How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and utility to rooms for kids. They also can help save space.
Choose bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle bed which is easily removed and stacked twins that can be separated into two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll want to think about the dimensions as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your kids. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure the bunks fit into your space. Make sure there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be set apart enough that children are able to safely go up and down and not crash into one another or 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 help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.
You can also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape that is suitable for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed can be the perfect choice for a small room or an area that is shared by two people. It can save 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 pick.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curved headboards. It also has 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 bottom and top beds, leaving more floor space for kids to play on.
A loft bed is an alternative option that makes the most of the corner space in rooms that are tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces since it doesn't require the same amount of vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's a great choice for older children since it doesn't require stairs or ladders which makes it more accessible to adults and children of larger sizes.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom with blue painter tape. This will help you determine if it is possible to climb into and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Also, it is important to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. These regulations set standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features before buying. You'll need bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise up the sleeping surface too much. Be sure to pay attention to the weight capacity, since certain bunks have a lower limit than others.
When selecting a bunk bed, make sure to check its manufacturer's website for specifications regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed as well as the bunk.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for security. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're poorly connected. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, opt for a lower-slung bunk to allow them to sit up and play without being too high off the ground.
If you're in a tight space or do not want to occupy too much room in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. These require less floor space and are typically only about the same width as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for children who may feel intimidated by the higher bunks.
If you have more room, go for a full-over-full bunk bed. These are usually the most secure and fashionable bunk beds that are available and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive 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. It's also made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it comes in multiple color options.
Style
The right bunk bed can make teens happy, whether it's in a shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. best twin over twin bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin over full style is popular with teens since it allows them to sleep two children in the same room and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. Some designs come with a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress.
Teens also love an over-king twin loft bed, which takes up less floor space and gives them more space to spread out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and it's the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.
Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically a raised platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the end that gives the appearance of a sleeker design and makes room for a desk or dresser beneath. They aren't as space-saving as bunk beds however they do provide teens with more space in their rooms.
If you're looking for an affordable bed that will offer plenty of security and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are compact and versatile and can be moved them around if your children want to redecorate their rooms in the future. However they're not as sturdy as a wood or metal bunk bed and don't have guardrails on the top bed.
Bunks that include ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, can also be used as a seating area for children younger than. Some models can even be capable of converting into a desk and chair, allowing your child to build the perfect bedroom space for play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's crucial to factor in your budget when you shop. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if need a bed that will last into the teens and into adulthood, it's worth paying more to get a top-quality bed that can be used indefinitely.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements may be before you start shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for families with multiple children, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who wish to save space and avoid the expense of buying an additional queen or king mattress. It is also important to determine the amount of headroom you'd like between the top and bottom bunks--if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it may be better to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.
The most suitable bunk beds for teens are ones that are affordable and can adapt to the teenager. Choose a design that is suitable for traditional and modern rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds in case you want to change the layout of your space later on. This design has a clean-lined modern design, boucle-upholstered railings, and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.
Another option to save money is to find a bunk with built-in storage, such as drawers under the bed or a shelf below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also a good option for those with a smaller space. Many of the bunks listed on our list come with this feature, and some have additional storage accessories available such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.