How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft and bunk beds can add fun and functionality in the children's room. They can also help to save space.
Choose bunk beds that can be adapted like ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that's easy to take off. There are also stacked twins which can be separated to create two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing bunk beds for your children You'll need to think about the size, style and security. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be set far enough apart so that kids can safely move up and down without having to collide with each other or the walls. It is also important to determine if the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is similar to that of the bottom. This will help you avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the near future.
You could also choose an alternative to the traditional bunk shape one that is more suitable for your space. A bunk bed with an L shape can be the perfect choice for a small space or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can help save floor space, and accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on the model you pick.
A lot of the top bunk bed for teens are built to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to move up to an adult bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example is a classic farmhouse style with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on 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 gives more room for kids to play.
A loft bed is an alternative option that maximizes the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's great for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to use the lower level for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great choice for older children because it doesn't require you to use a ladder or stairs which makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room by using blue painter's tape. This will give you an idea of whether it can be easily climbed in and out of at night, without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Also, it is important to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. These regulations establish standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, but it's important to consider the security features when you shop. You'll want to look for beds with rails that are tall enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleep surface too high. Also, be aware of the capacity for weight, as some bunks are less able than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to see the specifications available for mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers provide guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and will typically provide the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure security. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides, because they are dangerous for children to climb up and down, particularly if the slats aren't tightly fitted together. If your children like to play on the ground, pick an un-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.
If you have a limited space or do not want to take up too much room in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are generally as wide as one single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with narrow ceilings. They're also suitable for children of smaller age who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.
If you're looking for a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best choice. These are the most stylish and safe bunk beds available. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will grow with children as they get older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.
Style
A good bunk bed can make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's in a shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are minimalist and sleek, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with tweens, as it allows them to sleep two kids in the same space while still leaving space for a desk dresser, or drawers for storage at the bottom. Some designs come with a trundle bed that allows the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress.
Teens also love the twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to sprawl out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.
Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the end, which gives the appearance of a sleeker design and makes room for a dresser or desk under. They're not as efficient at saving space like a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens that gives them more room to move around in their rooms.
You should consider a futon bunk if you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable which means you can move them around if your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top bed has no guardrails.
Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are smaller and are more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and double as a seat for smaller children. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair to let your child have the perfect bedroom set that can be used for 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 want a bunk bed to last through the teens and on into adulthood, it's worth spending more for a quality product that can be used for a long time.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs may be before you start shopping. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a room, while a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to make space and avoid the cost of purchasing an additional queen or king-sized mattress. It is also important to determine how much headroom you want between the bunks at the top and bottom. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance, it might be best to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.
The ideal bunk bed for teens is an affordable option and one that will grow with them. Pick a design that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds if required. This style features a modern elegant, clean-lined design, boucle upholstered guardrails and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. This can include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This can help you keep the bedroom clutter-free, and it's especially useful for those who have smaller space. A majority of the bunks on our list feature this feature. Some even offer additional storage options, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.