Hazel Sparkman

How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk bed for kids beds can add fun and utility to rooms for kids. They can also help to reduce space.

Choose bunk beds that are flexible like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easy to remove. You can also find twins that are stacked, which can be separated to create two separate 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 size, style, and safety. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that kids can safely move up and down without having to crash into one another or the walls. You'll also want to check if the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is the same size as that of the bottom one. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.

You could also choose a different shape for your bunk that is suitable for your space. A bunk bed with an L shape can be the perfect choice for a small room or an area that is shared by two people. It can save space on the floor, and also accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you pick.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs by converting into two independent beds when it's time to move to a normal double bed. For instance, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin bunk beds for kids Bed has an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This creates more space for children to play.

A loft bed is another option that can maximize the space around corners in rooms with tweens. It's great for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's a great option 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 by using blue painter's tape. This will help you determine whether it's possible to climb into and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. You'll also want to consider the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features to protect against falls and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are an ideal option for families with children of all different ages. However, it is important to take into consideration the safety features before buying. You'll want to look for a bed with rails that are high enough to prevent kids from falling off or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleep surface too high. Also, pay attention to the weight capacity, since certain bunks have a lower limit than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available regarding mattress dimensions and weight limits. 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 and the bunk bed.

The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your children like to play on the ground, select a bunk with a low slung that lets them sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.

Pick an L-shaped mattress if you do not have enough space in the room of your child or if you don't want it to take up much space. They require less space and are generally as wide as one single bed. This makes them perfect for small rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for kids who might feel intimidated by a higher bunk.

If you have a little more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used as twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that can grow with your child's growth. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in multiple color options.

Style

It's for an entire room or just one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek, minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. A twin over full design is a favorite among teens because it lets them sleep two children in a single room, and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. There are some options with trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also adore a twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and gives them more space to sprawl out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with an extended guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last, and is the most sturdy adult-sized cheap bunk beds for kids," she adds.

If you want a cool bunk, think about an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the top, which gives an elegant look and makes room for a desk or dresser under. These beds aren't as spacious as bunk beds however, they can allow teens to have more space in their rooms.

If you're looking to find a more affordable bed that will provide plenty of safety and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and versatile, so you can move them around if your kids bunk are looking to revamp their rooms in the future. However they're not as strong as a wood or metal bunk bed and they don't come with guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can be used as a seating area for children younger than. Some models are even able to convert into a chair and desk and allow your child to have the perfect bedroom set-up for study time and playtime.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's crucial to take into consideration your budget when you shop. Although 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 into adulthood), it may be worth paying a bit extra for a quality design that will be used for many years to come.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements could be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings who share the same bedroom, whereas full over full bunk is perfect for adults looking to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.

The best places to buy bunk beds bunk bed for teens will be one that is affordable and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Choose a design that is suitable for traditional and modern rooms, or opt for something similar to 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 in the future. This style features a modern, clean-lined silhouette, boucle upholstered guardrails and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

Another option to save money is to locate a bunk that has built-in storage, such as drawers beneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will allow you to keep the bedroom clutter-free, and is particularly 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.