How to Choose the best bunk beds for heavy adults Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and utility to kids' rooms. They also can help in reducing space.
Look for bunk beds that are flexible, such as ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that is easily removed. There are also twins that can be stacked and separated to create two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You should take into consideration the size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your kids. Look at the ceiling height to ensure the bunks fit in your space. Make sure there's enough room for your kids to move around them. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that kids can safely move up and down and not hit each other or the walls. Also, you'll need to determine if the top bunk can support mattresses similar to the bottom one, so that you can avoid the need for a trundle or another extra bed in the future.
You can also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape that is for your space. For example, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can help save the floor space and can accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both upper and lower levels, based on the model you select.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time to transition to a regular double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom with more space for children to play on.
Another alternative is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in tween rooms. It's a great option for smaller spaces as it doesn't require as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used for desks as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children since it eliminates the use of a ladder or stairway which makes it more accessible for larger children and adults.
Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, try it out in your kids bedroom using blue painter's adhesive to see how high it will be off the ground. This will give you an idea 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 take into consideration the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features that protect against falls and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all ages. However, it's essential to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll need to choose a bunk bed with guardrails that are high enough to prevent children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not raise the mattress too much. Also, pay attention to the weight capacity, as some bunks are less able than others.
When selecting a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer for details regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and typically list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best bunk beds for teenagers bunk beds will be sturdy and have stairs or ladders that is secured to the frame, and has handles on the sides. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides as they could be unsafe for children to climb up or down, particularly in the case where the slats haven't been tightly connected. If your children like to play on the ground, choose an un-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without being too far off the floor.
If you have a limited space or do not want to take up the entire space of the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are generally as wide as one single bed. This makes them perfect for small rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for children who may feel intimidated by high bunk beds.
If you have a little more room, go for a full-over-full bunk bed. They are generally the most secure and stylish bunk beds that are available and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that will grow with children as they get older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made of sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.
Style
If it's the shared room or one child, the perfect bunk bed can give teenagers something to be enthusiastic about. A lot of designs are sleek and minimalist and some have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, such as twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular among teens because it permits the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space while leaving enough space for a desk dresser, or storage drawers at the bottom. Some designs come with a Trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress.
Teens also adore a twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and is the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.
Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with the ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more space for a desk or dresser. They aren't as space-saving as a bunk bed however they do provide teens with more space in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed if you want a bunk bed that is affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are compact and portable which means they can be moved around when you're planning to redesign your child's bedroom 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 stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders require less space and are easier to climb, whereas stairs are safer and double as a seating area for younger kids. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk to allow your child to have the ultimate bedroom set-up for play and study.
Budget
When you're looking for a best bunk bed, it's important to consider your budget. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will 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 years.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs could be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for families with multiple children and a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to reduce space and avoid the expense of buying an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you may want to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.
The best wooden bunk beds bunk bed for teens will be one that is affordable, and one that can grow with them. Find a design that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or go with something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be split into two separate twin beds should you want to change the layout of your space later on. This design features a clean, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's simple for children to climb and descend and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is an additional option to save money. This could include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also useful if you have a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list feature this feature. Some even come with additional storage options like bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.