How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can bring fun and function to rooms for kids. They also can help reduce space.
Look for bunk beds that are able to be moved, such as ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easy to take off. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be separated to create two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You should consider the size design, style, and security when choosing a bunk bed for your kids. Check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be spaced far enough apart so that children are able to safely go up and down without having to collide with each other or the walls. Also, you'll need to determine if the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one, so that you can avoid the need for a trundle, or an extra bed in the future.
You may also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape that is for your space. For example, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the upper and lower levels depending on the model you select.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time for them to move to a normal double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This leaves more space for children to play.
A loft bed is another option that makes the most of the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces because 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 as it doesn't require a staircase or ladder which makes it more accessible to large children and adults.
Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, check it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's adhesive to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will give you an idea of whether it can be easily climbed into and out of at night, without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. They set standards for guardrails and other features that prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds can be a great choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features before buying. You'll want to choose a bed with rails that are high enough to keep children from falling or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleeping surface too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have a lower weight limit than others.
When selecting the bunk bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer for details on the mattress sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress can be, and they'll often list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure safety. Avoid bunks with slatted sides because they are unsafe for children to climb up or down, especially in the case where the slats haven't been tightly fitted together. If your children love playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to let them sit up and play without being too high off the ground.
If you're limited in space or do not want to occupy too much space in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less floor space and are usually as wide as a single bed, which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children who may feel intimidated by the higher bunks.
If you're looking for a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best choice. They are the most stylish and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that can grow with kids as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemical. It's made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.
Style
The right bunk bed can make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's in the shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds come in different sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full or even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with tweens, as it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space while still leaving space for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers at the bottom. Some options have trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed since it occupies less space and provides them with more room to spread out or work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and it's the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.
For a truly cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. These beds have the ladder at the top that gives it a more sleek look and allows more room for a dresser or desk under. They're not as efficient at saving space as a traditional bunk, but they're a stylish option for teens that gives them more room to move around in their rooms.
If you're looking for a more affordable bed that will offer plenty of security and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are small and flexible, so you can move them around if your children want to redecorate their rooms in the near future. However they're not as sturdy like a metal or wood bunk bed, and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks that include ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and are more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and double as a seating area for younger children. Some models can be transformed into a chair or desk so that your child can have the ultimate bedroom set-up for study and play.
Budget
When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's important to think about your budget. Although there are plenty of inexpensive options out there, if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that will last until the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying a little more for a high-quality design that will 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 configuration is great for rooms with siblings and a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who want to make space and avoid the cost of buying a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bunks at the top and bottom. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.
The most suitable bunk beds for teens are those which are priced at a reasonable price and are able to grow with the teen. Choose a style that will work in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two twin beds if needed. best bunk bed design has a modern, clean-lined silhouette as well as boucle upholstered guardrails an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.
Another option to save money is to choose a bunk with built-in storage, for example drawers under the bed or shelving down below the top. This can help you keep the bedroom clutter-free, and is particularly useful for those who have a small space. Many of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and a few offer additional storage options such as a bookcase headboard for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.