Myrtis Holly asked 2 months ago
How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and childrens bunk beds beds can be a great way to add fun and function in the kids’ room. They also can help save space.
Choose bunk beds that are able to be moved, such as ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that is easy to remove. There are also stacked twins which can be separated to make two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You’ll want to consider the size, style, and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your kids. Examine the ceiling’s height to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks for children to move around. The beds should be spaced enough apart that kids can get up and down safely and not bump into each other or smash into walls. Also, you’ll want to find out whether the top bunk is able to 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 near future.
You may also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape, which may be better for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed could be ideal for a small space or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can save floor space, and allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the lower and upper levels depending 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 move to a normal 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 made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the top and bottom beds with more space for kids to play on.
A loft bed is an alternative option that maximizes the space around corners in rooms with tweens. It’s a great option for smaller spaces because it doesn’t take up the same amount of vertical space and allows the lower levels to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It’s also a great choice for older kids because it eliminates the need to use a ladder or stairs, making it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, check it out in your kids’ bedroom with blue painter’s tape to see how high it will be off the ground. This will help you determine whether it’s safe to climb up and down at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the window sill. Also, it is important to ensure your family’s safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s guidelines for bunk beds, which set standards for guardrails and other features that prevent the risk of falling 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 buying. You’ll want to look for a bed with rails that are high enough to prevent children from falling or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn’t raise the sleep surface too high. You should also pay attention to the weight capacity, since certain bunks have a lower limit than others.
Check the manufacturer’s website to see the specifications available for mattress dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and they’ll often list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladders or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they’re poorly fitted together. If your children love playing on the ground, go for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to sit and play without being too high off the ground.
Pick an L-shaped mattress if you don’t have much space in the room of your child or if you don’t want it to take up a lot of space. These are smaller in size and are typically only the same size as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for younger children who may be scared of higher bunks.
If you need a bit more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best option. These are usually the safest and most fashionable bunk beds on the market, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids’ Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that can grow with your child’s development as they grow. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It’s Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of harmful chemicals. It’s made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.
Style
A good bunk bed can make teens happy regardless of whether it’s in the bedroom of a couple or just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist while others are more playful elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular with teens since it lets them sleep two kids in the same room and still leaves space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. There are some options that include a trundle bed that allows the upper level to fit an additional mattress.
Fenton says teens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it occupies less space and provides them with the 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 sturdy, adult-friendly bunk,” Fenton adds.
If you want a cool bunk, think about an l-shaped or T-shaped design that’s essentially an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the end giving an elegant look and allows more room for a dresser or desk under. They’re not as efficient at saving space like a traditional bunk however, they’re a stylish choice for teenagers that offers more space to move around in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed if you’re looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are compact and versatile, so you can move them around if your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top bed does not have guardrails.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are smaller and can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are more secure and can serve as a seating area for younger kids. Some models can even be capable of being converted into a chair and desk, allowing your child to create the ultimate bedroom suite to study or play.
Budget
A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it’s important to consider your budget when buying. Although there are plenty of cheap options available but if you’re planning on buying a bunk bed that will last through the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying a bit more for a high-quality design that can be used for many years to come.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs could be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a bedroom, while the full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who are looking to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen mattress. You’ll need to determine the amount of headroom 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 to the ground.
The best bunk beds for teens are ones that offer a good price and are able to grow with the teen. Select a style that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors’ Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds, if needed. This design has a clean-lined 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 its environmental and social responsibility.
Another way to save money is to choose an area of the bunk that is built-in storage options, like drawers under the bed or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It’s also useful for those with a smaller space. Many of the bunks listed on our list have this feature, and some come with additional storage options, such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.