Trudi Gardiner

How to Choose the Best bunk beds for teens (Recommended Web page)

Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and function to rooms for kids. They also can help save space.

Find bunks built with flexibility, such as drawers that store items in the bottom or a trundle bed which is easily removed, and twins that stack and can be split into two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting bunk beds childrens beds for your kids, you'll want to consider size, style, and safety. Look at the ceiling height to ensure that the bunks will fit in your space, and make sure there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be enough apart that kids can move up and down with ease and not collide with each other or smash into the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk can accommodate a mattress that is similar to that of the bottom. This will help you avoid having to buy bunk bed online an additional bed or trundle in the near future.

You may also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape one that is more suitable for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can save the floor space and can allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on the model you choose.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time for them to transition into a regular double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This creates more space for children to play.

A loft bed is another option that makes the most of the space around corners in rooms with tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces because it doesn't take up the same amount of vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's a great choice for older children as it eliminates the use of stairs or ladders, making it more accessible to large children and adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room using blue painter tape. This will help you determine if it is possible to climb in and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. You'll also want to consider the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features that stop falls or entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to consider the safety features when buying. You'll need to choose bunk beds with guardrails that are high enough to stop children from falling or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that does not raise the mattress too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have a lower weight limit than others.

When choosing 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 regarding how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and will typically provide the total bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.

The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly fitted together. If your children love playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom so that they can sit and play without being too high off the ground.

Consider an L-shaped bed if don't have a lot of space in your child's bedroom or if you do not want it to take up a lot of space. They take up less floor space and are usually about the same width as a single bed, so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for children who might be intimidated by the higher bunks.

If you need a bit more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. They are generally the safest and most fashionable 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 can grow 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, and it is available in a variety of color options.

Style

If it's an entire room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed will give teens something to be enthusiastic about. Many designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full and even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular among teens, as it allows them to sleep two children in the same room while still leaving space for a desk dresser, or storage drawers at the bottom. Some designs come with a trundle bed that allows the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress.

Fenton says that tweens love a twin-over-king loft bed because it takes up less space and provides them with more room to spread out and work from home. A bunk bed made of metal with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last, and is the most sturdy grown-up contemporary bunk beds available," she adds.

For a truly cool bunk, think about an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the end, which gives the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a dresser or desk underneath. These beds aren't as space-saving as adult bunk beds however they do give teens more room in their rooms.

Think about a futon bunk bed if you want a bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable and can be moved them around if your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the future. They're not as sturdy as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one has no guardrails.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and are more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and can double as a seating area for younger children. Some models can even be capable of converting into a desk and chair, allowing your child to have the ultimate bedroom suite for play and study.

Budget

When shopping for a bunk bed, it's crucial to think about your budget. While there are plenty of affordable options If you're thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that can last into the teens (or even into adulthood) it might be worth paying more for a better design that can be used for many years to come.

Before you begin shopping think about who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs could be. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for families with multiple children or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults who wish to make space and avoid the cost of purchasing a separate queen or king size mattress. It is also important to determine how much headroom you want between the bunks at the top and bottom. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.

The ideal bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that is able to expand with them. Choose a design that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or go with something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be divided into two freestanding twin beds should you're looking to alter your space in the future. This style has a sleek, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb and descend 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 another way to save money. This could include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also a good option for those with a smaller room. A majority of the bunks on our list have this option, and a few have additional storage accessories available, such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.