How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and utility to kids' rooms. They can also help to reduce space.
Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers that store items in the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to remove, and stacked twins that can be divided into two beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing a bunk bed for your kids, you'll want to consider the size, style and security. Consider the height of the ceiling to ensure the bunks fit in your space. Also, make sure there's enough room for children to move around them. The beds should be far enough apart so that children can get up and down safely and not collide with one another or fall into walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the size of the bottom one. This will allow you to avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the near future.
You may also opt for a bunk design that isn't traditional and suited to your space better. For example, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can save the floor space and can also accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on both the upper and lower levels, based on the model you choose.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are designed to adapt to your child's needs, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to the size of a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features a classic farmhouse style with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on 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 gives more room for children to play.
Another option is a loft bed, which optimizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a great choice for older kids because it doesn't require you to climb an elevator or ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, check it out in your child's bedroom using blue painter's tape to see how high it will be above the ground. This will help you determine whether it's safe to climb in and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the window sill. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds. They define standards for guardrails as well as other features that prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to take into consideration the security features when you shop. You'll need to find bunk beds with guardrails that are high enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which does not raise the sleeping surface excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have a lower weight limit than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available regarding mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.
The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for safety. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly joined. If your children love to play on the ground, select an un-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without being too far off the ground.
If you have a limited space or do not want to occupy too much room in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less space and are usually only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with small ceilings. They're also more suitable for kids who might be scared of a bunk that is higher.
If you have a little more room, go for a full-over-full bunk bed. These are usually the safest and most stylish bunk beds on the market, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. best bunk beds for low ceilings 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's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemical. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.
Style
A good bunk bed can keep teens content regardless of whether it's the bedroom of a couple or just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are also available 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 kids in the same room and still has room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers in the bottom. Some options come with an trundle bed that can be used on the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.
Teens also love an over-king twin loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more room to stretch out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and is the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.
Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the end, which gives the appearance of a sleeker design and makes room for a desk or dresser underneath. They're not as efficient at conserving space like a traditional bunk but they're an attractive option for teenagers that offers more room to move around in their rooms.
You should consider a futon bunk if you want bunk beds that are affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are compact and versatile, so you can move them around if your children wish to redesign their rooms in the near future. However they're not as strong as a metal or wood bunk bed, and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders take up less space and are easier to climb, while stairs are safer and can double as a seat for younger kids. Some models are even capable of converting into a desk and chair which allows your child to build the perfect bedroom set-up to study or play.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's important to consider your budget when buying. There are many inexpensive options out there but if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that can last through the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying more for a better design that can be used for years to come.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs could be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings sharing the same bedroom, whereas full over full bunk is a great option for adults who are looking to save space or reduce the cost of a separate queen bed. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and 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 ideal bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that will grow with them. Choose a design that works in traditional and modern rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be split into two separate twin beds in case you want to change the layout of your space later on. This design has a clean-lined 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 a different way to save money. It could be drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help keep your bedroom clutter-free and is especially beneficial for those who have a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some come with additional storage accessories like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.