How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft bed can add fun and functionality in the children's room. They can also help to save space.
Look for bunks that are built with flexibility, such as bottom storage drawers or a trundle bed which is easy to take down and twins that stack and can be split into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing a bunk bed for your kids You'll need to think about size, style and safety. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure the bunks fit into your space, and make sure that there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be spaced apart enough that kids can safely move up and down without having to collide with one another or the walls. Also, you'll need to find out if the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so you won't need for a trundle or another additional bed in the future.
You can also pick an arrangement for your bunk that isn't conventional and suited to your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be ideal for a small space or a guest room shared by two people. It saves floor space and can accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on the upper and lower levels, based on the model you pick.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are designed to adapt to your child's needs, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features the classic farmhouse look with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This creates more space for kids to play.
A loft bed is an alternative option that makes the most of the corner space in rooms that are tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces because it doesn't require the same amount of vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older children since it doesn't require you to use stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room by using blue painter's tape. This will give you a feel of whether it is easily climbed in and out of at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You should also take into consideration the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features to prevent entrapment or falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to take into consideration the safety features when buying. You'll want to look for beds with rails that are tall enough to keep children from falling over or becoming trapped, and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available regarding mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and often list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladders or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly fitted together. If your kids love playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to let them sit up and play without being too high off the floor.
Consider an L-shaped bed if don't have much space in the room of your child or if you don't want it taking up much space. They are smaller in size and are usually only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with small ceilings. They're also ideal for children who might be scared of a bunk that is higher.
If you have a little more room, go for a full-over-full bunk bed. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will expand with kids as they get older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made from sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in multiple color options.
Style
It's for a shared room or just one kid, the right bunk bed for teens will provide something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin over full design is popular with teens since it lets them accommodate two children in the same room and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the bottom. There are some options that include a Trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress.
Fenton says teens love a twin-over-king loft bed since it takes up less space and gives them the space to spread out or work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and are the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.
For a truly cool bunk, think about an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. The beds feature a ladder at the top, which gives an elegant look and makes room for a dresser or desk under. They're not as effective at saving space as a traditional bunk but they're an attractive option for teenagers that offers more space to move around in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed If you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are portable and compact which means they can be moved around in case you're planning to redesign your child's space in the future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders require less space and are easier to climb, whereas stairs are more secure and can serve as a seating area for younger children. Some models are even capable of converting into a desk and chair, allowing your child to build the perfect bedroom set-up for play and study.
Budget
When choosing a bunk bed, it's crucial that you consider your budget. There are many inexpensive options available, but if you need a bed that will last through the teens and into adulthood, it's worth paying a little more for a high-quality product that can be used indefinitely.
Before you start shopping think about who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their needs for sleep could be. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings who share a bedroom, while full over full bunk is perfect for adults who want to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen bed. 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 toddler beds, you may want to select a layout that is lower to the ground.
The best bunk bed for teens is a good value and one that will grow with them. Find a design that is suitable for both modern and traditional rooms, or go with something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds if you're looking to alter your space in the future. This style features a modern sleek, clean lines, boucle upholstered guardrails and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another way to save money is to find a bunk with built-in storage, such as drawers underneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also a good option for those with a smaller space. Many of the bunks in our list feature this feature. Some come with additional storage options, such as a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.