed.
The best bunk beds will be sturdy and have stairs or ladders that is attached securely to the frame, and has side handles. Avoid bunks that have slatted sides as they could be dangerous for kids to climb up and down, especially if the slats aren't tightly joined. If your children love to play on the ground, choose a bunk with a low slung that allows them to play and sit without being too far from the ground.
Pick an L-shaped mattress if you do not have enough space in the room of your child or if you don't want it to take up a lot of space. They require less floor space and are usually the same size as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children of smaller age who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.
If you have more room, go for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. They are typically the safest and most stylish bunk beds that are available, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will expand with kids as they age and even accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemicals. It is made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.
Style
Whether it's for a shared room or just one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be excited about. Many designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. A twin over full style is popular with teens since it allows them to accommodate two children in the same space and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. Certain designs have Trundle beds that permit the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says that tweens love a twin-over-king loft bed since it takes up less space and provides them with the space to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and are the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.
Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially a raised platform bed. These beds are designed with the ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more room for a desk or dresser. They're not as efficient at conserving space as a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teenagers that offers more room to move around in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed If you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are small and flexible which means you can move them around in case your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the near future. However they're not as strong like a metal or wood bunk beds for kids sale bed and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders require less space and can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for smaller kids bunk beds. Some models can be converted into a table or chair so that your child can have the perfect bedroom set that can be used for study and play.
Budget
When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's important that you consider your budget. There are many affordable bunk beds for kids options, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that can last until the teens (or even into adulthood) it might be worth paying a little extra for a quality design that will be used for many years to come.
Before you shop, consider who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs might be. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults looking to reduce space and avoid the expense of purchasing a separate queen or king mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you may want to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.
The best bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option and one that will adapt to their needs. Choose a style that will work in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds, if needed. This design features a clean, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.
A bunk bed that has built-in storage is a different option to save money. This can include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also a good option in the case of a small room. A majority of the bunks on our list feature this feature. Some come with additional storage accessories, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.