How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft bed can bring fun and utility in the children's room. They can also help save space.
Find bunk beds that are flexible, such as ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easy to remove. You can also find stacked twins which can be separated to create two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
You'll need to think about the dimensions design, style, and security when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks to allow the kids to move. The beds should be far enough apart to allow kids to move up and down with ease and not collide with one another or fall into walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can accommodate a mattress that is the same size as that of the bottom one. This will help you avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the future.
You can also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape that is for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed can be the perfect choice for a small room or a guest room shared by two people. It saves the floor space and can also accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on the lower and upper levels, based on the model you choose.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children's needs and can be converted into two separate beds when it's the right time to move to a normal double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance it has a classic farmhouse style with curved headboards. It also has 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 upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for kids to play.
Another alternative is a loft bed, which optimizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces since it doesn't require as much vertical space and allows the lower levels to be used as a desk and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older kids because it doesn't require you to use stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom using blue painter tape. This will allow you to determine if it is possible to climb into and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. It is also important to consider the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails as well as features that protect against falls and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it is important to take into consideration the safety features before purchasing. You should look for a bed with rails that are high enough to keep children from falling or getting trapped. Also, you need an option that doesn't raise the bed's surface too high. Be sure to pay attention to the weight capacity, since some bunks have a lower limit than others.
When choosing the bunk bed you want, look on its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress can be, and they'll often list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The ideal bunk beds will be solid and sturdy, with stairs or ladders that is securely attached to the frame, and has side handles. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly fitted together. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to sit up and play without being too high off the floor.
Pick an L-shaped bed if you don't have much space in your child's room or if you don't want it taking up lots of space. These 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 more practical for younger kids, who might be scared of a bunk that is higher.
If you need a bit more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. They are generally the safest and most elegant bunk beds available on the market and 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 get older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels 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 regardless of whether it's the shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with tweens, as it allows them to sleep two children in the same space while still leaving space for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers on the bottom. Some options have trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Tweens also love an over-king twin loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and it's the most sturdy, adult-friendly 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 have a ladder at the top, which gives an elegant look and makes room for a desk or dresser beneath. https://www.bunkbedsstore.uk/ as space-saving as a bunk bed however they do give teens more room in their rooms.
If you're looking for a more affordable bed that will provide plenty of security and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are portable and compact and can be moved around in case you want to redecorate your child's room in the future. They're not as sturdy as wood or metal bunk beds and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.
Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, could be used as a seat by children who are younger. Some models can be converted into a table or chair to let your child have the ideal bedroom set that can be used for study and play.
Budget
A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's crucial to factor in your budget when you shop. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if you want a bunk bed to endure through your teens and on into adulthood, it's worth spending an extra amount for a high-quality product that can be used for years.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements could be prior to shopping. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for families with multiple children and a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults looking to make space and avoid the cost of buying a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the top and bottom bunks--if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.
The best bunk bed for teens is an affordable option, and one that can 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 split into two beds if required. This style features a modern sleek, clean lines with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It is 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 could include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also a good option if you have a small room. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some come with additional storage accessories, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.