Five Killer Quora Answers On Best Bunk Beds For Teens

How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can add fun and utility to kids' rooms. They can also help save space.

Choose bunks that are built with flexibility, such as bottom storage drawers or a trundle bed which is easy to remove, and twins that stack and can be divided into two beds. Also, think about 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 children. Make sure you check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks to allow children to move around. The beds should be far enough apart to allow kids to get up and down safely and not bump into each other or smash into the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress the same size as that of the bottom. This will help you avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the near future.

You can also opt for a different shape for your bunk one that is more for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed can be ideal for small spaces or a guest room shared by two people. It can save space on the floor, and also accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you select.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's the right time to move to a normal double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance is a classic farmhouse style 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 inbuilt stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This gives more room for kids to play.

A loft bed is another option that maximizes the space at the corner in tween-rooms. It's great for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you make use of the lower levels for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's a great choice for older children as it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder which makes it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom using blue painter tape. This will give you an idea of whether it is easily climbed in and out of at night, without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Also, it is important to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds. These regulations define standards for guardrails as well as other features to prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds can be a great choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it is essential to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll want to choose a bed with guard rails that are high enough to keep children from falling or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleeping surface too much. You should also be aware of the weight capacity, since some bunks have a lower limit than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to see the specifications available for mattress dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and will typically provide the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The most suitable bunk beds are sturdy and have an stairway or ladder that is attached securely to the frame and has side handles. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're poorly fitted together. If your kids love playing on the ground, go for a lower-slung bunk to allow them to play and sit without being too high off the ground.

Pick an L-shaped bed if you don't have much space in your child's bedroom or if you do not want it to take up much space. These are smaller in size and are typically only about the same width as a single bed making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for children who might be intimidated by high bunk beds.

If you have more space, you can opt for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the safest and most stylish bunk beds on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that will expand with kids bedroom furniture as they get older and accommodates trundle mattresses (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 multiple color options.

Style

A good bunk bed can keep teens content, whether it's in the shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds also come in various sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and 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 leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the lower level. Some designs come with a trundle bed that allows the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress.

Tweens also love the twin over king loft bed that occupies less floor space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home, says Fenton. A metal bunk bed with an extended guardrail is a popular choice for older kids bedroom furniture because it's "built to last and is the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.

For a truly cool bunk, think about an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at their end. This makes them more sleek and more room for a desk or dresser. They're not as good for saving space as a traditional bunk, but they're an attractive option for teens, and give them more space in their rooms.

If you're looking for an affordable bunk that will still offer plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are portable and compact, so they can be moved around if you're planning to redesign your child's space in the near future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and are more convenient to climb, whereas stairs are safer and double as a seating area for younger kids bunk beds. Some models are even capable of being converted into a desk and chair, allowing your child to create the ultimate bedroom suite to study or play.

Budget

When shopping for a bunk bed, it's essential to consider your budget. There are many inexpensive options out there, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last into the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying extra for a quality design that will last for many years to come.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin over a twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a room, while a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who wish to make space and avoid the expense of buying an additional queen or king-sized mattress. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example, it might be best to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.

The most suitable bunk beds for teenagers are those that offer a good price and can grow with the teen. Select a style that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two twin beds, if needed. This style has a sleek, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's easy for kids to climb up and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

Another way to save money is to find an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, for example drawers underneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This can help you make your bedroom less cluttered, and is especially beneficial for those who have smaller space. Many of the bunks in our list feature this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories, such as a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.