10 Real Reasons People Hate Best Bunk Beds For Teens
How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can add fun and functionality to rooms for kids. They also can help save space.
Look for bunks that are designed with flexibility, like bottom storage drawers and a trundle bed that's easy to take down, and twin beds that can be separated into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When selecting bunk beds for your kids, you'll want to consider size, style, and safety. Consider the height of the ceiling to ensure the bunks are suitable for your space, and make sure that there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be spaced enough apart that kids can climb and descend safely and not run into each other or crash into walls. Also, you'll need to find out whether the top bunk can support a mattress that is the same size as the bottom one, so that you won't need for a trundle or another extra bed in the future.
You may also opt for an arrangement for your bunk that is not traditional, if it suits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be the perfect choice for a small space or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can save the floor space and can accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both upper and lower levels, depending on the model you choose.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance, features the classic farmhouse look with curved headboards. It also has wagon-inspired 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 with more space for kids to play on.
A loft bed is a different option that maximizes the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces since it doesn't take up as much vertical space and allows the lower levels to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's a great choice for older children since it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder, making it more accessible for large children and adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room with blue painter tape. This will give you a feel of whether it is easily climbed into and out of at night, without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You'll also want to take into consideration the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails as well as features that protect against falls and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to consider the security features when you shop. You'll need bunk beds with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling over or getting trapped as well as a mattress that does not elevate the sleeping surface excessively. Be sure to be aware of the capacity for weight, as some bunks have a lower limit than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out the specifications available for mattress dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and they'll typically provide the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladders or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles to ensure security. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your children like to play on the ground, choose a bunk with a low slung that allows them to play and sit without being too far off the floor.
Pick an L-shaped bed if don't have much space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it taking up lots of space. They are smaller in size and are usually only larger than a single bed. This makes them suitable for small rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for children of smaller age who may be scared of high bunk beds.
If you have more space, you can opt for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. They are generally the most secure and fashionable bunk beds that are available, and 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 development as they grow. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made from sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in multiple color options.
Style
The ideal bunk bed will make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's a shared bedroom or for just one child. A lot of designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin over full style is a favorite among teens because it gives them room to sleep two children in a single room, and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers on the bottom. Some options come with an trundle bed that can be used on the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress.
Teens also adore an over-king twin loft bed that occupies less floor space and provides them with more space to sprawl out or work from home, according to Fenton. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is a popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most sturdy adult bunk beds-sized bunk," she adds.
Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are designed with a ladder at their end. This makes them more sleek and more space for a dresser or desk. These beds aren't as space-saving as bunk beds however, they can provide teens with more space in their rooms.
If you're looking to find a more affordable bed that will offer plenty of security and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are compact and versatile and can be moved them around in case your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk bed adults beds and the top one has no guardrails.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can also be used as a seating area for children younger than. Some models can be transformed into a desk or chair to let your child have the ideal bedroom set that can be used for study and play.
Budget
A bunk bed is a major purchase, so it's essential to factor in your budget when you shop. There are many inexpensive options available, but if need a bed that will last through the teens and on into adulthood, it's worth spending an extra amount for a quality product that can be used for years.
Before you begin shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs could be. For instance, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for families with multiple children and a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who wish to reduce space and avoid the cost of purchasing an additional queen or king mattress. It is also important to determine how much headroom you want between the bunks at the top and bottom. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it may be better to go with a lower-to ground arrangement.
The best bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that is able to expand with them. Choose a style that will work in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two beds, if needed. This design has a modern sleek, clean lines, boucle upholstered guardrails and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another way to save money is to find an area of the bunk that is built-in storage options, like drawers beneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and it's especially useful if you're working with a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list feature this feature. Some come with additional storage accessories like a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.