Blog entry by Lakeisha Bozeman
How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and functionality in the kids' room. They can also help in reducing space.
Choose bunk beds that can be adapted, such as those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that is easy to remove. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be divided to create two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When selecting bunk beds for your children, you'll want to consider size, style, and safety. Examine the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks to allow the kids to move. The beds should be spaced apart enough that children are able to safely go up and down without having to crash into each other or the walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk bed can be able to support a mattress of similar to the size of the bottom one. This will help you avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the future.
You may also opt for a bunk shape that isn't conventional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed can be the perfect choice for small spaces or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can help save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the lower and upper levels, depending on the model you select.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs by converting into two independent beds when it's time to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance it has the classic farmhouse look with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made 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 children to play.
Another alternative is a loft bed, that maximizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's ideal for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and lets you make use of the lower levels for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great option for older kids because it doesn't require you to climb stairs or a ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, try it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will be off the ground. This will let you know if it is possible to climb in and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. In addition, you should ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds, which establish standards for guardrails and other features that prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with kids of all ages, however, it is important to think about security features when you shop. You should look for a bed with guard rails that are high enough to stop children from falling or becoming trapped, and a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleeping surface too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.
When selecting the bunk bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and they'll typically list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.
The best bunk beds will be sturdy and feature a ladder or stair that is attached securely to the frame and has side handles. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides, as they could be dangerous for children to climb up or down, especially when the slats aren't securely joined. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, go for a lower-slung bunk so that they can sit up and play without being too high off the floor.
If you're in a tight space or do not want to take up too much space in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. These are smaller in size and are usually as wide as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children of smaller age who may feel intimidated by high bunk beds.
If you're looking for a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. These are usually the most secure and elegant bunk beds available that are available, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that grows with your child's growth. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made from sustainably sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in multiple color options.
Style
Whether it's for the shared room or one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be happy about. Some designs are minimalist and sleek, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular among teens because it permits them to sleep two kids in the same room while leaving space for a desk dresser, or storage drawers at the bottom. Certain designs have trundle beds which allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says teens love a twin-over-king loft bed because it takes up less space and gives them the space to spread out and work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the most sturdy, adult bunk bed-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.
Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the end that gives the appearance of a sleeker design and makes room for a desk or dresser under. These beds are not as spacious as bunk beds however they do give teens more room in their rooms.
Consider a futon bunk if you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable and can be moved around when you're looking to revamp your child's space in the future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.
Bunks that include stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders require less space and can be more convenient to climb, whereas stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller children. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair to allow your child to have the perfect bedroom set that can be used for play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to take into consideration your budget when buying. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if need a bed that will endure through your teens and even into adulthood, it's worth spending a little more for a quality product that can be used for a long time.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements might be prior to shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing bedrooms, while full over full bunk is a great option for adults looking to save space or avoid the cost of a separate queen bed. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.
The best Bunk beds for teens; telegra.ph, are ones that are affordable and are able to grow with the teen. Choose a style that will work well in traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch deals bunk beds Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two beds if needed. This style has a sleek, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's easy for kids bunk beds for sale to climb and descend and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed that has built-in storage is an additional option to save money. This can include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free. It's also helpful if you have a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list feature this feature. Some even come with additional storage options like bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.