How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft bed can bring fun and utility in the kids' room. They can also help in reducing space.
Choose bunk beds that can be adapted like ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that is easy to remove. There are also stacked twins which can be separated to make two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
You should consider the size, style, and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your kids. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure the bunks fit in your space. Also, make sure there's enough room for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be enough apart to allow kids to climb and descend safely and not bump into each other or crash into the walls. Also, you'll need to find out 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 another additional bed in the future.
You may also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape that is suitable for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed could be ideal for a small room or a guest room shared by two people. It will save space on the floor, and also accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the upper and lower levels depending on the model you choose.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens are designed to adapt to your child's needs by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to move up to an adult bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom and leaves more floor space for children to play on.
A loft bed is a different option that can maximize the space around corners in tween-rooms. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces because 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 an excellent choice for older children since it doesn't require a ladder or stairway and makes 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 give you a sense of whether it could be easily climbed in and out of at night without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You'll also want to think about the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features that protect against falls and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, however, it is important to think about security features when you shop. You'll want to choose a bed with rails that are high enough to stop kids from falling off or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleep surface too high. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits 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 will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.
The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for security. Avoid bunks with slatted sides, because they are unsafe for children to climb up and down, particularly in the case where the slats haven't been tightly connected. If your kids love playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to let them sit and play without being too high off the floor.
If you have a limited space or do not want to occupy the entire space of the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. These require less floor space and are usually only the same size as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for children who might be scared of a higher bunk.
If you have more room, go for a full-over-full bunk bed. These are the most stylish and safe bunk beds available. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that will grow with your child's development as they grow. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of harmful chemicals. It's made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.
Style
Whether it's for a shared room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed will give teens something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. A twin over full style is a favorite among teens because it lets them sleep two kids in a single room, and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the lower level. There are some options that include a Trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress.
Fenton says that teens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it occupies less space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular option for older children because they're "built to last and are the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.
Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the top that gives the appearance of a sleeker design and makes room for a desk or dresser underneath. These beds are not as spacious as a bunk bed, but they give teens more room in their rooms.
If best place to buy bunk beds looking for an affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of safety and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and versatile which means you can move them around if your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. However, they're not as durable like a metal or wood bunk bed, and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks that include stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders require less space and are more convenient to climb, whereas stairs are safer and can double as a seating area for younger kids. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk so that your child can have the ideal bedroom set that can be used for study and play.
Budget
When choosing a bunk bed, it's important to think about your budget. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will endure through your teens and into adulthood, it's worth spending an extra amount for a high-quality product that can be used for years.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be prior to shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings who share a bedroom, while the full-over-full bunk is a great option for adults looking to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen bed. It is also important to determine how much headroom you want between the top and bottom bunks--if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.
The best bunk beds for teenagers are those that offer a good price and can grow with the teen. Find a design that is suitable for traditional and modern 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 in case you're looking to alter your space later on. This design features a clean, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.
Another way to save money is to locate an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, for example drawers underneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This can help you keep your bedroom clutter-free and it's especially useful for those who have smaller space. Many of the bunks in our list come with this feature. Some come with additional storage accessories like a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.