How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can bring fun and function to kids’ rooms. They can also help save space.
Choose bunk beds that can be adapted like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or trundles that are easy to take off. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be separated to make two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When selecting a bunk bed for your kids You’ll need to think about size, style, and safety. Check the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, make sure that there is enough space around the bunks to allow the kids to move. The beds should be set far enough apart so that kids can safely move up and down and not crash into one another or the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk can accommodate a mattress that is the same size as that of the lower one. This will allow you to avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the near future.
You may also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape, which may be better suitable for your space. For example an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It will save space on the floor, and also allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on the model you pick.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it’s time for them to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example is a classic farmhouse style with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It’s made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the bottom and top beds and leaves more floor space for kids to play on.
Another alternative is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in tween rooms. It’s great for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and allows you to use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It’s also a great choice for older children because it doesn’t require them to use stairs or a ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child’s bedroom using blue painter tape. This will allow you to determine if it is possible to climb into and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. Finally, you’ll want to keep your family’s safety in mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s regulations for bunk beds. They establish standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, however, it’s important to take into consideration the security features when you shop. You’ll need to find bunk beds with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not elevate the mattress too much. Also, be aware of the capacity for weight, as some bunks have a lower limit than others.
When you are choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications regarding the mattress’s dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They’ll also give the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed and the bunk bed.
The ideal bunk beds will be solid and sturdy, with stairs or ladders that is secured to the frame and comes with handles on the sides. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides as they can be dangerous for kids to climb up and down, especially when the slats aren’t securely joined. If your children like to play on the ground, choose a low-slung bunk that lets them play and sit without being too far from the ground.
Consider an L-shaped bed if you do not have enough space in your child’s bedroom or if you do not want it to take up a lot of space. They take up less space and are typically only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with small ceilings. They are also suitable for children of smaller age who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.
If you require a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best choice. They are generally the safest and most stylish bunk beds childrens beds that are available, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids’ Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that will grow with children as they age and even accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It’s Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made of sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in a variety of colors options.
Style
If it’s an entire room or just one kid, the right bunk bed for teens (head to 110) will provide something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin over full style is popular for tweens because it lets them accommodate two children in the same room and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the lower level. Some options have trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Teens also love an over-king twin loft bed, which takes up less floor space and provides them with more room to stretch out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular option for older children because they’re “built to last and is the most durable, adult-sized bunk,” Fenton adds.
For a really cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the top, which gives the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a desk or dresser beneath. They’re not as effective at conserving space as a traditional bunk but they’re an attractive option for teens that gives them more space to move around in their rooms.
If you’re looking for an affordable bunk that can offer plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk bed online. Futons are small and flexible, so you can move them around if your children want to redecorate their rooms in the future. However they’re not as sturdy like a metal or wood bunk bed and they don’t come with guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and are easier to climb. Stairs are more secure and can serve as a seating area for younger children. Some models are able to convert into a desk and chair which allows your child to have the ultimate bedroom suite for play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is an expensive purchase, so it’s essential to consider your budget when shopping. While there are plenty of affordable options If you’re thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that can last until the teens (or even into adulthood) it might be worth paying more for a high-quality design that will last for a long time.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs might be prior to shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings who share bedrooms, while the full-over-full bunk for adults is ideal for adults looking to save space or avoid the cost of a separate queen mattress. You’ll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the top and bottom bunks–if kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.
The best bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option, and one that can expand with them. Choose 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 divided into two freestanding twin beds if you want to change the layout of your space down the road. This design has a clean-lined modern design, boucle-upholstered railings, and a stationary ladder that’s easy for kids to climb up and down and down. It’s Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed that has built-in storage is an additional way to save money. This can include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It’s also useful in the case of a small space. Many of the bunks on our list feature this feature. Some even come with additional storage accessories like bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk beds online.