How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft and bunk beds can be a great way to add fun and function in the kids' room. They can also help to save space.
Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as bottom storage drawers and a trundle bed that's easy to remove and twins that stack and can be divided into two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When you're choosing bunk beds for your kids You'll need to think about the size, style and security. Check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be enough apart so that children can move up and down with ease and not collide with one another or fall into the walls. Additionally, you should determine if the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one, so that you don't have to pay for a trundle or an additional bed in the future.
You can also choose an arrangement for your bunk that isn't traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can save floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on each of the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you choose.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are made to adapt to your child's needs and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to the size of a 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 on the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom with more space for kids to play on.
Another alternative is a loft bed which maximizes corner space in rooms that are tween. It's a great option for smaller spaces since it doesn't require as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children as it doesn't require stairs or ladders, making it more accessible for large children and adults.
Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, check it out in your child's bedroom using blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will give you an idea of whether it could be easily climbed in and out at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You'll also want to consider the safety of your family members by reading 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 kids of all ages, but it's important to consider the safety features when buying. You'll need to find a bunk bed with guardrails that are high enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not raise the sleeping surface too much. You should also be aware of the capacity for weight, as some bunks are less able than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available on mattress dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and typically provide the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly connected. If your kids love playing on the ground, go for a low-slung bottom bunk so that they can sit up and play without being too high off the ground.
Pick an L-shaped bed if you do not have enough space in your child's room or if you do not want it to take up much space. They take up less floor space and are usually the same size as a single bed, which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for children who might be intimidated by higher bunks.
If you require a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best choice. They are typically the safest and most elegant bunk beds available that are available, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that will grow with your child's growth. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made from sustainably sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.
Style
If it's an entire room or just one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist while others are more playful elements. Bunk beds are also available in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular among teens because it permits the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space, while still leaving room for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage in the lower part. Some designs come with a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress.
Fenton says teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed since it takes up less space and provides them with the space to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and are the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.
For a truly cool bunk, think about an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. They're designed with a ladder at their end. This provides a more modern look and more room for a desk or dresser. They're not as effective at conserving space like a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens, and give them more space to move around in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed if you want a bunk bed that is affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable which means you can move them around if your children wish to redesign their rooms in the near future. However they're not as sturdy as a wood or metal bunk bed and they don't come with guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, could be used as a seating area by younger children. Some models can even be capable of being converted into a chair and desk, allowing your child to build the perfect bedroom set-up for play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's important to factor in your budget when you shop. Although there are plenty of cheap options available If you're thinking of buying a bunk bed that can last through the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying extra for a quality design that can be used for years to come.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be prior to shopping. 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 make space and avoid the cost of purchasing a separate queen or king-sized mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you might want to choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.
The best bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that is able to grow with them. Look for a style that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or opt for something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be divided into two freestanding twin beds in case you're looking to alter your space down the road. This design has a clean-lined contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's simple for children to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. It could be drawers underneath the bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and is especially beneficial if you're working with a small space. Many of the bunks in our list feature this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.