How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can add fun and functionality to kids' rooms. They can also help in reducing space.
Look for bunks that are built with flexibility, such as bottom storage drawers, a trundle bed that's easily removed, and twin beds that can be separated into two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll need to consider the size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Look at the ceiling height to ensure the bunks fit in your space. Also, make sure that there's enough space for kids beds bunk beds to maneuver around them. The beds should be spaced far enough apart so that children are able to safely go up and down and not crash into one another or the walls. Also, you'll need to find out whether the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the bottom one so you won't need for a trundle, or an extra bed in the future.
You may also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape that is suitable for your space. An L-shaped bunk beds for kids sale bed can be the perfect choice for small spaces or a guest room that is shared by two people. It will save space on the floor, and also allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both upper and lower levels depending on the model you select.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's the right time to move to a normal double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails on the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom and leaves more floor space for kids to play on.
A loft bed is an alternative option that maximizes the space at the corner in rooms that are tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces since it doesn't require as much vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a great choice for older children since it doesn't require you to climb an elevator or ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom with blue painter tape. This will give you a feel of whether it is easily climbed in and out of at night, without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. In addition, you should ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds. They set standards for guardrails and other features that prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to take into consideration the safety features when buying. You'll need to find bunk beds with railings that are high enough to stop children from falling off or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that does not raise the sleeping surface excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have a lower weight limit than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out the specifications available for mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers provide guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and will often list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best bunk beds will be sturdy and have a ladder or stair that is attached securely to the frame and has side handles. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your kids love playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom so that they can play and sit without being too high off the floor.
If you have a limited space or don't want to take up too much space in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less space and are typically only as wide as one single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with narrow ceilings. These are also more suitable for younger children who may be scared of higher bunks.
If you're looking for a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used as twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that can grow with your child's development as they grow. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemicals. It's made of sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.
Style
Whether it's for the shared room or one child, the ideal bunk bed for teens will provide something to be enthusiastic about. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more fun elements. Bunk beds also come in different sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full, and even queen. A twin over full style is popular with teens since it gives them room to accommodate two children in a single room, and still has room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers in the lower level. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Tweens also love the twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and it's the most sturdy, adult bunk beds-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.
Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the end, which gives an elegant look and makes room for a dresser or desk under. They're not as effective at saving space as a traditional bunk, but they're a stylish option for teenagers that offers more room to move around in their rooms.
If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and portable, so they can be moved around in case you're planning to redesign your child's bedroom in the future. However, they're not as durable like a metal or wood bunk bed, and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are smaller and can be more convenient to climb, while stairs are safer and double as a seating area for younger children. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk so that your child can have the ideal bedroom set for both play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to consider your budget when shopping. There are many cheap options available, if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that is designed to last through the teens (or even adulthood), it may be worth paying a little extra for a quality design that will last for a long time.
Before you shop, consider who will be sleeping on the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults looking to save space and avoid the expense of purchasing an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll also need to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the top and bottom bunks--if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it may be better to opt for a lower-to-ground arrangement.
The best quality bunk beds bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that will grow with them. Select a style 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 divided into two beds if required. This design has a clean-lined contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's easy for children to climb and descend and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.
A buy bunk beds uk bed that has built-in storage is another option to save money. It could be drawers beneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom tidy and free of clutter. It's also helpful for those with a smaller room. A majority of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and some offer additional storage options like an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.