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 to save space.
Look for bunks that are built with flexibility, such as drawers that store items in the bottom, a trundle bed that's easily removed, and stacked twins that can be divided into two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When you're choosing bunk beds for your children, you'll want to consider size, style and safety. Look at the ceiling height to make sure the bunks are able to fit into your space. Also, make sure there's enough space for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be enough apart so that children can move up and down with ease and not run into each other or crash into walls. You'll also want to check if the top bunk bed can be able to support a mattress of similar to that of the lower one. This will help you avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the future.
You can also pick a bunk shape that is not traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For example, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It will save floor space, and allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on the model you pick.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time to transition to 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 along the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the bottom and top beds and leaves more floor space for kids to play on.
Another alternative is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in rooms that are tween. It's great for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and lets you 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 ladder or stairway, making it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will help you determine whether it's possible to climb up and down at night without bumping 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 regulations for bunk beds. They set standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, however, it's important to take into consideration the safety features when buying. You'll want to look for beds with rails that are high enough to stop kids from falling off or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleep surface too high. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out the specifications available for mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.
The best bunk beds will be solid and sturdy, with a ladder or stair that is securely attached to the frame and has handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, particularly if they're not securely fitted together. If your children like to play on the ground, select an un-slung bunk that allows them to play and sit without being too far off the ground.
Consider an L-shaped bed if don't have much space in the room of your child or if you do not want it to take up a lot of space. These take up less floor space and are typically only as wide as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for younger children who may be scared of the higher bunks.
If you need a bit more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best option. They are typically the most secure and fashionable bunk beds on the market and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that grows with your child as they grow. It can even accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of harmful chemicals. It's made of sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.
Style
It's for the shared room or one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with tweens, as it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space, while leaving space for a desk dresser or storage drawers at the bottom. Some options come with 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 spread out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and it's the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.
If you want a cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically a platform bed elevated. The beds feature a ladder on the end giving it a more sleek look and gives more space for a desk or dresser under. They aren't as spacious as bunk beds however they do provide teens with more space in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed If you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are compact and portable which means they can be moved around if you're looking to revamp your child's room in the near future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed has no guardrails.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can also be used as seats for children younger than. best bunk beds for adults are capable of converting into a desk and chair, allowing your child to create the ultimate bedroom suite for study time and playtime.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to take into consideration your budget when shopping. There are many inexpensive options available, but if need a bed that will last into the teens and into adulthood, it's worth spending a little more for a high-quality product that can be used for a long time.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be prior to shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a bedroom, while the full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to select a layout that is lower to the ground.
The most suitable bunk beds for teenagers are those that offer a good price and are able to grow with the teenager. Look for a style that works in traditional and modern rooms, or go with something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds if you want to change the layout of your space in the future. This design has a modern sleek, clean lines as well as boucle upholstered guardrails a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is an additional way to save money. It could be 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 a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some come with additional storage options like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.