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 save space.
Choose bunks that are designed with flexibility, like bottom storage drawers, a trundle bed that's easily removed and twin beds that can be divided into two separate beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing bunk beds for your kids You'll need to think about size, style and safety. Check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be spaced enough apart to allow kids to move up and down with ease and not run into one another or fall into walls. Also, you'll want to find out whether the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so that you can avoid the need for a trundle or an extra bed in the future.
You may also opt for a bunk design that isn't conventional, if it suits your space better. For instance, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It will save space on the floor, and also accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you choose.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time to transition into a regular double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curving headboards and wagon-themed 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.
A loft bed is a different option that can maximize the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's a great choice for smaller spaces since it doesn't take up as much vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a great choice for older children since it eliminates the need to use stairs or a ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, check it in your children bedroom using blue painter's tape to determine how high it will rise off the ground. This will help you determine whether it's possible to climb in and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. It is also important to take into consideration the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features to stop falls or entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features before buying. You should look for beds with rails that are tall enough to keep children from falling over or becoming trapped, and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleep surface too high. Also, be aware of the weight capacity, since certain bunks have lower limits than others.
When you are choosing a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and they'll typically list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The ideal bunk beds will be sturdy and have an stairway or ladder that is secured to the frame and comes with handles on the sides. Avoid bunks with slatted sides, as they could be unsafe for children to climb up or down, particularly in the case where the slats haven't been tightly connected. If your children love playing on the ground, go for a low-slung bottom bunk to let them sit up and play without being too high off the ground.
If you have a limited space or do not want to take up too much space in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are usually only as wide as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for younger children who may be scared of high bunk beds.
If you need a bit more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. They are the most stylish and safe bunk beds available. They can be used for full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will grow with children as they get older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made of sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in multiple color options.
Style
Whether it's for the shared room or one kid, the right bunk bed will give teens something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. A twin over full design is a favorite among teens because it gives them room to sleep two children in the same room and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the lower level. Some designs come with a Trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.
Teens also love an over-king twin loft bed that occupies less floor space and provides them with more space to sprawl out or work from home, according to Fenton. A bunk bed made of metal with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last and is the most durable grown-up bunk available," she adds.
If you want a cool bunk, you should consider an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. These beds have the ladder at the top giving the appearance of a sleeker design and makes room for a dresser or desk underneath. They're not as good for conserving space as a traditional bunk, but they're an attractive option for teens, and give them more room to move around in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed if you want bunk beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are small and flexible which means you can move them around if your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the future. However they're not as strong like a metal or wood bunk bed and don't have guardrails on the top bed.
best bunk bed with slide Bunk Beds Store that include ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, can also be used as a seating area by children who are younger. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair to let your child have the ultimate bedroom set for both play and study.
Budget
When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's important to think about your budget. There are many affordable options If you're thinking of buying a bunk bed that can last until the teens (or even adulthood) it might be worth paying more for a high-quality design that will last for years to come.
Before you shop take into consideration who will be sleeping in the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who want to make space and avoid the expense of purchasing an additional queen or king-sized mattress. You'll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example, it might be best to opt for a lower-to-ground arrangement.
The ideal bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable, and one that can expand with them. Pick a design that can work in both traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds if required. This design features a clean, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb and descend, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is an additional option to save money. This could include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will allow you to make your bedroom less cluttered, and is especially beneficial for those who have a small space. Many of the bunks on our list feature this feature. Some even offer additional storage options like bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.