How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft and bunk beds can add fun and functionality in the kids' room. They can also help to save space.
Find bunks built with flexibility, such as drawers that store items in the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to remove, and twins that stack and can be split into two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll need to think about size design, style, and security when selecting a bunk bed for your kids. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks to allow children to move around. The beds should be set far enough apart so that children can safely get up and down without having to crash into each other or the walls. Additionally, you should find out whether the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the bottom one so you don't have to pay for a trundle or another additional bed in the future.
You could also choose a different shape for your bunk, which may be better suited to your space. An L-shaped bunk bed could be ideal for a small space or an area that is shared by two people. It can save floor space, and accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both upper and lower levels, depending on the model you select.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are designed to adapt to your child's needs and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to the size of a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features a classic farmhouse style with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This gives more room for kids to play.
Another alternative is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in rooms that are tween. It's great for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you use the lower floor for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's a great choice for older children because it doesn't require stairs or ladders and makes it more accessible for large 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 whether it's safe to climb into and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. You'll also want to consider the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features to stop falls or entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it is crucial to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll want to look for beds with rails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling or getting trapped. Also, you need an option that doesn't raise the bed's surface too high. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.
When selecting the bunk bed you want, look on its manufacturer's website for specifications regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed and the bunk bed.
The ideal bunk beds will be sturdy and feature stairs or ladders that is attached securely to the frame and comes with side handles. You should also avoid any bunks that have slatted sides because they are unsafe for children to climb up and down, particularly if the slats aren't tightly fitted together. If your children love to play on the ground, pick an un-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without being too far off the floor.
If you're in a tight space or don't want to take up too much space in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less floor space and are usually only the same size as a single bed, which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more suitable for kids who may be intimidated by a bunk that is higher.
If you have a little more space, consider an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are usually the most secure and stylish bunk beds on the market 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 can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemical. It is made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.
Style
A good bunk bed can keep teens content, whether it's in the shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist while others are more playful elements. Bunk beds come in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with teens because it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same room while still leaving room for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage on the bottom. Some options have trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says teens love a twin-over-king loft bed since it takes up less space and provides them with more room to spread out or work at home. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is another popular option for older kids because it's "built to last, and is the most durable, grown-up bunk," she adds.
For a truly cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. The beds feature a ladder at the end giving an elegant look and allows more room for a dresser or desk underneath. They're not as good for saving space as a traditional bunk, but they're an attractive option for teenagers that offers more room to move around in their rooms.
If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of security and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are small and flexible, so you can move them around if your kids want to redecorate their rooms in the future. However they're not as strong like a metal or wood bunk bed and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and are more convenient to climb, whereas stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for smaller kids. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk to allow your child to have the ideal bedroom set-up for play and study.
Budget
When choosing a bunk bed, it's essential to think about your budget. There are many cheap options available but if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that will last into the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying a bit more for a high-quality design that will last for years to come.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for rooms with siblings, while a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to save space and avoid the cost of buying a separate queen or king-sized mattress. best bunk bed desk 'll have to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to choose a configuration that is lower than 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 teenager. Look for a style that works in both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you need to reconfigure your space later on. This design features a clean, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings, and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed that has built-in storage is another option to save money. This can include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and it's especially useful when you have the space of a small one. Many of the bunks in our list feature this feature. Some even come with additional storage options, such as a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.