How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and utility in the children's room. They can also help reduce space.
Choose bunks that are built with flexibility, such as bottom storage drawers or a trundle bed which is easily removed, and twin beds that 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 children. Look at the ceiling height to make sure the bunks are able to are suitable for your space. Also, make sure there's enough room for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be placed sufficiently apart that children are able to safely go up and down without having to hit one another or the walls. Also, you'll want to determine whether the top bunk is able to support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so that you won't need for a trundle or another extra bed in the future.
You can also choose a bunk shape that isn't conventional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For example an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It will save floor space, and allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the lower and upper levels, depending on the model you select.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time to transition to a regular double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the top and bottom beds, leaving more floor space for children to play on.
A loft bed is a different option that makes the most of the corner space in rooms with tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children because it eliminates the use of stairs or ladders, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, test it in your children bedroom using blue painter's adhesive to see how high it will be above the ground. This will let you know whether it's possible to climb in and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the window sill. You'll also want to consider the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features that protect against falls and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to consider the security features when you shop. You'll need to choose bunk beds with railings that are high enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which does not elevate the mattress too much. You should also be aware of the weight capacity, since some bunks are less able than others.
When selecting a bunk bed, make sure to check its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed and the bunk bed.
The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladders or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for safety. Avoid bunks that have slatted sides because they are dangerous for children to climb up and down, especially in the case where the slats haven't been tightly connected. If your kids love to play on the ground, choose a bunk with a low slung that allows them to sit and play without being too far off the floor.
Consider an L-shaped mattress if you don't have much space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it taking up lots of space. These require less floor space and are typically only the same size as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for younger children who might be intimidated by high bunk beds.
If you need a bit more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. These are the most stylish and safe bunk beds available. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that will expand with kids as they age and even accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemical. It's made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.
best selling bunk beds 's for a shared room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed for teens will provide something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in different sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with tweens, as it allows them to sleep two children in the same space while still leaving space for a desk dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. Some options come with Trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress.
Fenton says that teens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it occupies less space and gives them more space to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and it's the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.
Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the top giving the appearance of a sleeker design and allows more room for a desk or dresser under. They're not as effective at conserving space as a traditional bunk but they're an attractive option for teenagers that offers more space in their rooms.
Consider a futon bunk If you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable, so you can move them around if your children want to redecorate their rooms in the near future. However they're not as strong like a metal or wood bunk bed and don't have guardrails on the top bed.
Bunks that include stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, could be used as a seating area by younger children. Some models are even capable of being converted into a chair and desk which allows your child to build the perfect bedroom space for play and study.
Budget
When shopping for a bunk bed, it's essential to think about your budget. Although there are plenty of cheap options available If you're thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that will last through the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying a bit more for a better design that will be used for years to come.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings sharing bedrooms, while the full-over-full bunk is a great option for adults looking to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen bed. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bottom and top bunks. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance, it might be best to go with a lower-to ground configuration.
The best bunk beds for teens are ones that are affordable and are able to grow with the teenager. Pick a design that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds if needed. This style has a sleek, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb up and down 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. It could be drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also a good option in the case of a small room. Many of the bunks listed on our list offer this feature, and a few offer additional storage options, such as a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.