How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and utility in the children's room. They also can help in reducing space.
Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers that store items in the bottom and a trundle bed that's easy to take down, and stacked twins that can be divided into two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing bunk beds for your kids You'll need to think about the size, style and security. Examine the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks will fit in the space. Also, ensure that there is enough room around the bunks to allow children to move around. The beds should be placed apart enough that children can safely get up and down without having to hit one another or the walls. Also, you'll need to find out whether the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the bottom one, so that you won't need for a trundle or another extra bed in the near future.
You can also choose a bunk shape that isn't traditional and suited to your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be perfect for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can save the floor space and can also accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, based on the model you select.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs by converting into two independent beds when it's time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance, features an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for kids to play.
Another alternative is a loft bed which maximizes corner space in rooms that are tween. It's ideal for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and lets you make use of the lower levels for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a good choice for older kids because it eliminates the need to climb an elevator or ladder, making it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, try it in your children bedroom using blue painter's tape to see how high it will be off the ground. This will allow you to determine if it is possible to climb in and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. In addition, you should ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds, which set standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages, but it is important to think about security features when you shop. You'll need to find bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that does not elevate the mattress excessively. Also, be aware of the weight capacity, as some bunks are less able than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to see the specifications available for mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles to ensure security. Avoid bunks with slatted sides because they are dangerous for children to climb up and down, particularly if the slats aren't tightly fitted together. If your children like to play on the ground, choose a bunk with a low slung that lets them sit and play without being too far from the ground.
If you're in a tight space or do not want to occupy too much space in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are typically only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with narrow ceilings. They are also suitable for younger children who may be scared of high bunk beds.
If you have more space, you can opt for a full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the safest and most elegant bunk beds available on the market, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will expand with kids as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.
Style
It's for the shared room or one kid, the right bunk bed will give teens something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with teens, as it allows them to sleep two kids in the same space, while leaving space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers at the bottom. Certain designs have Trundle beds that permit the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Teens also adore the twin over king loft bed that 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 are a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.
If you want a cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the top that gives it a more sleek look and allows more room for a desk or dresser under. These beds are not as space-saving as bunk beds, but they give teens more room in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed if you want bunk beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable and can be moved around when you're planning to redesign your child's bedroom in the future. They're not as sturdy as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one has no guardrails.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, can also be used as a seating area for children younger than. Some models are even able to convert into a chair and desk, allowing your child to have the perfect bedroom set-up to study or play.
Budget
When choosing a bunk bed, it's essential that you consider your budget. There are many inexpensive options available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will last through the teens and into adulthood, it's worth paying an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used indefinitely.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements could be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings who share the same bedroom, whereas a full over full bunk is perfect for adults who want to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the bottom and top bunks. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it may be better to go with a lower-to ground arrangement.
The most suitable bunk beds for teenagers are those that offer a good price and can grow with the teen. Pick a design that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two twin beds, if needed. This design features a clean, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another option to save money is to find a bunk with built-in storage, for example drawers underneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also a good option for those with a smaller space. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature, and a few come with additional storage options such as a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.
Flossie Martins
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