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 room for kids. They can also help to in reducing space.
Choose bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as bottom storage drawers and a trundle bed that's easy to remove and twin beds that can be divided into two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
You'll want to consider the dimensions, style, and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your kids. Look at the ceiling height to make sure the bunks are able to fit in your space, and make sure that there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be spaced apart enough that children are able to safely go up and down and not collide with each other or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress similar to the size of the lower one. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the future.
You may also opt for a bunk design that isn't conventional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed can be ideal for a small room or an area that is shared by two people. It is a great way to save the floor space and can fit a twin over full or queen mattress on both the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you select.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time for them to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for kids to play.
Another option is a loft bed, that maximizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces because it doesn't take up the same amount of vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older children because it eliminates the need to climb an elevator or ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will help you determine if it is possible to climb in and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds, which set standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the risk of falling and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds can be a great choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features before buying. You'll need to choose a bunk bed with guardrails that are high enough to stop children from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress which does not raise the sleeping surface excessively. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.
When selecting the bunk bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer for details on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and they'll typically list the total bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.
The most sturdy bunk beds near me beds are constructed, and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure safety. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides, as they can be dangerous for kids to climb up or down, particularly in the case where the slats haven't been tightly joined. If your kids love to play on the ground, choose a bunk with a low slung that lets them play and sit without being too far from the ground.
If you have a limited space or don't want to take up the entire space of the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. These take up less floor space and are typically only the same size as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for children who might feel intimidated by the higher bunk.
If you have a little more space, consider a full-over-full-size bunk bed. They are typically the safest and most stylish bunk beds on the market and 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 mattress (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made of sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in multiple color options.
Style
Whether it's for a shared room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed for teens will provide something to be enthusiastic about. Many designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are also available in various sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with teens because it allows them to sleep two kids in the same room while leaving room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers in the lower part. There are some options that include a Trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress.
Fenton says that tweens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it takes up less space and provides them with more space to spread out or work at home. Metal buy bunk beds uk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.
Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. These beds are designed with a ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more space for a dresser or desk. They're not as good for conserving space like a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens, and give them more space in their rooms.
Consider a futon bunk beds for teenagers If you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable which means you can move them around if your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one isn't equipped with guardrails.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and are more convenient to climb, whereas stairs are safer and double as a seating area for younger kids. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair to allow your child to have the perfect bedroom set that can be used for study and play.
Budget
A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's important to factor in your budget when you shop. While there are plenty of cheap options available but if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that can last into the teens (or even adulthood) it might be worth paying more for a better design that will last for many years to come.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements may be before you start shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings who share bedrooms, while the full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults looking to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen mattress. It is also important to determine how much headroom you want between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it may be better to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.
The ideal bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that will adapt to their needs. Pick a design that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds, if needed. This style has a sleek, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb up and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another option to save money is to choose a bunk with built-in storage, for example drawers under the bed or shelving down below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and is particularly useful when you have a small space. Many of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and some come with additional storage options such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.