How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and functionality in the kids' room. They can also help save space.
Choose bunks that are built with flexibility, such as bottom storage drawers, a trundle bed that's easy to remove, and twin beds that can be separated into two beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When you're choosing bunk beds for your children you should consider the size, style and security. Look at the ceiling height to ensure the bunks fit into your space, and make sure that there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be spaced enough apart to allow kids to climb and descend safely and not collide with one another or fall into the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk can be able to support a mattress of the same size as that of the bottom. This will help you avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle later on.
You can also pick a bunk design that isn't conventional, if it suits your space better. For example an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It will save the floor space and can accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both upper and lower levels depending on the model you pick.
Many of the best bunk bed for teens are made to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to an adult bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance it has an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of 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 another option that makes the most of the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's ideal for smaller spaces since it requires less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great option for older children because it doesn't require you to use an elevator or ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will give you a feel of whether it could be easily climbed in and out at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds, which define standards for guardrails as well as other features to prevent entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, but it's important to consider the safety features when buying. You'll need to choose bunk beds with railings that are high enough to prevent children from falling off or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that does not elevate the mattress excessively. You should also be aware of the capacity for weight, as some bunks have a lower limit than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available on mattress dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and typically provide the total bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.
The ideal bunk beds will be sturdy and feature an stairway or ladder that is secured to the frame and comes with side handles. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly fitted together. If your children love playing on the ground, go for a low-slung bottom bunk so that they can sit up and play without being too high off the floor.
Choose an L-shaped bed if don't have a lot of space in the room of your child or if you don't want it to take up a lot of space. These take up less floor space and are usually the same size as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for younger children who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.
If best bunk beds for low ceilings Bunk Beds Store require a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. They are generally the safest and most elegant bunk beds available on the market, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that will grow with your child as they grow. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemical. It's made of sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.
Style
A good bunk bed can make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's a shared bedroom or for only one child. Many designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. A twin over full design is popular for tweens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same space and still leaves space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the lower level. Certain designs have trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Tweens also love a twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.
For a really cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. These beds are designed with a ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more space to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as efficient at conserving space as a traditional bunk, however, they're a stylish choice for teenagers that offers more space in their rooms.
You should consider a futon bunk If you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are compact and versatile, 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 don't have guardrails on the top bed.
Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, can also be used as a seat by children who are younger. Some models can be transformed into a chair or desk 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 consider your budget when buying. There are many inexpensive options available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will last into the teens and even into adulthood, it's worth spending an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used for a long time.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs might be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for families with multiple children and a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults looking to make space and avoid the cost of purchasing an additional queen or king-sized mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom between the top bunk and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you may want to select a layout that is lower to the ground.
The most suitable bunk beds for teens are those that offer a good price and can adapt to the teen. Select a style that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds, if needed. This design features a contemporary elegant, clean-lined design as well as boucle upholstered guardrails an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. This can include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This can help you keep your bedroom clutter-free and is particularly useful when you have the space of a small one. Many of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and a few have additional storage accessories available, such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.