How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft and bunk beds can be a great way to add fun and function in the children's room. They also can help in reducing space.
Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers for storage at the bottom and a trundle bed that's easy to take down, and twins that stack and can be separated into two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll need to consider the dimensions, style, and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your kids. Make sure you check the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks to allow the kids to move. The beds should be set apart enough that kids can safely move up and down without having to crash into one another or the walls. Also, you'll need to find out whether the top bunk is able to support a mattress that is the same size as the bottom one so you won't need for a trundle or an extra bed in the near future.
You can also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape, which may be better for your space. For instance, an L-shaped bunk can be perfect for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can save the floor space and can also accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on each of the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you pick.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance it has a classic farmhouse style with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the bottom and top beds with more space for kids to play on.
A loft bed is another option that makes the most of the space around corners in tween-rooms. It's great for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a good choice for older children because it doesn't require you to climb stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, test it out in your kids' bedroom with blue painter's tape to determine how high it will rise above the ground. This will let you know if it is possible to climb up and down at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. It is also important to consider the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features to stop falls or entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds can be an ideal option for families with children of all ages. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll want to look for beds with rails that are high enough to prevent children from falling or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have a lower weight 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. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and they'll typically provide the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for security. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, particularly if they're not securely fitted together. If your children love to play on the ground, pick a low-slung bunk that allows them to sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.
If you have a limited space or do not want to occupy the entire space of your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less space and are generally as wide as one single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with narrow ceilings. They're also ideal for younger kids, who may be intimidated by a bunk that is higher.
If you require a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that will grow with your child's development as they grow. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it comes in multiple color options.
Style
The ideal bunk bed will keep teens content regardless of whether it's in the bedroom of a couple or only one child. Many designs are minimalist and sleek and 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 a favorite among teens because it lets them sleep two children in a single room, and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. There are some options with trundle beds which allow the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says that teens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it takes up less space and gives them the space to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and are the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.
If you want a cool bunk, think about an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more room for a dresser or desk. They're not as good for saving space like a traditional bunk but they're an attractive option for teens, and give them more space in their rooms.
If you're looking for an affordable bunk that will still offer plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and portable and can be moved around if you're planning to redesign your child's room in the future. However, they're not as durable as a metal or wood bunk bed and do not have guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks that include ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and can be more convenient to climb, while stairs are safer and can double as a seating area for younger kids. Some models can even be capable of converting into a desk and chair and allow your child to have the ultimate bedroom suite for play and study.
Budget
When shopping for a bunk bed, it's important that you consider your budget. There are many inexpensive options available, but if you need a bed that will endure through your teens and into adulthood, it's worth spending more to get a top-quality bed that can be used indefinitely.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements could be prior to shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings who share the same bedroom, whereas full over full bunk is a great option for adults looking to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.
The ideal bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that will adapt to their needs. Pick a design that can work in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two beds if needed. This design has a clean-lined modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another option to save money is to choose a bunk with built-in storage, for example drawers beneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will help make your bedroom less cluttered, and it's especially useful if you're working with the space of a small one. A majority of the bunks on our list offer this option, and a few have additional storage accessories available such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.