How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft bed can add fun and functionality in the room for kids. They also can help save space.
Look for bunk beds that are able to be moved like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that is easy to take off. You can also find stacked twins which can be divided to create two separate beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing a bunk bed for your kids you should consider size, style, and safety. Consider the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will fit into your space. Make sure that there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be placed far enough apart so that kids can safely move up and down and not crash into each other or the walls. Additionally, you should find out whether the top bunk is able to support mattresses that is the same size as the bottom one, so that you don't have to pay for a trundle or another extra bed in the future.
You can also choose a bunk shape that isn't traditional, if it suits your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can save the floor space and can also accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you pick.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens are made to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to move up to the size of a double bed. For instance, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for children to play.
A loft bed is an alternative option that maximizes the corner space in rooms that are tweens. It's great for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's a great choice for older children since it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder and makes it more accessible for large children and adults.
Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, try it out in your child's' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will allow you to determine whether it's possible to climb up and down at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the window sill. In addition, you should ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. They set standards for guardrails and other features that prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all ages. However, it's essential to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll want to choose a bed with guard rails that are tall enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleep surface too high. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available on mattress sizes and weight limitations. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles for safety. It is also recommended to avoid bunks that have slatted sides because they are dangerous for kids to climb up and down, particularly when the slats aren't securely fitted together. 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're limited in 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 usually only as wide as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more suitable for younger kids, who might feel intimidated by a higher bunk.
If you have more space, consider a full-over-full bunk bed. They are the most stylish and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used for full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that can grow with your child's growth. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made of sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in multiple color options.
Style
A good bunk bed can make teens feel happy, whether it's in a shared bedroom or for only one child. Many designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds are also available in various sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin-over-full design is a favorite among teens because it lets them sleep two children in a single room, and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the bottom. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed since it takes up less space and gives them more space to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.
Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the end that gives an elegant look and makes room for a desk or dresser beneath. They aren't as spacious as bunk beds however they do provide teens with more space in their rooms.
If you're looking for an affordable bed that will provide plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are portable and compact and can be moved around if you want to redecorate your child's space in the future. They are not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one isn't equipped with guardrails.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and can be more convenient to climb, while stairs are safer and double as a seat for younger children. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair to let your child have the perfect bedroom set for both play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is a major purchase, so it's essential to factor in your budget when buying. Although there are plenty of cheap options available, if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that can last into the teens (or even adulthood), it may be worth paying more for a better design that can be used for years to come.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements could be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a bedroom, while the full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to select a layout that is lower than the ground.
The best bunk beds for teenagers are those which are priced at a reasonable price and are able to grow with the teenager. Choose a style that will work in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, 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 modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb up and down, and www.bunkbedsstore.uk it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.
Another way to save money is to choose a bunk that has built-in storage, such as drawers under the bed or a shelf below the top. This can help you make your bedroom less cluttered, and is especially beneficial for those who have smaller space. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some come with additional storage options like bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.