Five Killer Quora Answers To Best Bunk Beds For Teens
How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft bed can add fun and functionality in the room for kids. They can also help to reduce space.
Look for bunk beds that can be adapted like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that's easily removed. You can also find stacked twins which can be separated to create two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
You'll want to consider size, style, and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your kids. Check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks to allow the kids to move. The beds should be spaced far enough apart so that children are able to safely go up and down and not collide with each other or the walls. Also, you'll want to find out whether the top bunk can support a mattress that is the same size as the bottom one so you can avoid the need for a trundle, or an extra bed in the near future.
You can also pick an arrangement for your bunk that isn't conventional, if it suits your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be perfect for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It is a great way to save the floor space and can also accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on both the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you choose.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are made to grow with your child, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to a double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails along the top best bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper best bunk bed beds. This gives more room for children to play.
A loft bed is another option that maximizes the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's a great choice for smaller spaces because it doesn't require the same amount of vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a great choice for older children since it doesn't require them to use a ladder or stairs and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, try it out in your kids' bedroom with blue painter's tape to determine how high it will be above the ground. This will allow you to determine if it is possible to climb into and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. It is also important to consider the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features that stop falls or entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds can be a great choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's essential to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll need bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not elevate the sleeping surface too much. You should also pay attention to the weight capacity, as certain bunks are less able than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available on mattress sizes and weight limitations. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress can be, and will often list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The most suitable bunk beds are sturdy and have stairs or ladders that is secured to the frame and comes with side handles. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides, as they could be unsafe for children to climb up and down, particularly when the slats aren't securely fitted together. If your children like to play on the ground, select a bunk with a low slung that allows them to sit and play without being too far from the floor.
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 a lot of space. These require less floor space and are usually the same size as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children who may be scared of high bunk beds.
If you require a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best childrens bunk beds option. 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 is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will expand with kids as they age and even accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it comes in multiple color options.
Style
A good bunk bed can make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's in the bedroom of a couple or only one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin over full design is popular for tweens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same room and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the lower level. There are some options with trundle beds which allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Teens also adore a twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more room to stretch out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last and is the most durable adult-sized bunk," she adds.
If you want a cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder on the end, which gives it a more sleek look and gives more space for a desk or dresser underneath. They aren't as spacious as a bunk bed however, they can provide teens with more space in their rooms.
If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of safety and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are small and flexible and can be moved them around in case your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the future. They are not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one does not have guardrails.
Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and are easier to climb, whereas stairs are safer and double as a seat for smaller kids. Some models can be transformed into a chair or desk so that your child can have the ideal bedroom set-up for play and study.
Budget
When choosing a bunk bed, it's important to consider your budget. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you want a bunk bed to last through the teens and into adulthood, you should consider spending a little more to get a top-quality bed that can be used indefinitely.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs could be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin over a twin configuration is great for families with multiple children or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults who want to reduce space and avoid the cost of purchasing a separate queen or king mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom that is available between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, it may be better to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.
The most suitable bunk beds for teens are ones that are affordable and can adapt to the teenager. Choose a design that works in traditional and modern 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 want to change the layout of your space later on. This style features a modern sleek, clean lines as well as boucle upholstered guardrails a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another option to save money is to locate a bunk that has built-in storage, for example drawers under the bed or a shelf below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also useful if you have a small space. Many of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and some offer additional storage options like an bookcase headboard for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.