Five Killer Quora Answers To 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 kids' rooms. They can also help to save space.

Find bunk beds that can be adapted like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or trundles that are easy to remove. You can also find twins that are stacked, which can be separated to make two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to take into consideration the dimensions as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your kids. Check the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be spaced enough apart so that children can climb and descend safely and not bump into each other or crash into the walls. Also, you'll need to find out whether the top bunk bed for kids is able to support mattresses similar to the bottom one, so that you won't need for a trundle or another additional bed in the future.

You may also opt for a bunk design that is not traditional and suited to your space better. For example an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can help save floor space, and allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the upper and lower levels, based on the model you choose.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children's needs, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time for them to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk bed cheap. It's made 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 kids to play.

Another option is a loft bed which maximizes corner space in tween rooms. It's a great option for smaller spaces since it doesn't require as much vertical room and allows the lower levels to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a great choice for older children because it doesn't require you to use a ladder or stairs and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room with blue painter tape. This will let you know if it is possible to climb into and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. In addition, you should ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds, which set standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, but it's important to take into consideration the safety features when shopping. You'll need to choose bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to keep children from falling off or becoming trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise up the mattress excessively. Be sure to be aware of the capacity for weight, as some bunks are less able than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out what specifications are available regarding mattress dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and will often list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for security. It is also recommended to avoid bunks that have slatted sides as they can be unsafe for children to climb up and down, particularly if the slats aren't tightly joined. If your children like to play on the ground, select a low-slung bunk that allows them to sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.

If you're in a tight space or don't want to take up too much space in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are usually only as wide as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for younger children who may feel intimidated by the higher bunks.

If you're looking for a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that can grow with kids as they get older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made of sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

A good bunk bed can make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's in a shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds are also available in various sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin over full design is popular with teens since it allows them to sleep two children in a single room, and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the lower level. There are some options with trundle beds which allow the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also adore a twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and gives them more space to spread 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 are the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton 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 to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as efficient at saving space like a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teens that gives them more space to move around in their rooms.

If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and portable which means they can be moved around if you're looking to revamp your child's room in the future. They're not as sturdy as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, could be used as seats by younger children. Some models can be transformed into a chair or desk so that your child can have the ideal bedroom set-up for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to consider your budget when you shop. Although there are plenty of cheap options available, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that can last until the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying a little more for a better design that will last for a long time.

Before you start shopping, consider who will be sleeping on the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing bedrooms, while a full over full bunk is ideal for adults who are looking to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you may want to select a layout that is lower than the ground.

The most suitable bunk beds for teens (you can find out more) are ones that are affordable and can grow with the teen. Choose a design that is suitable for both modern and traditional rooms, or go with something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can separate into two freestanding twin beds should 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 simple for children to climb and descend, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

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