5 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 functionality to rooms for kids. They can also help save space.
Find bunk beds that are able to be moved like ones with drawers on the bottom or trundles that are easy to take off. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be separated to create two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top cheap bunk beds for kids.
Size
When you're choosing bunk beds for your children you should consider the size, style and security. Examine the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks for the kids beds bunk to move. The beds should be spaced apart enough that children are able to safely go up and down without having to crash into one another or the walls. Also, you'll need to find out if the top bunk can support a mattress that is the same size as the bottom one, so that you can avoid the need for a trundle, or an extra bed in the future.
You may also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape, which may be better suitable for your space. For example an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It will save floor space, and accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the lower and upper levels, depending on the model you pick.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time to move to a normal double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails 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 leaves more space for children to play.
Another alternative is a loft bed, that maximizes corner spaces in rooms that are tween. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces as it doesn't require the same amount of vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older children because it eliminates the need to use an elevator or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, test it out in your kids bedroom using blue painter's tape to determine how high it will be above the ground. This will let you know whether it's safe to climb into and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. In addition, you should keep your family's safety in mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds. They establish standards for guardrails and other features to prevent entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are an ideal option for families with children of all different ages. However, it is crucial to consider the safety features before purchasing. You should look for beds with rails that are tall enough to stop children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't elevate the bed's surface too high. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have a lower weight limit than others.
When choosing the bunk bed you want, look on its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress can be, and often list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best bunk beds will be sturdy and have a ladder or stair that is secured to the frame and has side handles. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly fitted together. If your kids love to play on the ground, select a bunk beds childrens with a low slung that allows them to sit and play without having to be too far off the ground.
If you're limited in space or do not want to occupy the entire space of your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are usually only about the same width as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more suitable for kids who might feel intimidated by the higher bunk.
If you need a bit more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. These are usually the most secure and fashionable bunk beds that are available and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that grows with your child as they grow. It can even accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of harmful chemicals. It is made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.
Style
It's for a shared room or just one kid, the right bunk bed will give teens something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist while others are more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. A twin over full style is a favorite among teens because it lets them accommodate two children in a single room, and still has room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers at the lower level. Certain designs have trundle beds which allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says that teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed because it takes up less space and gives them more room to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the most durable, adult-sized childrens bunk beds," Fenton adds.
Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the end that gives an elegant look and makes room for a desk or dresser under. They're not as effective at conserving space as a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teenagers that offers more space to move around in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed if you want a bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable, so you can move them around if your children want to redecorate their rooms in the future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.
Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are smaller 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 table or chair to allow your child to have the ultimate bedroom set that can be used for play and study.
Budget
When choosing a bunk bed, it's important to think about your budget. There are many affordable options If you're thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that will last into the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying a little more for a better design that can be used for years to come.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs may be before you start shopping. For instance, a twin over a twin configuration is great for families with multiple children and a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who wish to save space and avoid the expense of purchasing a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.
The ideal bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that will grow with them. Look for a style that works in traditional and modern rooms, or opt for something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be split into two separate twin beds in case you want to change the layout of your space down the road. This design has a modern elegant, clean-lined design, boucle upholstered guardrails and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another way to save money is to locate a bunk with built-in storage options, like drawers underneath the lower bed bunk bed or a shelf below the top. This will help keep the bedroom clutter-free, and is especially beneficial when you have the space of a small one. Many of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some even come with additional storage accessories like bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.