How to Choose the
Best Bunk Beds for TeensLoft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and function to children's rooms. They also can help reduce space.
Find bunk beds that are flexible, such as ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easy to take off. There are also stacked twins which can be divided to create two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You should consider size design, style, and security when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Make sure you 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 children to move around. The beds should be placed far enough apart so that kids can safely move up and down without having to hit each other or the walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress similar to the size of the bottom one. This will help you avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the near future.
You may also opt for a bunk design that is not traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. A bunk bed with an L shape can be the perfect choice for small spaces or an area that is shared by two people. It is a great way to save floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you choose.
Many of the
best bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children's needs and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time for them to transition to a regular double bed. For example, 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 constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This gives more room for kids to play.
Another option is a loft bed which optimizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's ideal for smaller spaces since it requires less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great choice for older children since it doesn't require them to climb an elevator or ladder, making it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will give you an idea of whether it could be easily climbed into and out of at night, without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. It is also important to consider the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features that protect against falls and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to take into consideration the security features when you shop. You'll need to choose bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to prevent children from falling over or getting trapped as well as a mattress that doesn't raise up the sleeping surface excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have smaller weight limits than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available regarding mattresses and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and will typically list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure security. It is also recommended to avoid bunks that have slatted sides as they can be dangerous for kids to climb up or down, especially when the slats aren't securely connected. If your children love playing on the ground, opt for a lower-slung bunk to let them sit and play without being too high off the ground.
If you have a limited space or don't want to take up too much room in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less space and are typically only larger than a single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with narrow ceilings. They are also suitable for younger children who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.
If you're looking for a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the
best bunk bed in the world option. These are usually the safest and most elegant bunk beds available on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will expand with kids as they get older and can accommodate 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, and it is available in a variety of color options.
Style
If it's a shared room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed will give teens something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek, minimalist while others are more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with teens because it permits them to sleep two children in the same room while leaving enough space for a desk dresser, or drawers for storage on the bottom. There are some options that include a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to fit an additional mattress.
Tweens also love an over-king twin loft bed, which takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to sprawl out or work from home, says Fenton. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is another popular option for older kids because it's "built to last, and is the most durable grown-up bunk available," she adds.
Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is essentially a raised platform bed. They're designed with a ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more space to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as efficient at saving space like a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teens that gives them more space in their rooms.
You should consider a futon bunk If you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable, so you can move them around in case your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the near future. They're not as sturdy as metal or wood bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders take up less space and are more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and double as a seat for younger kids. Some models are even able to convert into a desk and chair, allowing your child to have the perfect bedroom set-up for play and study.
Budget
When shopping for a bunk bed, it's important to consider your budget. There are many inexpensive options available, but if want a bunk bed to last through the teens and into adulthood, it's worth spending more for a high-quality product that can be used for years.
Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their needs for sleep could be. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a room or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults who want to save space and avoid the cost of buying a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the bunks at the top and bottom. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to choose a lower-to-ground arrangement.
The
best Sturdy bunk Beds bunk beds for teens are those which are priced at a reasonable price and are able to grow with the teen. Find a design that works in both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can separate into two freestanding twin beds in case you want to change the layout of your space in the future. This design features a contemporary sleek, clean lines, 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 that has built-in storage is an additional way to save money. This could include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will help you keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free. It's also helpful if you have a small room. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature, and a few come with additional storage options like an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.