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 bring fun and utility in the kids' room. They can also help save space.

Choose bunks that are designed with flexibility, like drawers that store items in the bottom and a trundle bed that's easy to take down and stacked twins that can be split into two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to take into consideration the size design, style, and security when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Consider the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to are suitable for your space. Also, make sure there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be placed apart enough that kids can safely move up and down without having to hit one another or the walls. Additionally, you should determine whether the top bunk is able to support mattresses that is the same size as the bottom one, so that you don't have to pay for a trundle or another additional bed in the future.

You can also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape that is suited to your space. An L-shaped bunk bed could be the perfect choice for a small room or a guest room shared by two people. It will save space on the floor, and also accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the upper and lower levels depending on the model you choose.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's the right time to transition to a regular double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired style with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This creates more space for children to play.

A loft bed is an alternative option that makes the most of the corner space in rooms that are tweens. It's ideal for smaller spaces as it occupies less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a good choice for older kids because it doesn't require them to use an elevator or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will give you a feel of whether it could be easily climbed into and out of at night without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds, which establish standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great bunk beds choice for families with kids of all ages, however, it is important to think about safety features when shopping. You'll want to look for a bed with guard rails that are tall enough to stop children from falling or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out the specifications available for mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and typically list the total bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. Avoid bunks with slatted sides, as they can be dangerous for children to climb up and down, particularly when the slats aren't securely fitted together. If your kids love playing on the ground, you should opt for a low-slung bottom bunk to allow them to sit and play without being too high off the floor.

Pick an L-shaped mattress if you don't have a lot of space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it taking up a lot of space. They take up less space and are generally as wide as one single bed. This makes them ideal for small rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for children who might be scared of a bunk that is higher.

If you have a little more space, consider a full-over-full-size bunk bed. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized childrens beds bunk. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that grows with your child's development as they grow. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemical. It is made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.

Style

If it's an entire room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed will give teens something to be enthusiastic about. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more fun elements. Bunk beds are also available in different sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. A twin-over-full design is a favorite among teens because it gives them room to sleep two children in the same room and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. Some designs come with a trundle bed that allows the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress.

Tweens 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 an extended guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the end giving it a more sleek look and allows more room for a dresser or desk under. They aren't as space-saving as a bunk beds childrens bed however they do allow teens to have more space in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk If you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are compact and portable which means they can be moved around if you want to redecorate your child's bedroom in the future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top bed has no guardrails.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and are easier to climb, while stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for younger children. Some models can even be capable of converting into a chair and desk which allows your child to build the perfect bedroom set-up for study time and playtime.

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's important that you consider your budget. Although there are plenty of inexpensive options out there, if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that can last through the teens (or even into adulthood) it might be worth paying a bit more for a better design that will be used for many years to come.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be prior to shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great bunk beds for siblings sharing the same bedroom, whereas full over full bunk is perfect for adults who are looking to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.

The ideal bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that is able to grow with them. Choose a design that is suitable for traditional and modern rooms, or opt for something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be divided into two freestanding twin beds in case you're looking to alter your space in the future. This design has a modern sleek, clean lines with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

Another way to save money is to locate an area of the bunk that is built-in storage options, like drawers beneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also useful in the case of a small room. Many of the bunks on our list have this option, and a few offer additional storage options, such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.