How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can add fun and functionality to kids' rooms. They can also help to save space.
Look for bunk beds that are able to be moved, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or trundles that are easily removed. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be separated to make two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
You'll need to consider size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will fit in your space, and make sure there's enough room for children to move around them. The beds should be spaced sufficiently apart that children are able to safely go up and down and not collide with each other or the walls. Additionally, you should find out whether the top bunk is able to support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so that you don't have to pay for a trundle, or an additional bed in the future.
You may also opt for a bunk design that is not traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For example an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. It is a great way to save the floor space and can fit a twin over full or queen mattress on the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you pick.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children's needs and can be converted into two separate beds when it's the right time to transition to a regular double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This creates more space for kids to play.
A loft bed is a different option that maximizes the corner space in tween-rooms. It's ideal for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. best bunk beds for adults 's also a great choice for older kids because it eliminates the need to climb stairs or a ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room with blue painter tape. This will give you a feel of whether it can be easily climbed in and out at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You should also consider the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features to protect against falls and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are an ideal option for families with children of all ages. However, it's essential to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll need to find bunk beds with guardrails that are tall enough to stop children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that does not elevate the mattress too much. You should also pay attention to the weight capacity, as certain bunks have a lower limit than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out the specifications available for mattress dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.
The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure safety. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your kids love playing on the ground, go for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to let them sit up and play without being too high off the floor.
Choose an L-shaped bed if 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 are smaller in size and are usually the same size as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more suitable for children who may be intimidated by the higher bunk.
If you need a bit more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used as twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that can grow with your child as they grow. It can even accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of harmful chemicals. It is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.
Style
The ideal bunk bed will make teens happy, whether it's in the shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular with teens since it gives them room to accommodate two children in the same space and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers on the lower level. There are some options with trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says that tweens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it takes up less space and provides them with the space to spread out and work from home. A bunk bed made of metal with an extended guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last and it's the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.
For a truly cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically a platform bed elevated. They're designed with the ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more room to set up a desk or dresser. These beds aren't as spacious as a bunk bed, but they provide teens with more space in their rooms.
If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that can offer plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and portable and can be moved around when you're looking to revamp your child's space in the near future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one does not have guardrails.
Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can be used as a seat by younger children. Some models can even be capable of being converted into a desk and chair and allow your child to create the perfect bedroom space to study or play.
Budget
A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's crucial to consider your budget when you shop. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if want a bunk bed to endure through your teens and into adulthood, it's worth spending more for a quality product that can be used for a long time.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs might be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings who share the same bedroom, whereas full over full bunk is perfect for adults who are looking to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.
The most suitable bunk beds for teens are those which are priced at a reasonable price and are able to grow with the teenager. Look for a style that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you want to change the layout of your space in the future. This design has a modern, clean-lined silhouette, boucle upholstered guardrails and a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is another way to save money. This can include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and is especially beneficial if you're working with a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and a few have additional storage accessories available like bookcase headboards for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.