How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can add fun and functionality to children's rooms. They also can help in reducing 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. You can also find stacked twins which can be divided to create two separate beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
You'll want to consider the size design, style, and security when choosing a bunk bed for your kids. Look at the ceiling height to ensure the bunks fit in your space, and make sure there's enough room for your kids to move around them. The beds should be spaced sufficiently apart that children are able to safely go up and down and not crash into each other or the walls. It is also important to determine if the top bunk bed can be able to support a mattress of similar to that of the bottom. This will help you avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the near future.
You may also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape, which may be better for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can save floor space, and allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the lower and upper levels, depending on the model you select.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom, leaving more floor space for children to play on.
Another option is a loft bed, which optimizes corner spaces in rooms that are tween. It's a great choice for smaller spaces because it doesn't require as much vertical room and allows the bottom level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a great choice for older children because it eliminates the need to use a ladder or stairs and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom with blue painter tape. This will give you a sense 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. Also, it is important to keep your family's safety in mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds, which set standards for guardrails and other features that prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages. However, it's essential to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You should look for a bed with guard rails that are high enough to keep kids from falling off or becoming trapped, and an option that doesn't raise the bed's surface too high. You should also pay attention to the weight capacity, as some bunks are less able than others.
When selecting a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer for details on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and will typically provide the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladders or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure security. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides as they could be unsafe for children to climb up and down, particularly if the slats aren't tightly joined. If your children like to play on the ground, select a bunk with a low slung that allows them to sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.
If you have a limited space or do not want to take up too much room in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. These are smaller in size and are usually the same size as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more suitable for kids who might feel intimidated by a higher bunk.
If you have more space, you can opt for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are usually the safest and most elegant bunk beds available on the market, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will grow with children as they get older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemical. It's made of sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.
Style
A good bunk bed can make teens happy regardless of whether it's in a shared bedroom or for only one child. Many designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular for tweens because it lets them sleep two kids in the same space and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. Some designs come with a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to fit an extra mattress.
Fenton says that teens love a twin-over-king loft bed since it occupies less space and provides them with the space to spread out or work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and are the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.
Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the end giving the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a desk or dresser under. They aren't as space-saving as a bunk bed however they do allow teens to have more space in their rooms.
best rated bunk beds should consider a futon bunk if you want bunk beds that are affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable, so you can move them around if your children wish to redesign their rooms in the near future. They're not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one isn't equipped with guardrails.
Bunks that include ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and can be more convenient to climb, while stairs are more secure and can serve as a seating area for younger kids. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk to allow your child to have the perfect bedroom set-up for study and play.
Budget
When shopping for a bunk bed, it's important to think about your budget. Although there are plenty of cheap options available If you're thinking of buying a bunk bed that can last through the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying a little more for a better design that will last for a long time.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings who share bedrooms, while full over full bunk is ideal for adults who want to save space or reduce the cost of a separate queen mattress. It is also important to determine how much headroom you want between the bottom and top bunks. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example, it might be best to go with a lower-to ground configuration.
The best bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that is able to expand with them. Choose a style that will work in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two beds, if needed. This style has a sleek, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb and descend and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. It could be drawers beneath the bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will help you keep your bedroom tidy and clutter-free. It's also a good option if you have a small room. Many of the bunks in our list come with this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.