How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft and bunk beds can be a great way to add fun and function in the children's room. They also can help save space.
Choose bunk beds that are able to be moved, such as ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easily removed. You can also find twins that can be stacked and separated to make two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll need to take into consideration the dimensions as well as style and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your kids. Make sure you 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 for the children to move. The beds should be enough apart so that children can move up and down with ease and not bump into one another or fall into walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is the same size as that of the bottom. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the future.
You can also pick an arrangement for your bunk that is not traditional, if it suits your space better. A bunk bed with an L shape can be perfect for small spaces or a guest room shared by two people. It is a great way to save floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you choose.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's the right time to move to a normal double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has 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 a built-in stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This creates more space for children to play.
Another alternative is a loft bed which optimizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical room and allows the bottom level to be used for desks as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older children since it eliminates the need to climb stairs or a ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, check it out in your kids bedroom using blue painter's adhesive to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will help you determine whether it's safe to climb up and down at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. You'll also want to consider the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features to protect against falls and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it is essential to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll need bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which does not raise the sleeping surface excessively. You should also be aware of the weight capacity, as some bunks are less able than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available regarding mattress sizes and weight limitations. The majority of manufacturers offer 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 best bunk beds are sturdy constructed, and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for safety. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides as they can be dangerous for children to climb up or down, particularly in the case where the slats haven't been tightly joined. If your children love playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to sit up and play without being too high off the ground.
If you have a limited space or do not want to take up the entire space of your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. These take up less floor space and are typically only about the same width as a single bed, so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more suitable for children who may be intimidated by a bunk that is higher.
If you have a little more space, consider a full-over-full bunk bed. They are generally the safest and most fashionable bunk beds on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will expand with kids as they age and even accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in multiple color options.
Style
The ideal bunk bed will keep teens content regardless of whether it's in the shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular among teens because it permits them to sleep two kids in the same space while still leaving space for a desk dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Teens also love an over-king twin loft bed that occupies less floor space and provides them with more space to sprawl out or work from home, says Fenton. A bunk bed made of metal with an extended guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last, and is the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.
If you want a cool bunk, think about an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with the ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more room for a desk or dresser. They're not as good for saving space like a traditional bunk but they're an attractive option for teens, and give them more space in their rooms.
If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that can offer plenty of security and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and portable which means they can be moved around when you're planning to redesign your child's bedroom in the future. However they're not as sturdy as a wood or metal bunk bed, and they don't have guardrails on the top bed.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, can be used as seats by younger children. Some models are even capable of being converted into a chair and desk and allow your child to create the perfect bedroom set-up to study or play.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to consider your budget when you shop. There are many inexpensive options out there If you're thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that will last until the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying a bit more for a high-quality design that will last for years to come.
Before you start shopping, consider who will be using the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs might be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings who share a bedroom, while full over full bunk is a great option for adults looking to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.
The ideal bunk bed for teens will be a good value, and one that can grow with them. Choose a design that works in both modern and traditional rooms, or opt for something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be divided into two freestanding twin beds if you want to change the layout of your space in the future. This design features a contemporary, clean-lined silhouette, boucle upholstered guardrails and a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It's 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 allow you to make your bedroom less cluttered, and is particularly useful for those who have smaller space. Many of the bunks listed on our list have this feature, and a few have additional storage accessories available like bookcase headboards for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.