How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can be a great way to add fun and function in the children's room. They also can help save space.
Find bunk beds that are flexible like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that's easily removed. You can also find stacked twins which can be separated to create two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When you're choosing a bunk bed for your children, you'll want to consider the size, style and security. Check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, make sure that there is enough space around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be set far enough apart so that children can safely get up and down without having to hit each other or the walls. It is also important to determine if the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is similar to the size of the lower one. This will allow you to avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle later on.
You can also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape, which may be better for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed can be perfect for small spaces or an area that is shared by two people. It can help save floor space, and allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the lower and upper levels depending on the model you pick.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens will expand with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time for them to transition to a regular double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This creates more space for kids to play.
Another option is a loft bed, which optimizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces since it doesn't require as much vertical room and allows the lower levels to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older children because it doesn't require them to climb an elevator or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, try it out in your kids' bedroom with blue painter's adhesive to see how high it will rise off the ground. This will allow you to determine whether it's safe to climb up and down at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. In addition, you should keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds. They establish standards for guardrails and other features that reduce entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids 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 high enough to prevent children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise up the mattress too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.
When selecting a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed and the bunk bed.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladders or stairs should be attached 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 not tightly connected. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, go for a low-slung bottom bunk so that they can sit and play without being too high off the ground.
If you have a limited space or do not want to occupy too much space in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less space and are generally larger than a single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with small ceilings. They are also suitable for children of smaller age who might be intimidated by high bunk beds.
If you have a little more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the most secure and stylish bunk beds that are available, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that grows with your child as they grow. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. 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 child, the perfect bunk bed for teens will provide something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek, minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds also come in different sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin over full design is popular for tweens because it gives them room to sleep two children in the same space and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers on the bottom. There are some options with Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says that teens love a twin-over-king loft bed because it occupies less space and provides them with the space to spread out or work from home. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is another popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last, and is the most durable, grown-up bunk," she adds.
For a really cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the end, which gives it a more sleek look and makes room for a dresser or desk under. They aren't as spacious as a bunk bed however, they can provide teens with more space in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed If you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable which means you can move them around in case your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the future. However they're not as strong like a metal or wood bunk bed and they don't have guardrails on 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 seat for smaller children. Some models can even be capable of being converted into a desk and chair which allows your child to build the perfect bedroom set-up to study or play.
Budget
A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's crucial to factor in your budget when buying. While there are plenty of cheap options available, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last until the teens (or even adulthood), it may be worth paying a bit more for a better design that will last for many years to come.
Before you begin shopping, consider who will be sleeping in the bunk bed and what their needs for sleep could be. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for families with multiple children and a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who wish to save space and avoid the cost of purchasing an additional queen or king-sized mattress. You'll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to go with a lower-to ground arrangement.
The best bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that is able to expand with them. Select a style that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds, if needed. This style features a modern sleek, clean lines with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different option to save money. It could be drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help you keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also a good option in the case of a small space. Many of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and some have additional storage accessories available, such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.