Five Killer Quora Answers On Best Bunk Beds For Teens
How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and functionality in the children's room. They also can help reduce space.
Find bunk beds that are flexible, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or trundles that are easy to remove. You can also find stacked twins which can be divided to create two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When you're choosing bunk beds for your kids you should consider size, style, and safety. Examine the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be enough apart so that children can get up and down safely and not bump into each other or crash into walls. Also, you'll need to determine if the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the bottom one, so that you don't have to pay for a trundle or another extra bed in the near future.
You could also choose a different shape for your bunk, which may be better suitable for your space. For example, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can save space on the floor, and also accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the lower and upper levels depending on the model you pick.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time to transition to a regular double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This gives more room for kids to play.
A loft bed is a different option that can maximize the space around corners in tween-rooms. It's ideal for smaller spaces as it occupies less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great choice for older children since it eliminates the need to use stairs or a ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom using blue painter tape. This will give you a feel of whether it can be 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 keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds, which establish standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with kids of all ages, however, it's important to consider the security features when you shop. You'll need bunk beds with railings that are high enough to stop children from falling off or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that does not elevate the sleeping surface excessively. Be sure to pay attention to the weight capacity, since certain bunks have lower limits than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to see the specifications available for mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and will typically provide the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, particularly if they're not securely connected. If your children love playing on the ground, you should opt for a lower-slung bunk to allow them to sit up and play without being too high off the ground.
Pick an L-shaped mattress if you don't have a lot of space in your child's room or if you do not want it to take up lots of space. These take up less floor space and are usually the same size as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for younger children who may feel intimidated by high bunk beds.
If you have more space, consider a full-over-full bunk bed. They are generally the safest and most stylish bunk beds that are available and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that can grow with your child as they grow. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in a variety of colors options.
Style
The ideal bunk bed will make teens happy regardless of whether it's in the bedroom of a couple or only one child. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more fun elements. Bunk beds are also available in different sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular for tweens because it allows them to accommodate two children in the same room and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the lower level. Some options come with Trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress.
Tweens also love an over-king twin loft bed that occupies less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with an extended guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy, grown-up bunk," she adds.
If you want a cool bunk, think about an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's basically an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the end that gives the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a dresser or desk underneath. They aren't as spacious as bunk beds however, they can provide teens with more space in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed If you're looking for buy Bunk beds beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are compact and versatile and can be moved them around in case your kids 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 that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are smaller and are more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and can double as a seat for younger kids. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair to allow your child to have the perfect bedroom set that can be used for play and study.
Budget
When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's crucial to consider your budget. There are many inexpensive options available, but if you need a bed that will last through the teens and on into adulthood, it's worth spending a little more for a quality product that can be used indefinitely.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements could be prior to shopping. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for rooms with siblings or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults who wish to reduce space and avoid the expense of purchasing an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.
The most suitable bunk beds for teens are ones that are affordable and are able to grow with the teenager. Pick a design that can work in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds if required. This design features a contemporary sleek, clean lines with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed that has built-in storage is another option to save money. This could include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help you keep your bedroom tidy and clutter-free. It's also helpful if you have a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some even come with additional storage accessories like bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.