How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can bring fun and function to rooms for kids. They can also help reduce space.
Find bunk beds that are flexible, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that is easy to take off. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be divided to create two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When you’re choosing a bunk bed for your kids You’ll need to think about the size, style and security. Consider the height of the ceiling to ensure the bunks fit into your space, and make sure there’s enough room for your kids to move around them. The beds should be spaced enough apart so that children can get up and down safely and not run into each other or smash into the walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress similar to that of the lower one. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.
You can also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape that is suitable for your space. A bunk bed with an L shape can be perfect for small spaces or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the lower and upper levels depending on the model you choose.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens are designed to grow with your child by converting into two independent double beds when they’re ready to move up to a double bed. For instance, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired style with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It’s made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This leaves more space for kids to play.
Another alternative is a loft bed which maximizes corner space in tween rooms. It’s ideal for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and allows you to make use of the lower levels for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It’s a great option for older children as it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child’s room using blue painter tape. This will give you a sense of whether it could be easily climbed into and out of at night without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. It is also important to think about the safety of your family by examining 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, however, it is important to think about safety features when shopping. You’ll need to find a bunk bed with guardrails that are high enough to stop children from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress which does not elevate the sleeping surface excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.
When choosing the childrens bunk bed bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They’ll also give the maximum capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles for security. It is also recommended to avoid bunks that have slatted sides as they can be dangerous for kids to climb up or down, particularly when the slats aren’t securely connected. If your children like to play on the ground, choose a low-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.
If you’re in a tight space or do not want to take up too much room in your kid’s bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. These are smaller in size and are usually only the same size as a single bed so they’re ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for children of smaller age who might be intimidated by higher bunks.
If you have a little more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are usually the most secure and stylish bunk beds on the market, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids’ Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that can grow with kids as they age and even accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for 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
The right bunk bed can make teens happy regardless of whether it’s the bedroom of a couple or just one child. Many designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular among teens because it allows them to sleep two kids in the same space while leaving space for a desk dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. There are some options with Trundle beds that permit the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says that teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed since it occupies less space and provides them with the space to spread out or work from home. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is another popular option for older children because it’s “built to last and is the most sturdy grown-up bunk available,” she adds.
If you want a cool bunk beds uk, you should consider an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the end, which gives the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a dresser or desk under. They’re not as efficient at conserving space as a traditional bunk, but they’re a stylish option for teens that gives them 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 provides safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable, so they can be moved around if you want to redecorate your child’s bedroom in the future. However they’re not as strong as a wood or metal bunk bed and they don’t come with guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, could be used as a seat for children younger than. Some models can even be capable of converting into a desk and chair which allows your child to create the perfect bedroom set-up for study time and playtime.
Budget
A bunk bed is a major investment, so it’s crucial to take into consideration your budget when shopping. Although there are plenty of affordable options, if you’re planning on purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last into the teens (or even adulthood), it may be worth paying a little more for a better design that will last for years to come.
Before you shop think about who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs could be. For instance, a twin over a twin configuration is great for families with multiple children or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults who want to reduce space and avoid the cost of purchasing a separate queen or king-sized 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 bed that is lower than the ground.
The best bunk bed for teens is a good value and one that will grow with them. 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 divided into two twin beds if required. This design has a modern elegant, clean-lined design as well as boucle upholstered guardrails a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It’s also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is an additional option to save money. This can include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help make your bedroom less cluttered, and is particularly useful if you’re working with the space of a small one. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature, and some have additional storage accessories available like a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.