Five Killer Quora Answers On Best Bunk Beds For Teens
How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft bed can bring fun and utility in the children's room. They can also help save space.
Choose bunks that are built with flexibility, such as drawers for storage at the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to remove and twins that stack and can be split into two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When you're choosing a bunk bed for your children You'll need to think about the size, style and security. Examine the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that kids can safely move up and down without having to hit each other or the walls. Additionally, you should determine whether the top bunk is able to support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so you don't have to pay for a trundle or an additional bed in the future.
You may also opt for a different shape for your bunk that is suitable for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed could be ideal for small spaces or an area that is shared by two people. It can help save the floor space and can allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both 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 to a regular double bed. For instance, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails along the top childrens bunk beds. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom, leaving more floor space for children to play on.
Another alternative is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's great for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and allows you to use the lower level for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great choice for older children because it doesn't require you to climb an elevator or ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, check it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will be off the ground. This will give you an idea of whether it is easily climbed into and out of at night without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds, which set standards for guardrails and other features that reduce entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, however, it is important to think about security features when you shop. You'll need to find a bunk bed with guardrails that are high enough to prevent children from falling off or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not raise the sleeping surface excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available on mattress dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and they'll typically list the total bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly fitted together. If your children love to play on the ground, choose a low-slung bunk that allows them to sit and play without being too far from the floor.
If you're in a tight space or do not want to take up too much space in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. These are smaller in size and are usually about the same width as a single bed, so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for kids who might feel intimidated by a higher bunk.
If you need a bit more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best choice. These are usually the most secure and elegant bunk beds available that are available, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that will expand with kids bedroom furniture as they age and even can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made from sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in multiple color options.
Style
It's for a shared room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed for teens will provide something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist while others are more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin over full style is a favorite among teens because it allows them to sleep two children in a single room, and still leaves space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the lower level. Some designs come with a trundle bed that allows the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.
Teens also love the twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, according to Fenton. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy, grown-up bunk," she adds.
Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. They're designed with a ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more room for a desk or dresser. They're not as effective at saving space as a traditional bunk, but they're a stylish option for teens, and give them more space to move around in their rooms.
If you're looking to find a more affordable bed that will provide plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are portable and compact and can be moved around if you're planning to redesign your child's bedroom in the near future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one has no guardrails.
Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and double as a seat for younger kids. Some models can be transformed into a chair or desk to let your child have the perfect bedroom set-up for play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's important to consider your budget when buying. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will last through the teens and even into adulthood, it's worth paying an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used for a long time.
Before you begin shopping take into consideration who will be using the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs might be. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings sharing bedrooms, while the full-over-full bunk is a great option for adults who want to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen bed. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you might want to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.
The best bunk bed (click to read) for teens is a good value and one that will grow with them. Find a design that works in both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds if you're looking to alter your space down the road. This design features a contemporary, clean-lined silhouette, boucle upholstered guardrails and a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.
A bunk bed that has built-in storage is an additional way to save money. This could include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also a good option for those with a smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and some have additional storage accessories available such as bookcase headboards for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.