How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can add fun and functionality to kids' rooms. They also can help save space.
Choose bunk beds that are flexible, such as those with bottom storage drawers or trundles that are easily removed. You can also find twins that are stacked, which can be divided to create two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll need to think about the size design, style, and security when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Examine the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks to allow the kids to move. The beds should be placed sufficiently apart that children can safely get up and down and not hit one another or the walls. Also, you'll need to determine whether the top bunk is able to support a mattress similar to the bottom one so you don't have to pay for a trundle, or an extra bed in the near future.
You may also opt for a bunk design that isn't traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For example, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can save floor space, and allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you choose.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are designed to grow with your child, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example it has a classic farmhouse style with curved headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the bottom and top beds and leaves more floor space for children to play on.
Another option is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces as it doesn't require 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 stairs or ladders, making it more accessible to large children and adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom using blue painter tape. This will help you determine if it is possible to climb up and down at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. In addition, you should 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 prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all ages. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features before buying. You should look for a bed with guard rails that are tall enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't raise the sleep surface too high. You should also be aware of the capacity for weight, as certain bunks are less able than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out what specifications are available regarding mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and often list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.
The best bunk beds will be sturdy and have an stairway or ladder that is secured to the frame and comes with handles on the sides. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides because they are unsafe for children to climb up or down, especially in the case where the slats haven't been tightly connected. If your children love to play on the ground, pick an un-slung bunk that allows them to sit and play without being too far from the ground.
Consider an L-shaped bed if you don't have a lot of space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it taking up a lot of space. They take up less space and are usually only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them perfect for small rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for children of smaller age who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.
If you require a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. They are the most stylish and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that grows with your child's growth. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemical. It's made of sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.
Style
A good bunk bed can make teens happy, whether it's in the shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist while others are more playful elements. Bunk beds also come in different sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. A twin over full design is a favorite among teens because it gives them room to sleep two kids in the same room and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the lower level. Certain designs have trundle beds which allow the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says that teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed because it takes up less space and gives them the space to spread out and work at home. A bunk bed made of metal with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last and is the most durable grown-up bunk available," she adds.
Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are designed with the ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more room for a desk or dresser. These beds are not as spacious as bunk beds however, they can provide teens with more space in their rooms.
You should consider a futon bunk If you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable which means they can be moved around when you're planning to redesign your child's bedroom in the future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top bed does not have guardrails.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can be used as a seat for children younger than. best place to get bunk beds can be transformed into a desk or chair to let your child have the ultimate bedroom set that can be used for study and play.
Budget
A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to factor in your budget when you shop. There are many inexpensive options available, but if you need a bed that will endure through your teens and on into adulthood, it's worth paying an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used for years.
Before you shop take into consideration who will be sleeping in the bunk bed and what their needs for sleep could be. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room and a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults looking to save space and avoid the cost of purchasing an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll also have to decide how much headroom you want between the top and bottom bunks--if kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to go with a lower-to ground configuration.
The most suitable bunk beds for teens are ones which are priced at a reasonable price and are able to grow with the teenager. Find a design that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or opt for something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you want to change the layout of your space later on. This style features a modern elegant, clean-lined design with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another way to save money is to choose a bunk with built-in storage, such as drawers under the bed or shelves below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also helpful if you have a small room. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature, and a few have additional storage accessories available such as a bookcase headboard for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.