How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and utility in the children's room. They can also help save space.
Choose bunk beds that can be adapted, such as those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that's easily removed. You can also find twins that are stacked, which can be separated to create two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing bunk beds for your kids, you'll want to consider size, style, and safety. Consider the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to are suitable for your space. Also, make sure that there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be spaced enough apart to allow kids to climb and descend safely and not bump into each other or smash into walls. Also, you should determine if the top bunk bed can support a mattress similar to that of the lower one. This will allow you to avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the near future.
You may also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape, which may be better suitable for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be perfect for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can save the floor space and can allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both upper and lower levels, depending on the model you pick.
A lot of the top bunk bed for teens are made to adapt to your child's needs and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance it has the classic farmhouse look with curved 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 top and bottom beds with more space for children to play on.
A loft bed is a different option that can maximize the space at the corner in rooms that are tweens. It's great for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and allows you to make use of the lower levels for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great choice for older children because it eliminates the need to use stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room by using blue painter's tape. This will give you a feel of whether it could be easily climbed into and out of at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. It is also important to think about the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features to protect against falls and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, but it is important to think about safety features when shopping. You'll want to choose a bed with rails that are high enough to stop children from falling over or becoming trapped, and a mattress that doesn't elevate the bed's surface too high. Also, pay attention to the weight capacity, as certain bunks have lower limits than others.
When choosing a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer for details on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and will typically list the total bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.
The most suitable bunk beds are sturdy and feature a ladder or stair that is attached securely to the frame, and has side handles. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides as they could be dangerous for children to climb up or down, especially when the slats aren't securely fitted together. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, you should opt for a low-slung bottom bunk so that they can sit up and play without being too high off the floor.
Choose an L-shaped bed if you do not have enough space in your child's room or if you do not want it to take up much space. They require less floor space and are usually the same size as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for kids who may be intimidated by a bunk that is higher.
If you have more room, go for a full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically 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 is a stylish solid and sturdy option that can grow with kids as they get older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of harmful chemicals. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.
Style
The ideal bunk bed will make teens happy regardless of whether it's in the bedroom of a couple or only one child. A lot of designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular among teens, as it allows them to sleep two children in the same space while still leaving room for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers in the lower part. Some options come with an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to fit an additional mattress.
Fenton says teens like a twin-over-king loft bed since it takes up less space and gives them more space to spread out or work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular option for older children because they're "built to last and it's the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.
Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design, which is essentially a raised platform bed. These beds are designed with a ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more space to set up a desk or dresser. They aren't as space-saving as bunk beds, but they give teens more room in their rooms.
If you're looking for an affordable bunk that can offer plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and portable, so they can be moved around in case you're looking to revamp your child's space in the near future. However they're not as sturdy like a metal or wood bunk bed and they don't come with guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and are more convenient to climb, whereas stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for younger children. Some models can even be able to convert into a desk and chair which allows your child to create the ultimate bedroom suite for play and study.
Budget
When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's crucial that you consider your budget. There are many inexpensive options available, but if you need a bed that will last through the teens and even into adulthood, it's worth spending more to get a top-quality bed that can be used for years.
Before you begin shopping think about who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their needs for sleep might be. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings who share bedrooms, while the full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults looking to save space or reduce the cost of a separate queen bed. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to select a layout that is lower to the ground.
The best bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that will grow with them. Look for a style that is suitable for both modern and traditional rooms, or opt for something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can separate into two freestanding twin beds if you need to reconfigure your space later on. This design features a clean, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, and a stationary ladder that's easy 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 an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, such as drawers under the bed or shelving down below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free. It's also helpful for those with a smaller room. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature, and some offer additional storage options, such as a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.