How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can add fun and functionality to rooms for kids. They can also help in reducing space.
Look for 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 stacked twins which can be separated to make two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When you're choosing bunk beds for your children, you'll want to consider size, style and safety. Take a look at the ceiling's 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 spaced enough apart to allow kids to get up and down safely and not collide with each other or crash into the walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk can accommodate a mattress that is the same size as that of the bottom one. This will allow you to avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the future.
You could also choose a different shape for your bunk, which may be better suited to your space. For example an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It will save floor space, and accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you choose.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time for them to move to a normal double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired style with curved headboards and wagon-inspired 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 children to play on.
A loft bed is another option that maximizes the corner space in rooms that are tweens. It's ideal for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and allows you to use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a good choice for older children because it eliminates the need to climb stairs or a ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will give you an idea of whether it can be easily climbed into and out of at night, without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. These regulations set standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, but it is important to think about safety features when buying. You'll need to find a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that doesn't raise up the mattress excessively. You should also be aware of the weight capacity, as certain bunks have lower limits than others.
When you are choosing a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer for details regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide 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 and the bunk.
The ideal bunk beds will be sturdy and feature an stairway or ladder that is securely attached to the frame and comes with handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, particularly if they're not securely connected. If your children love to play on the ground, select a low-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without being too far off the ground.
If you have a limited space or do not want to take up too much room in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are usually only as wide as one single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with narrow ceilings. They're also more practical for children who might feel intimidated by the higher bunk.
If you require a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best choice. These are usually the safest and most elegant bunk beds available on the market, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that will expand with kids as they age and even accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of harmful chemicals. It's made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.
Style
A good bunk bed can make teens happy, whether it's in a shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin over full design is popular with teens since it allows them to sleep two children in the same space and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. Certain designs have trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Tweens also love the twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to sprawl out or work from home, according to Fenton. A metal bunk bed with an extended guardrail is a popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last and it's the most sturdy grown-up bunk available," she adds.
Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically a raised platform bed. They're designed with the ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a desk or dresser. They aren't as space-saving as bunk beds however, they can allow teens to have more space in their rooms.
Consider a futon bunk If you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are portable and compact and can be moved around in case you're planning to redesign your child's bedroom in the near future. They are not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one isn't equipped with guardrails.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can be used as a seating area for children younger than. Some models are even able to convert into a desk and chair and allow your child to have the perfect bedroom set-up for play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to factor in your budget when buying. Although there are plenty of inexpensive options out there but if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that is designed to last into the teens (or even adulthood), it may be worth paying a little extra for a quality design that can be used for a long time.
Before you start shopping, consider who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs could be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings who share the same bedroom, whereas the full-over-full bunk is a great option for adults looking to reduce space or the expense of a separate queen bed. 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 example it could be beneficial to opt for a lower-to-ground arrangement.
The ideal bunk bed for teens is an affordable option and one that will grow with them. Look for a style that works in traditional and modern rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds if you need to reconfigure your space in the future. This design has a clean-lined modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's simple for children to climb and down and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.
Another option to save money is to locate a bunk that has built-in storage, for example drawers underneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free. It's also helpful for those with a smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list come with this feature, and some offer additional storage options such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.