How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and utility in the room for kids. They also can help save space.
Choose bunk beds that can be adapted, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that is easily removed. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be divided to create two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing bunk beds for your children you should consider size, style, and safety. Consider the height of the ceiling to ensure the bunks are suitable for your space. Make sure that there's enough space for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be far enough apart that kids can move up and down with ease and not bump into one another or fall into walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk can accommodate a mattress that is the same size as that of the bottom one. This will allow you to avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.
You may also opt for a different shape for your bunk one that is more for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed can be the perfect choice for a small space or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can save the floor space and can also accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on the upper and lower levels, based 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 the right time to transition to a regular double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired style with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for kids to play.
A loft bed is a different option that can maximize the space around corners in rooms with tweens. It's great for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and lets you make use of the lower levels for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great choice for older kids because it doesn't require you to use a ladder or stairs, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom using blue painter tape. This will let you know whether it's safe to climb up and down at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds, which set standards for guardrails and other features that prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to consider the safety features when shopping. You'll need to find bunk beds with railings that are high enough to prevent children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not raise the sleeping surface excessively. Be sure to be aware of the weight capacity, since some bunks are less able than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available regarding mattress sizes and weight limitations. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and typically list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best kids bunk beds bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles for security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're poorly joined. If your children like to play on the ground, pick a bunk with a low slung that lets them sit and play without having to be too far off the ground.
If you have a limited space or don't want to take up the entire space of your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are usually only as wide as one single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with small ceilings. They're also suitable for children who may feel intimidated by high bunk beds.
If you need a bit more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. They are typically the most secure and stylish bunk beds on the market, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that will grow with your child as they grow. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemicals. It's made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.
Style
If it's the shared room or one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds are also available in different sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin over full style is a favorite among teens because it allows them to sleep two kids in the same room and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the lower level. There are some options that include a Trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress.
Teens also love an over-king twin loft bed, which takes up less floor space and gives them more space to spread out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with an extended guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most durable adult-sized bunk," she adds.
For a truly cool bunk, think about an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are designed with the ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more room to set up a desk or dresser. These beds are not as spacious as bunk beds, but they give teens more room in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed if you want bunk bed kids beds that are affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable and can be moved around in case you're looking to revamp your child's room in the near future. They're not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one isn't equipped with guardrails.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders take up less space and are more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and can double as a seat for younger children. Some models are capable of converting into a desk and chair which allows your child to build the ultimate bedroom suite to study or play.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's crucial to consider your budget when buying. Although there are plenty of affordable options If you're thinking of buying a bunk beds bunk bed that will last into the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying a little more for a high-quality design that will last for a long time.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs might be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings sharing bedrooms, while a full over full bunk is ideal for adults looking to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom that is available between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, it may be better to select a layout that is lower to the ground.
The most suitable bunk beds for teens are those which are priced at a reasonable price and are able to grow with the teen. Choose a style that will 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 divided into two beds if required. This design has a modern elegant, clean-lined design with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different option to save money. It could be drawers underneath the bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will help you keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also helpful in the case of a small space. Many of the bunks in our list come with this feature. Some even offer additional storage options, such as a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.