How to Choose the best rated bunk beds Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can bring fun and function to children’s rooms. They also can help save space.
Find bunks built with flexibility, such as bottom storage drawers and a trundle bed that’s easily removed and twins that stack and can be divided into two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You’ll need to consider size as well as style and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your children. Look at the ceiling height to make sure the bunks are able to fit in your space, and make sure there’s enough room for children to move around them. The beds should be set apart enough that children are able to safely go up and down and not collide with each other or the walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the size of the bottom. This will allow you to avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.
You can also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape that is suited to your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can save the floor space and can allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both upper and lower levels, based on the model you choose.
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 move to a normal double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features the classic farmhouse look 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 inbuilt, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This gives more room for children to play.
A loft bed is an alternative option that maximizes the space around corners in tween-rooms. It’s ideal for smaller spaces since it requires less vertical space and lets you use the lower floor for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It’s also a great choice for older children because it doesn’t require you to use stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child’s bedroom with blue painter tape. This will let you know if it is possible to climb into and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. In addition, you should ensure your family’s safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s rules for bunk beds. These regulations set standards for guardrails and other features that reduce entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it is crucial to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You’ll want to look for a bed with guard rails that are high enough to keep children from falling or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn’t raise the sleep surface too high. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.
When choosing a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and will typically provide the total bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.
The best bunk beds will be sturdy and feature an stairway or ladder that is attached securely to the frame and has side handles. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they’re not tightly connected. If your children love to play on the ground, choose an un-slung bunk that lets them play and sit without being too far from the ground.
Pick an L-shaped bed if you do not have enough space in your child’s room or if you do not want it to take up a lot of space. They take up less floor space and are typically only as wide as a single bed so they’re ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They’re also suitable for children who may be scared of the higher bunks.
If you require a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best choice. These are the most fashionable and safe bunk beds available. They can be used as twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids’ Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will expand with kids as they get older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It’s Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it is available in a variety of color options.
Style
The right bunk beds for kids bed can keep teens content regardless of whether it’s in the shared bedroom or for only one child. Many designs are minimalist and sleek, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds come in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. A twin over full design is a favorite among teens because it lets them accommodate two children in the same room and still leaves space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers at the bottom. There are some options that include a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to accommodate an extra 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 or work from home. Metal bunk beds with an extended guardrail is a popular choice for older kids bedroom furniture because it’s “built to last and it’s the most sturdy grown-up bunk available,” she adds.
If you want a cool bunk, you should consider an l-shaped or T-shaped design that’s basically a platform bed elevated. They have a ladder on the end giving the appearance of a sleeker design and allows more room for a desk or dresser under. They aren’t as space-saving as bunk beds however, they can allow teens to have more space in their rooms.
You should consider a futon bunk if you want an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are compact and portable which means they can be moved around if you’re looking to revamp your child’s space in the near future. They’re not as sturdy as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one does not have guardrails.
Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and can double as a seating area for younger kids. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair to let your child have the perfect bedroom set-up for play and study.
Budget
When shopping for a bunk bed, it’s important to think about your budget. There are many inexpensive options available, but if you want a bunk bed to last into the teens and on into adulthood, it’s worth spending an extra amount for a quality product that can be used indefinitely.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs may be before you start shopping. For instance, a twin over a twin configuration is great for families with multiple children and a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who want to make space and avoid the expense of purchasing an additional queen or king-sized mattress. You’ll also have to decide how much headroom you want between the top and bottom bunks–if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to choose a lower-to-ground arrangement.
The ideal bunk bed for teens will be one that is affordable, and one that can adapt to their needs. 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 divided into two beds if needed. This design features a clean, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that’s simple for children to climb up and down and down. It’s Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.
Another way to save money is to locate a bunk that has built-in storage, such as drawers under the bed or shelves below the top. This can help you keep your bedroom clutter-free and is particularly useful if you’re working with smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some even come with additional storage options like bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.