How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft bed can add fun and functionality in the room for kids. They can also help to in reducing space.
Find bunks designed with flexibility, like bottom storage drawers or a trundle bed which is easy to take down and twin beds that can be split into two separate beds. Also, consider best low profile bunk beds of the top bunk.
Size
When selecting bunk beds for your kids, you'll want to consider the size, style and security. Examine the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks can fit in the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks for children to move around. The beds should be placed far enough apart so that children can safely get up and down without having to collide with one another or the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk can accommodate a mattress that is similar to that of the bottom. This will allow you to avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the future.
You can also choose an arrangement for your bunk that isn't traditional and suited to your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be perfect for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It is a great way to save the floor space and can also accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on each of the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you select.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs by converting into two independent beds when it's time to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance it has a classic farmhouse style with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the top and bottom beds with more space for kids to play on.
A loft bed is an alternative option that can maximize the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces because it doesn't require as much vertical room and allows the bottom level to be used as a desk as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children since it eliminates the use of stairs or ladders and makes it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room with blue painter tape. This will allow you to determine whether it's possible to climb into and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds. These regulations establish standards for guardrails and other features that prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll want to choose a bed with rails that are tall enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped, and a mattress 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.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out what specifications are available on mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and they'll typically provide the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure safety. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides because they are dangerous for kids to climb up and down, particularly if the slats aren't tightly connected. If your children love to play on the ground, choose an un-slung bunk that allows them to play and sit without being too far from the floor.
Pick an L-shaped mattress if you don't have much space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it to take up much space. They require less floor space and are usually as wide as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for kids who might be scared of a higher bunk.
If you have a little more space, you can opt for a full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the most secure and fashionable bunk beds on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that can grow with kids as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemical. It is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.
Style
It's for a shared room or just one kid, the right bunk bed will give teens something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin over full style is a favorite among teens because it gives them room to sleep two children in a single room, and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the lower level. Some options come with trundle bed that allows the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress.
Fenton says teens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it takes up less space and gives them more space to spread out and work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.
For a truly cool bunk, think about an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. These beds are designed with a ladder at their end. This makes them more sleek and more space to set up a desk or dresser. They aren't as spacious as a bunk bed however, they can give teens more room in their rooms.
If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that can offer plenty of security and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are compact and versatile and can be moved them around if your children wish to redesign their rooms in the future. However, they're not as durable as a wood or metal bunk bed and they don't have guardrails on the top bed.
Bunks that include ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, could be used as seats by younger children. Some models can even be capable of being converted into a chair and desk, allowing your child to have the perfect bedroom space for study time and playtime.
Budget
When shopping for a bunk bed, it's essential that you consider your budget. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if are looking for a bunk bed that will last into the teens and even into adulthood, it's worth spending more for a quality product that can be used for a long time.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs could be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings who share bedrooms, while a full over full bunk is ideal for adults looking to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen bed. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bunks at the top and bottom. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it may be better to go with a lower-to ground arrangement.
The ideal bunk bed for teens is a good value and one that is able to expand with them. Find a design that works in both modern and traditional rooms, or go with something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be split into two separate twin beds should you want to change the layout of your space down the road. This style features a modern sleek, clean lines as well as boucle upholstered guardrails an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.
Another way to save money is to locate a bunk with built-in storage, such as drawers beneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom tidy and free of clutter. It's also helpful if you have a small space. Many of the bunks in our list feature this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.