9 Signs That You re The Best Bunk Beds For Teens Expert
How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and utility to rooms for kids. They can also help save space.
Find bunk beds that are flexible, such as those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that's easy to remove. There are also twins that can be stacked and divided to create two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
You'll need to think about the size design, style, and security when selecting a bunk bed for your kids. Check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks can fit in the space. Also, ensure that there is enough room around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be spaced enough apart to allow kids to get up and down safely and not run into each other or smash into walls. Additionally, you should determine whether the top bunk can support a mattress of the same size as the bottom one so you won't need for a trundle, or an additional bed in the future.
You can also pick a bunk design that is not traditional, if it suits your space better. For example an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It is a great way to save the floor space and can also accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on each of the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you pick.
A lot of the top bunk bed for teens are designed to grow with your child, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to the size of a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin bunk beds uk Bed, for example, features an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This creates more space for children to play.
A loft bed is a different option that maximizes the space at the corner in rooms that are tweens. It's a great choice for smaller spaces since it doesn't take up as much vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's a great option for older children because it eliminates the use of a ladder or stairway and makes it more accessible to large 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 a sense of whether it can be easily climbed in and out of at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Also, it is important to keep your family's safety in mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds, which define standards for guardrails as well as other features to prevent entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages, but it's important to consider the security features when you shop. You'll need to find bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped, and a mattress which does not raise the sleeping surface excessively. Also, pay attention to the weight capacity, since certain bunks are less able than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available on mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and typically provide the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The most suitable bunk beds are sturdy and feature stairs or ladders that is securely attached to the frame and comes with handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your children love to play on the ground, pick a bunk with a low slung that allows them to sit and play without having to be too far off the ground.
Choose an L-shaped bed if you do not have enough space in your child's room or if you do not want it to take up lots of space. They are smaller in size and are typically only as wide as a single bed which is why they're perfect 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 have a little more space, consider an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are usually the safest and most fashionable bunk beds on the market, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that can grow with kids as they age and even accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemical. It's made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.
Style
A good bunk bed can keep teens content, whether it's in a shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. A twin over full style is popular for tweens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same space and still leaves space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers at the bottom. There are some options with trundle beds which allow the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed because it takes up less space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and are the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk bed for kids," Fenton adds.
For a really cool bunk, you should consider an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at their end. This provides a more modern look and more room for a desk or dresser. They're not as effective at saving space like a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teens, and give them more space to move around in their rooms.
If you're looking for an affordable bunk that can provide plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and versatile, so you can move them around in case your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. They're not as sturdy as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one does not have guardrails.
Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, can be used as seats for children younger than. Some models are even capable of being converted into a chair and desk which allows your child to have the perfect bedroom space to study or play.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's important to factor in your budget when buying. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you need a bed that will last through the teens and even into adulthood, you should consider spending an extra amount for a quality product that can be used for a long time.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs may be before you start shopping. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults looking to save space and avoid the cost of purchasing an additional queen or king mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you might want to choose a bed that is lower to the ground.
The ideal bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option and one that will expand with them. Select a style that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds if needed. This design features a contemporary, clean-lined silhouette with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.
Another option to save money is to choose 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 the bedroom clutter-free, and it's especially useful if you're working with the space of a small one. Many of the bunks listed on our list have this feature, and some have additional storage accessories available, such as a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.