5 Killer Quora Answers To 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 also can help in reducing space.

Choose bunk beds that can be adapted like ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that's easily removed. You can also find twins that can be stacked and separated to make two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting a bunk bed online bed for your kids, you'll want to consider size, style, and safety. Examine the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks for children to move around. The beds should be enough apart so that children can climb and descend safely and not collide with each other or crash into the walls. Also, you'll want to determine whether the top bunk can support mattresses that is the same size as the bottom one, so that you don't have to pay for a trundle or another additional bed in the future.

You can also pick a bunk design that isn't traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. A bunk bed with an L shape can be perfect for a small space or a guest room shared by two people. It can save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the lower and upper levels, depending on the model you pick.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time to move to a normal double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example it has a classic farmhouse style with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This leaves more space for children to play.

A loft bed is a different option that can maximize the corner space in tween-rooms. It's a great choice for smaller spaces because it doesn't take up as much vertical room and allows the bottom level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's a great choice for older children because it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder and makes it more accessible to adults and children of larger sizes.

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 up and down at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. You'll also want to take into consideration the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features that prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to consider the safety features when buying. You'll need bunk beds with railings that are high enough to stop 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 have lower limits than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available on mattress sizes and weight limitations. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed and the bunk.

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladders or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles to ensure security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, particularly if they're not securely joined. If your children love to play on the ground, select a low-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without being too far from the ground.

Pick an L-shaped bed if you don't have much space in your child's room or if you don't want it to take up much space. These take up less floor space and are usually only the same size as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for younger kids, who may be intimidated by a bunk that is higher.

If you have a little more space, consider a full-over-full bunk bed. They are the most stylish and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will grow with children as they get older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made of sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

If it's the shared room or one child, the ideal bunk bed for teens will provide something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist while others are more fun elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with tweens because it permits them to sleep two children in the same room while leaving enough space for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage in the lower part. Some options come with Trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress.

Fenton says teens like a twin-over-king loft bed since it occupies less space and gives them the space to spread out and work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and are the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk beds best," Fenton adds.

For a truly cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's basically an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the top giving the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a dresser or desk under. They're not as efficient at conserving space like a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teenagers that offers more space to move around in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk If you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are compact and portable which means they can be moved around in case you want to redecorate your child's room in the near future. They're not as sturdy as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one has no guardrails.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and can be more convenient to climb, while stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for smaller kids. Some models are able to convert into a chair and desk and allow your child to have the perfect bedroom space for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to factor in your budget when buying. While there are plenty of affordable options, if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that is designed to last through the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying a bit more for a better design that will last for a long time.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults who want to make space and avoid the cost of purchasing an additional queen or king mattress. It is also important to determine the amount of headroom you'd like between the bunks at the top and bottom. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it may be better to opt for a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The best bunk beds for teens are those that offer a good price and are able to grow with the teen. Select a style that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds if needed. This design features a clean, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

Another option to save money is to find an area of the bunk that is built-in storage options, like drawers underneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also a good option in the case of a small room. A majority of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and a few offer additional storage options like bookcase headboards for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.