Five Killer Quora Answers On Best Bunk Beds For Teens
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 save space.
Find bunk beds that are able to be moved, such as those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that is easily removed. There are also twins that can be stacked and divided to create two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When you're choosing bunk beds for your children, you'll want to consider size, style and safety. Look at the ceiling height to ensure the bunks fit in your space, and make sure there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be far enough apart so that children can get up and down safely and not run into one another or fall into walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can be able to support a mattress of similar to that of the bottom one. This will allow you to avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.
You could also choose a different shape for your bunk one that is more for your space. For example an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can save the floor space and can fit a queen or twin over full mattress on the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you select.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time to transition to a regular double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the top and bottom beds and leaves more floor space for children to play on.
Another option is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in rooms with tweens. It's great for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's a great option for older children because it eliminates the use of stairs or ladders and makes it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room with blue painter tape. This will allow you to determine if it is possible to climb in and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. You'll also want to think about the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features that prevent entrapment or falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to consider the security features when you shop. You should look for a bed with rails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling or becoming trapped, and a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have less weight limits than others.
When selecting a bunk bed, make sure to check its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and typically provide the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The most suitable bunk beds are sturdy and have an stairway or ladder that is attached securely to the frame, and has side handles. Avoid bunks with slatted sides, because they are dangerous for kids to climb up and down, especially in the case where the slats haven't been tightly connected. If your kids love to play on the ground, choose a low-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.
Choose an L-shaped bed if don't have a lot of space in the room of your child or if you do not want it to take up much space. These take up less floor space and are typically only as wide as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for children of smaller age who may be scared of higher bunks.
If you require a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. They are typically the most secure and stylish bunk bed online beds on the market and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will grow with children as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for 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 an entire room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed will give teens something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek, minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds are also available in a variety of sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular among teens, as it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space, while leaving enough room for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage at the bottom. There are some options with trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Teens also adore an over-king twin loft bed that takes up less floor space and gives them more space to sprawl out or work from home, according to 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 durable adult-sized bunk," she adds.
If you want a cool bunk, think about an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. They have a ladder on the end that gives the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a desk or dresser underneath. These beds are not as space-saving as bunk beds, but they provide teens with more space in their rooms.
If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of safety and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and adaptable which means you can move them around if your children want to redecorate their rooms in the near future. They're not as sturdy as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one does not have guardrails.
Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and can be more convenient to climb, while stairs are safer and double as a seat for smaller children. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair to let your child have the perfect bedroom set-up for play and study.
Budget
When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's important to consider your budget. Although there are plenty of affordable options, if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that is designed to last through the teens (or even adulthood) it might be worth paying a little more for a better design that can be used for years to come.
Before you begin shopping think about who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs could be. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings who share the same bedroom, whereas full over full bunk is ideal for adults looking to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen bed. You'll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the top and bottom bunks--if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it may be better to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.
The best bunk bed for teens will be a good bunk beds value, and one that can grow with them. Pick a design that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two twin beds, if needed. This style features a modern elegant, clean-lined design as well as boucle upholstered guardrails a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.
A bunk bed that has built-in storage is a different option to save money. It could be drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help you keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also helpful if you have a small space. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature, and a few offer additional storage options such as a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.