How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft bed can bring fun and utility in the room for kids. They can also help to save space.
Look for bunk beds that are flexible like those with bottom storage drawers or trundles that are easy to take off. There are also twins that can be stacked and divided to create two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When selecting bunk beds for your children You'll need to think about size, style and safety. Examine the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be set apart enough that children can safely get up and down without having to crash into each other or the walls. Also, you'll want to find out if the top bunk can support mattresses that is the same size as the bottom one so you won't need for a trundle or another additional bed in the future.
You could also choose a non-traditional bunk shape, which may be better suitable for your space. For example an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can save floor space, and accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both upper and lower levels depending on the model you pick.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's the right time to transition into a regular double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired style with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This gives more room for kids to play.
Another option is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's great for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and allows you to make use of the lower levels for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great option for older children because it eliminates the need to climb a ladder or stairs, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom using blue painter tape. This will give you a feel of whether it can be easily climbed into and out of at night, without causing head bumps 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 that prevent entrapment or falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to consider the security features when you shop. You'll need a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to stop children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not raise the mattress too much. Also, be aware of the capacity for weight, as some bunks have a lower limit than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out the specifications available for mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed and the bunk bed.
The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles for security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly fitted together. If your children love playing on the ground, go for a low-slung bottom bunk to let them sit up and play without being too high off the ground.
If you're in a tight space or don't want to take up too much space in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less space and are generally as wide as one single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with small ceilings. These are also more suitable for children who may be scared of high bunk beds.
If you're looking for a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. They are typically the most secure and stylish bunk beds on the market and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that will grow with your child as they grow. It can even accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. 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
A good bunk bed can make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's the bedroom of a couple or only one child. Some designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular with teens since it lets them sleep two kids in a single room, and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. Some options have trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed since it takes up less space and gives them more space to spread out and work from home. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is another popular option for older children because it's "built to last, and is the most sturdy grown-up bunk available," she adds.
For a truly cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are designed with the ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more room for a desk or dresser. They're not as good for conserving space as a traditional bunk, however, they're a stylish choice for teenagers that offers more space to move around in their rooms.
If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of safety and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are portable and compact, so they can be moved around when you're planning to redesign your child's bedroom in the near future. However they're not as sturdy as a metal or wood bunk bed and they don't come with guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders require less space and are more convenient to climb, while stairs are more secure and can serve as a seating area for younger kids. Some models are capable of being converted into a chair and desk and allow your child to build the perfect bedroom set-up for study time and playtime.
Budget
A bunk bed is an expensive purchase, so it's essential to take into consideration your budget when you shop. There are many affordable options but if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that can last into the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying more for a better design that will last for a long time.
Before you begin shopping, consider who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs could be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings who share the same bedroom, whereas a full over full bunk is a great option for adults looking to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.
The most suitable bunk beds for teens are ones that offer a good price and can adapt to the teenager. 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 separated into two beds if required. This design has a clean-lined modern design, boucle-upholstered railings, and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.
A bunk bed that has built-in storage is a different way to save money. It could be drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and it's especially useful when you have smaller space. Many of the bunks listed on our list offer this feature, and some come with additional storage options, such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.