How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft bed can be a great way to add fun and function in the children's room. They can also help to save space.
Find bunks designed to be flexible, such as drawers for storage at the bottom and a trundle bed that's easily removed, and twins that stack and can be split into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You should consider the size, style, and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your kids. Examine 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 children to move. The beds should be far enough apart to allow kids to get up and down safely and not run into each other or crash into walls. Also, you'll need to find out whether the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the bottom one, so that you don't have to pay for a trundle or an extra bed in the future.
You may also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape, which may be better suitable for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed could be perfect for small spaces or a guest room shared by two people. It is a great way to save the floor space and can fit a queen or twin over full mattress on the upper and lower levels, based on the model you pick.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time for them to move to a normal double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance is the classic farmhouse look with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the bottom and top beds with more space for children to play on.
Another alternative is a loft bed which optimizes corner spaces in rooms that are tween. It's a great choice for smaller spaces since it doesn't require the same amount of vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older kids because it doesn't require them to climb stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room with blue painter tape. This will help you determine whether it's safe to climb into and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Also, it is important 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 that prevent entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, but it's important to consider the security features when you shop. You'll want to look for beds with rails that are high enough to keep children from falling or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't elevate the bed's surface too high. Also, be aware of the weight capacity, since some bunks have a lower limit than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out what specifications are available on mattresses 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 upper bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.
The best bunk beds will be sturdy and have a ladder or stair that is secured to the frame, and has handles on the sides. Avoid bunks with slatted sides because they are dangerous for kids to climb up or down, particularly in the case where the slats haven't been tightly connected. If your kids love playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom so that they can sit 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 usually only as wide as one single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with narrow ceilings. They are also suitable for younger children who may be scared of the higher bunks.
If you have more room, go for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used as twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will grow with children as they age and even accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.
Style
Whether it's for a shared room or just one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist while others are more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with teens because it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space, while leaving enough room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. There are some options that include a trundle bed that allows the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress.
Teens also adore an over-king twin loft bed that occupies less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and it's the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.
For a truly cool bunk, think about an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the top giving it a more sleek look and gives more space for a desk or dresser under. 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 in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed If you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are portable and compact, so they can be moved around when you're planning to redesign your child's space in the near future. They are not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one has no guardrails.
Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and are more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and can double as a seating area for younger children. Some models are capable of converting into a chair and desk and allow your child to create the perfect bedroom space to study or play.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's crucial to factor in your budget when you shop. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if are looking for a bunk bed that will endure through your teens and even into adulthood, it's worth spending a little more to get a top-quality bed that can be used for years.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs could be prior to shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings who share bedrooms, while the full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults looking to save space or avoid the cost of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom between the top bunk and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you might want to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.
The most suitable bunk beds for teenagers are those that are affordable and can grow with the teen. Pick a design that can work in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds, if needed. This design features a clean, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.
Another way to save money is to choose a bunk that has built-in storage, for example drawers under the bed or shelving down below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also useful for those with a smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list offer this option, and a few offer additional storage options, such as an bookcase headboard for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.