How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and utility in the kids' room. They can also help save space.
Find bunk beds that are flexible like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that is easy to remove. You can also find twins that can be stacked and divided to create two beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When selecting a bunk bed for your kids You'll need to think about the size, style and security. Look at the ceiling height to make sure the bunks are able to are suitable for your space. Make sure there's enough room for your kids to move around them. The beds should be spaced far enough apart so that kids can safely move up and down and not crash into one another or the walls. Also, you'll want to find out whether the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so you don't have to pay for a trundle, or an additional bed in the future.
You may also opt for an arrangement for your bunk that isn't conventional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed can be the perfect choice for a small room or a guest room that is shared by two people. It will save floor space, and accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both upper and lower levels depending on the model you select.
A lot of the top bunk bed for teens are made to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to a double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired style with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the bottom and top beds and leaves more floor space for children to play on.
Another option is a loft bed which optimizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's ideal for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you make use of the lower levels for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's an excellent choice for older children as it eliminates the use of a ladder or stairway and makes it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom with blue painter tape. This will give you a feel of whether it could be easily climbed into and out at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. In addition, www.bunkbedsstore.uk you should ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds, which set standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to take into consideration the safety features when shopping. You'll need to choose a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to keep children from falling off or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that does not elevate the mattress excessively. Be sure to pay attention to the capacity for weight, as certain bunks have lower limits than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available on mattress dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and they'll typically provide the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.
The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your kids love playing on the ground, you should opt for a lower-slung bunk so that they can play and sit without being too high off the floor.
If you're in a tight space or don't want to take up too much room in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. These require less floor space and are usually as wide as a single bed, so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for children of smaller age who might be intimidated by high bunk beds.
If you need a bit more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best option. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that will grow with your child's development as they grow. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemicals. It's made of sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.
Style
Whether it's for a shared room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed for teens will provide something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek, minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds also 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 because it allows them to sleep two children in the same space, while leaving enough space for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage in the lower part. Some options have trundle beds which allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Teens also adore 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. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and it's the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.
Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design, which is essentially a raised platform bed. The beds feature a ladder on the end giving it a more sleek look and makes room for a dresser or desk under. They're not as good for conserving space like a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teens that gives them more space in their rooms.
If you're looking for an affordable bunk that can provide plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and portable which means they can be moved around if you're looking to revamp your child's space in the future. However they're not as sturdy as a metal or wood bunk bed and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are smaller and are more convenient to climb, whereas stairs are safer and can double as a seating area for younger kids. Some models are even able to convert into a desk and chair which allows your child to have the ultimate bedroom suite to study or play.
Budget
When choosing a bunk bed, it's crucial to consider your budget. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if want a bunk bed to endure through your teens and on into adulthood, it's worth spending more to get a top-quality bed that can be used for years.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs may be before you start shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for families with multiple children, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who wish to save space and avoid the expense of buying a separate queen or king mattress. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the top and bottom bunks--if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it may be better to go with a lower-to ground arrangement.
The ideal bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option and one that is able to grow with them. Choose 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 be divided into two freestanding twin beds in case you want to change the layout of your space later on. This style features a modern sleek, clean lines with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.
A bunk bed that has built-in storage is an additional option to save money. This can include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep the bedroom clutter-free, and it's especially useful when you have the space of a small one. Many of the bunks in our list have this feature. Some even come with additional storage accessories, such as a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.