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 be a great way to add fun and function in the room for kids. They can also help reduce space.
Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers that store items in the bottom or a trundle bed which is easy to take down and twins that stack and can be divided into two separate beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.
Size
When selecting a bunk bed for your children You'll need to think about size, style and safety. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will are suitable for your space. Also, make sure there's enough room for your kids to move around them. The beds should be spaced sufficiently apart that children are able to safely go up and down and not hit each other or the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk can accommodate a mattress that is similar to the size of the bottom one. This will allow you to avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the future.
You can also pick a bunk shape that isn't traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For example, an L-shaped childrens bunk bed can be ideal for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It will save space on the floor, and also accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the upper and lower levels depending on the model you choose.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's the right time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example is the classic farmhouse look with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper childrens bunk beds beds. This gives more room for kids to play.
A loft bed is an alternative option that makes the most of the space around corners in rooms with tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces since it doesn't take up as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk, dressers or storage cabinets. It's a great choice for older children since it doesn't require a staircase or ladder and makes it more accessible for larger children and adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will help you determine whether it's safe to climb in and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds, which establish standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds can be an ideal option for families with children of all age groups. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features prior to purchasing. You should look for a bed with rails that are high enough to prevent children from falling over or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleep surface too high. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have a lower weight limit than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out what specifications are available regarding mattress sizes and weight limitations. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and will often list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure safety. Avoid childrens bunk beds beds with slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your children like to play on the ground, choose a bunk with a low slung that lets them sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.
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 take up less space and are typically only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with small ceilings. These are also more suitable for younger children who may be scared of the higher bunks.
If you're looking for a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best option. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that grows with your child's development as they grow. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate 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 multiple color options.
Style
The right bunk bed can make teens happy, whether it's in a shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular for tweens because it lets them accommodate two children in the same room and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers on the lower level. Certain designs have trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says teens love a twin-over-king loft bed since it takes up less space and provides them with the space to spread out and work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular option for older children because they're "built to last and it's the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.
Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the end giving an elegant look and makes room for a dresser or desk beneath. They're not as effective at saving space as a traditional bunk but they're an attractive option for teenagers that offers more space in their rooms.
If you're looking for an affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of safety and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and adaptable and can be moved them around if your children are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. They're not as sturdy as metal or wood bunk beds, and the top bed isn't equipped with 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 seat by younger children. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk to let your child have the perfect bedroom set for both play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to take into consideration your budget when you shop. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will last through the teens and on into adulthood, it's worth paying a little more to get a top-quality bed that can be used for years.
Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs might be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing bedrooms, while the full-over-full bunk is a great option for adults who want to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.
The ideal bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option, and one that can adapt to their needs. Find a design that is suitable for both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you're looking to alter your space in the future. This style has a sleek, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's simple for children to climb and descend, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.
Another way to save money is to find a bunk with built-in storage, for example drawers under the bed or shelving down below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and is especially beneficial for those who have a small space. Many of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some come with additional storage options, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.