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 room for kids. They also can help reduce space.
Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers for storage at the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to remove and twins that stack and can be split into two beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When selecting a bunk bed for your children, you'll want to consider size, style and safety. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be placed apart enough that children can safely get up and down and not crash into each other or the walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the size of the lower one. This will help you avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle later on.
You may also opt for a different shape for your bunk one that is more for your space. For example an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can save space on the floor, and also accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the upper and lower levels, based on the model you select.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs by converting into two independent beds when it's the right time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance, features a classic farmhouse style with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom, leaving more floor space for kids to play on.
Another alternative is a loft bed which optimizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's ideal for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great choice for older kids because it doesn't require them to use a ladder or stairs and makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room using blue painter tape. This will give you a feel of whether it could be easily climbed in and out of at night without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You should also take into consideration the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features that stop falls or entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are an ideal option for families with children of all age groups. However, it is crucial to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll need to find bunk beds with guardrails that are tall enough to stop children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that does not raise the mattress excessively. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have smaller weight limits than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available on mattresses and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladders or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles to ensure safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, particularly if they're not securely joined. If your children love to play on the ground, pick a low-slung bunk that allows them to play and sit without being too far off the ground.
Pick an L-shaped bed if you don't have a lot of space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it to take up much space. They are smaller in size and are usually only about the same width as a single bed, so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for younger kids, who may be intimidated by a higher bunk.
If you have a little more room, go for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. These are usually the safest and most elegant bunk beds available on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that grows 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, and it is available in a variety of color options.
Style
It's for an entire room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed can give teenagers something to be enthusiastic about. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with teens, as it allows them to sleep two kids in the same space, while leaving enough space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers at the bottom. There are some options that include a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to fit an additional mattress.
Teens also adore an over-king twin loft bed that occupies less floor space and provides them with more room to stretch out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is another popular option for older children because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.
For a really cool bunk, think about an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically a platform bed elevated. The beds feature a ladder on the end, which gives the appearance of a sleeker design and allows more room for a desk or dresser under. They're not as good for conserving space as a traditional bunk, but they're an attractive option for teens, and give them more space to move around in their rooms.
If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of security and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are portable and compact, so they can be moved around in case 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 don't have guardrails on the top bed.
Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are smaller and can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and can double as a seating area for younger kids. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk to let your child have the ultimate bedroom set for both play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to consider your budget when shopping. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if need a 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 a long time.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements may be before you start shopping. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults who want to make space and avoid the expense 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 the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, it may be better to select a layout that is lower than the ground.
The ideal bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Select a style that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two twin beds if needed. This design has a modern, clean-lined silhouette, boucle upholstered guardrails and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.
A bunk bed that has built-in storage is an additional option to save money. This could include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves beneath the top. This can help you make your bedroom less cluttered, and it's especially useful for those who have a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature, and a few come with additional storage options like bookcase headboards for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.