How to Choose the best built in bunk beds bunk beds for teens (head to muse.union.edu)

Loft beds and bunk beds can be a great way to add fun and function in the children's room. They can also help reduce space.

Choose bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers that store items in the bottom or a trundle bed which is easy to remove and twin beds that can be split into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to think about the size as well as style and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your kids. Check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be spaced enough apart to allow kids to climb and descend safely and not collide with each other or crash into walls. Additionally, you should find out whether the top bunk is able to support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one, so that you can avoid the need for a trundle or an extra bed in the future.

You can also opt for a different shape for your bunk one that is more suited to your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can help save space on the floor, and also accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the lower and upper levels, depending on the model you pick.

Many of the best bunk beds for low ceilings bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance, features the classic farmhouse look with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the bottom and top beds with more space for children to play on.

Another alternative is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in rooms with tweens. It's a great choice for smaller spaces because it doesn't require the same amount of vertical space and allows the lower levels to be used for desks as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's a great choice for older children as it doesn't require stairs or ladders which makes it more accessible for large children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room with blue painter tape. This will allow you to determine whether it's safe to climb into and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Also, it is important to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. They establish standards for guardrails and other features to prevent entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll need to find bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that does not elevate the sleeping surface excessively. Be sure to pay attention to the weight capacity, since certain bunks have a lower limit than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available on mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed as well as the bunk.

The most suitable bunk beds are solid and sturdy, with an stairway or ladder that is securely attached to the frame, and has handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're poorly fitted together. If your children like to play on the ground, select a bunk with a low slung that lets them sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.

If you're limited in space or do not want to occupy the entire space of the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are usually about the same width as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for younger kids, who might be scared of the higher bunk.

If you have more room, go for a full-over-full bunk bed. They are generally the safest and most fashionable bunk beds that are available and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will expand with kids as they get older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made from sustainably sourced Baltic birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.

Style

A good bunk bed can make teens happy, whether it's in a shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalist while others are more fun elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with teens, as it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space while leaving space for a desk dresser, or storage drawers at the bottom. Certain designs have trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says that teens like a twin-over-king loft bed since it occupies less space and gives them more room to spread out and work at home. A metal bunk bed with an extended guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder on the end giving it a more sleek look and makes room for a desk or dresser underneath. They're not as effective at saving space as a traditional bunk, but they're an attractive option for teens that gives them more space in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are small and flexible, so you can move them around if your kids want to redecorate their rooms in the future. They're not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and can be more convenient to climb, whereas stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for younger kids. Some models are even capable of being converted into a desk and chair, allowing your child to create the perfect bedroom set-up for study time and playtime.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's crucial to take into consideration your budget when buying. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if want a bunk bed to endure through your teens and on into adulthood, it's worth spending an extra amount for a high-quality product that can be used for a long time.

Think about who will be using the best convertible bunk beds bed and what their sleep needs could be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings who share the same bedroom, whereas the 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 bunk and 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 ideal bunk bed for teens will be a good best value bunk beds and one that will adapt to their needs. Choose a design that works in both modern and traditional rooms, or opt for something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be split into two separate twin beds in case you want to change the layout of your space down the road. This design has a clean-lined modern design, boucle-upholstered railings, and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb up 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 an additional option to save money. It could be drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also helpful if you have a small room. Many of the bunks on our list have this option, and a few offer additional storage options such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.