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How to Choose the best bunk beds for kids Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and utility in the kids' room. They also can help save space.

Choose bunks that are built with flexibility, such as drawers that store items in the bottom and a trundle bed that's easy to remove and twin beds that can be divided into two separate beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting bunk beds for your kids, you'll want to consider the size, style and security. Examine the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, make sure that there is enough space around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be spaced enough apart so that children can climb and descend safely and not bump into each other or crash into walls. Also, you'll want to find out whether the top bunk is able to support a mattress similar to the bottom one, so that you won't need for a trundle or an additional bed in the future.

You can also pick a bunk shape that isn't conventional, if it suits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be ideal for small spaces or a guest room shared by two people. It will save floor space, and allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you select.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are made to adapt to your child's needs and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to a double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curving headboards and 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 creates more space for kids to play.

A loft bed is a different option that maximizes the space at the corner in tween-rooms. It's great for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great option for older children since it eliminates the need to use a ladder or stairs which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room by using blue painter's tape. This will allow you to determine whether it's possible to climb in and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. They establish 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 age groups. However, it is crucial to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll need to find 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 aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to find out the specifications available for mattress sizes and weight limitations. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.

The most suitable bunk beds are sturdy and feature stairs or ladders that is secured to the frame, and has side handles. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides, as they can be dangerous for kids to climb up and down, especially if the slats aren't tightly connected. If your children love playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to let them sit up and play without being too high off the ground.

Pick an L-shaped mattress if you don't have much space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it taking up a lot of space. They require less space and are generally larger than a single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with narrow ceilings. They are also suitable for children who may be scared of higher bunks.

If you have more space, you can opt for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. These are usually the most secure and stylish bunk beds that are available, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will expand with kids as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattress (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. Additionally, 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 feature more fun elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, such as twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. A twin over full design is popular with teens since it lets them accommodate two children in a single room, and still leaves space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers at the bottom. Certain designs have Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says that tweens love a twin-over-king loft bed because it occupies less space and gives them the space to spread out or work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular choice for older kids bunk beds for sale because they're "built to last and is the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.

For a truly cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are designed with the ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more room for a dresser or desk. They're not as efficient at saving space as a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teenagers that offers more room to move around in their rooms.

Think about a futon bunk bed If you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are portable and compact, so they can be moved around if you're planning to redesign 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 require less space and are easier to climb, whereas stairs are safer and can double as a seating area for younger kids bunk beds. Some models can be transformed into a chair or desk so that your child can have the perfect bedroom set that can be used for study and play.

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's essential to think about your budget. While there are plenty of inexpensive options out there If you're thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last until the teens (or even adulthood), it may be worth paying a bit more for a better design that will last for a long time.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs might be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for rooms with siblings or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults who wish to make space and avoid the expense of buying a separate queen or king-sized mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you may want to choose a bed that is lower to the ground.

The ideal bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option and one that is able to grow with them. Find a design that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or go with something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be split into two separate twin beds should you need to reconfigure your space later on. This design features a clean, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down and down. It's 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 can include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help keep the bedroom clutter-free, and is particularly useful when you have a small space. Many of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and a few come with additional storage options like a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.