How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and functionality to kids' rooms. They can also help in reducing space.
Choose bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers that store items in the bottom and a trundle bed that's easy to remove, and stacked twins that can be separated into two beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing bunk beds for your kids, you'll want to consider size, style and safety. Look at the ceiling height to ensure the bunks fit into your space. Make sure there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be enough apart to allow kids to move up and down with ease and not bump into each other or smash into walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk can support a mattress the same size as that of the bottom one. This will allow you to avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle later on.
You could also choose a non-traditional bunk shape one that is more suitable for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be perfect for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It is a great way to save the floor space and can also accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on the lower and upper levels, based on the model you choose.
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 to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance is the classic farmhouse look with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for children to play.
Another option is a loft bed which maximizes corner space in rooms with tweens. It's great for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great choice for older children because it doesn't require you to use stairs or a ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom with blue painter tape. This will help you determine whether it's safe to climb in and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. You should also take into consideration the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features that protect against falls and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds can be a great choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it is essential to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll want to choose a bed with rails that are high enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped. Also, you need an option that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. You should also be aware of the weight capacity, since certain bunks are less able than others.
When you are choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer for details on the mattress sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed and the bunk.
The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladders or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, particularly if they're not securely connected. If your children love to play on the ground, choose a low-slung bunk that allows them to play and sit without having to be too far off the floor.
Pick an L-shaped bed if you do not have enough space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it taking up a lot of space. They require less space and are usually only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with narrow ceilings. They're also more suitable for children who may be intimidated by the higher bunk.
If you're looking for a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best option. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that grows 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 for low chemical emissions and is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in multiple color options.
Style
A good bunk bed can keep teens content regardless of whether it's in a shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular among teens because it permits them to sleep two kids in the same space, while leaving room for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage at the bottom. Some options have trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says that teens love a twin-over-king loft bed because it occupies less space and gives them the space to spread out or work at home. Metal bunk beds with an extended guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last, and is the most durable grown-up bunk available," she adds.
Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more room for a desk or dresser. They're not as efficient at saving 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 want bunk beds that are affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are compact and versatile which means you can move them around if your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. They're not as sturdy as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one has no guardrails.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and are easier to climb, while stairs are safer and double as a seat for younger kids. Some models can even be capable of being converted into a desk and chair, allowing your child to have the ultimate bedroom suite for play and study.
Budget
When choosing a bunk bed, it's crucial to think about your budget. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if you need a bed that will last into the teens and even into adulthood, you should consider spending an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used for years.
Think about who will be using 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 a full over full bunk is a great option for adults who are looking to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you may want to choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.
The best bunk bed for Teens - www.bunkbedsstore.uk, is one that is affordable and one that is able to grow with them. 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 twin beds if required. This style has a sleek, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's easy for kids to climb and descend, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another option to save money is to locate a bunk that has built-in storage, such as drawers underneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom tidy and clutter-free. It's also helpful in the case of a small room. Many of the bunks in our list come with this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories, such as a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.