How to Choose the
best bunk bed Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can add
fun bunk beds and functionality to children's rooms. They can also help to save space.
Look for bunk beds that are flexible, such as ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easy to take off. You can also find twins that can be stacked and separated to create two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing a bunk bed for your kids, you'll want to consider size, style, and safety. Examine the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be spaced far enough apart so that children are able to safely go up and down without having to hit each other or the walls. Also, you'll need to find out if the top bunk can support mattresses similar to the bottom one so that you can avoid the need for a trundle, or an extra bed in the near future.
You may also opt for an arrangement for your bunk that is not traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. 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, depending on which model you pick.
Many of the best
bunk bed for teens are built to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to the size of a 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 constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for kids to play.
A loft bed is another option that makes the most of the space at the corner 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 a great option for older children as it doesn't require stairs or ladders, making it more accessible to large children and adults.
Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, try it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's tape to determine how high it will rise off the ground. This will give you a sense of whether it is easily climbed into and out at night without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. It is also important to consider the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features that stop falls or entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it is essential to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll need to find bunk beds with railings that are high enough to stop children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that does not raise the sleeping surface excessively. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have smaller weight limits than others.
When selecting the bunk bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer for details regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide 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 ideal bunk beds will be sturdy and have stairs or ladders that is secured to the frame and comes with handles on the sides. Avoid bunks that have slatted sides as they could be dangerous for
kids bunk to climb up and down, especially if the slats aren't tightly joined. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom so that they can sit up and play without being too high off the ground.
Pick an L-shaped bed if do not have enough space in the room of your child or if you do not want it to take up much space. They take up less space and are typically only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with small ceilings. These are also more suitable for children who may feel intimidated by high bunk beds.
If you're looking for a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. These are the most fashionable 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 as they grow. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemicals. It's made of sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.
Style
Whether it's for the shared room or one kid, the right bunk bed for teens will provide something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular for tweens because it allows them to sleep two kids in the same space and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the lower level. Some designs come with a trundle bed that allows the upper level to fit an additional mattress.
Tweens also love an over-king twin loft bed that takes up less floor space and gives them more space to spread 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 are the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.
Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially a raised platform bed. They're designed with a ladder at their end. This makes them more sleek and more room to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as efficient at conserving space like a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens, and give them more room to move around in their rooms.
If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that will still offer plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and portable, so they can be moved around if you want to redecorate your child's room in the future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and are more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and double as a seat for younger children. Some models are capable of converting into a desk and chair which allows your child to create the perfect bedroom set-up for study time and playtime.
Budget
When choosing a bunk bed, it's important to consider your budget. While there are plenty of affordable options, if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that can last until the teens (or even into adulthood) it might be worth paying a bit extra for a quality design that will last for many years to come.
Before you start shopping think about who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs might be. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room and a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to reduce space and avoid the cost of buying a separate queen or king size 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 toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.
The ideal bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable, and one that can grow with them. Choose a design that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds should you're looking to alter your space down the road. This style has a sleek, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's simple for children to climb and descend, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.
Another way to save money is to locate an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, such as drawers beneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will help keep the bedroom clutter-free, and is especially beneficial if you're working with smaller space. Many of the bunks in our list come with this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories, such as headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.