How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can bring fun and function to rooms for kids. They also can help save space.
Choose bunk beds that can be adapted, such as ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or trundles that are easy to remove. There are also twins that can be stacked and divided to create two separate beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll need to take into consideration size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there is enough room around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be spaced enough apart to allow kids to get up and down safely and not bump into one another or fall into the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk can be able to support a mattress of similar to the size of the lower one. This will allow you to avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the near future.
You can also choose a bunk shape that is not traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. best cheap bunk beds saves the floor space and can also accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on each of the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you select.
Many of the best bunk bed for teens are made to adapt to your child's needs, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to an adult bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the bottom and top beds, leaving more floor space for children to play on.
Another option is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in rooms that are tween. It's an excellent 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, dressers or storage cabinets. It's a great choice for older children as it eliminates the use of a ladder or stairway which makes it more accessible for larger children and adults.
Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, try it out in your child's' bedroom with blue painter's tape to determine how high it will be above the ground. This will give you a feel of whether it could be easily climbed in and out at night without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You should also 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 choice for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to consider the safety features when buying. You'll want to choose a bed with rails that are high enough to prevent kids from falling off or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleeping surface too much. You should also pay attention to the weight capacity, as certain bunks have lower limits than others.
When selecting the bunk bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer for details on the mattress's 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 weight capacity of the top bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.
The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladders or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure security. It is also recommended to avoid bunks that have slatted sides as they can be dangerous for children to climb up or down, especially when the slats aren't securely connected. If your children love to play on the ground, select a bunk with a low slung that lets them sit and play without being too far off the ground.
If you're limited in space or do not want to take up too much space in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less floor space and are usually as wide as a single bed, so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for children of smaller age who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.
If you have more space, you can opt for a full-over-full bunk bed. They are generally the safest and most stylish bunk beds that are available, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will grow with children as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemicals. It is made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.
Style
Whether it's for an entire room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed can give teenagers something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with tweens, as it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same room while leaving space for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage on the bottom. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says teens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it occupies less space and gives them 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 are the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.
For a really cool bunk, consider a l-shaped or T-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more space to set up a desk or dresser. These beds aren't as spacious as bunk beds, but they give teens more room in their rooms.
You should consider a futon bunk If you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are small and flexible and can be moved them around in case your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the future. They are not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can be used as seats by younger children. Some models can even be capable of converting into a chair and desk, allowing your child to have the ultimate bedroom suite for study time and playtime.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's crucial to factor in your budget when buying. While there are plenty of affordable options, if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that is designed to last through the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying a bit more for a better design that will last for years to come.
Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping in the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for families with multiple children, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who wish to reduce space and avoid the expense of purchasing an additional queen or king mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.
The best bunk beds for teens are ones that are affordable and can grow with the teenager. Select a style that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two beds, if needed. This design features a clean, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's simple for children to climb and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another option to save money is to choose a bunk that has built-in storage, such as drawers beneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also helpful for those with a smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even come with additional storage options like a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.