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.

Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers for storage at the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to take down and twins that stack and can be split into two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting a bunk bed for your children, you'll want to consider size, style and safety. Consider the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will fit into your space. Also, make sure there's enough room for your kids to move around them. The beds should be far enough apart that kids can get up and down safely and not collide with each other or crash into walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress the same size as that of the bottom. This will allow you to avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the near future.

You can also pick a bunk shape that isn't traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be the perfect choice for a small room or an area that is shared by two people. It can save the floor space and can also accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on each of the upper and lower levels, based on the model you choose.

A lot of the top bunk bed for teens are designed to adapt to your child's needs by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to transition to a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features the classic farmhouse look with curved headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This creates more space for kids to play.

Another option is a loft bed which maximizes corner space in tween rooms. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up the same amount of vertical space and allows the lower levels to be used as a desk, dressers or storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children since it doesn't require a ladder or stairway which makes it more accessible for large 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 be off the ground. This will let you know whether it's safe to climb in and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. They define standards for guardrails as well as other features that reduce entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are an ideal option for families with children of all different ages. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features before buying. You'll need to choose bunk beds with railings that are high enough to keep children from falling off or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not raise the sleeping surface excessively. Also, be aware of the weight capacity, as some bunks have lower limits than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to see what specifications are available regarding mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed and the bunk beds stores.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, particularly if they're not securely joined. If your children enjoy 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 floor.

If you have a limited space or do not want to occupy the entire space of your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less floor space and are usually only as wide as a single bed making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for children who might be scared of the higher bunk.

If you need a bit more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best kids' bunk beds option. They are typically the most secure and stylish bunk beds on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that will grow with your child as they grow. It can even accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of harmful chemicals. It's made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.

Style

Whether it's for a shared room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed for teens will provide something to be enthusiastic about. A lot of designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds come in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with teens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same space while leaving enough room for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers in the lower part. Certain designs have trundle beds which allow the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Tweens also love the twin over king loft bed that occupies less floor space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home, says Fenton. A metal bunk beds for kids sale; click this link here now, bed with a full-length guardrail is another popular option for older children because it's "built to last, and is the most durable adult-sized bunk," she adds.

For a truly cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the top that gives the appearance of a sleeker design and makes room for a dresser or desk under. They aren't as space-saving as a bunk bed however, they can give teens more room in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk if you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable which means you can move them around if 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 one does not have guardrails.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can also be used as a seating area by younger children. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk to let your child have the ultimate bedroom set for both study and play.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's crucial to consider your budget when shopping. There are many inexpensive options available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will last through the teens and on into adulthood, it's worth paying an extra amount for a high-quality product that can be used for a long time.

Before you start shopping think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings sharing bedrooms, while full over full bunk is perfect for adults looking to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen bed. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.

The most suitable bunk beds for teens are those which are priced at a reasonable price and can adapt to the teen. Choose a design that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or opt for something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you're looking to alter your space later on. This design features a clean, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb and descend, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

Another option to save money is to locate a bunk that has built-in storage, such as drawers beneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This can help you make your bedroom less cluttered, and is particularly useful if you're working with a small space. Many of the bunks in our list come with this feature. Some come with additional storage accessories like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.