5 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 to children's rooms. They can also help reduce space.
Choose bunk beds that are flexible like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that's easy to remove. You can also find twins that are stacked, which can be divided to create two separate beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing a bunk bed for your children You'll need to think about size, style and safety. Examine the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, ensure that there is enough room around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be set apart enough that children can safely get up and down and not crash into each other or the walls. Also, you'll need to find out if the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so you can avoid the need for a trundle or another extra bed in the future.
You can also choose a bunk shape that is not traditional and suited to your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be perfect for small spaces or an area that is shared by two people. It can save floor space, and accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the upper and lower levels depending on the model you select.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time for them to move to a normal double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin bunk beds usa Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails on the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the top and bottom beds with more space for kids to play on.
Another alternative is a loft bed which maximizes corner space in tween rooms. It's a great choice for smaller spaces as it doesn't require as much vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a good choice for older children because it eliminates the need to climb an elevator or ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, check it out in your child's' bedroom with blue painter's tape to determine how high it will rise off the ground. This will let you know whether it's possible to climb up and down at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Also, it is important to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds, which define standards for guardrails as well as other features that reduce the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages, but it is important to think about security features when you shop. You'll need to find bunk beds with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling off or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not raise the sleeping surface excessively. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have less weight limits than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available on mattress dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and typically list the total bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure safety. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides, as they can be unsafe for children to climb up and down, especially when the slats aren't securely connected. If your children love to play on the ground, select a low-slung bunk that allows them to sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.
If you're in a tight space or do not want to occupy too much room in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less space and are usually only larger than a single bed. This makes them suitable for small rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for children who may feel intimidated by the higher bunks.
If you're looking for a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. They are typically the most secure and stylish bunk beds 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 grow with children as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in a variety of colors options.
Style
The ideal bunk bed will make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's in the bedroom of a couple or just one child. Many designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more fun elements. Bunk beds also come in different sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with teens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same room while still leaving space for a desk dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. Some designs come with a trundle bed that allows the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.
Fenton says teens love a twin-over-king loft bed since it occupies less space and gives them more room to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with a full-length 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.
Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They have 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 effective at saving space as a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teens, and give them more space in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed If you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are small and flexible and can be moved them around if your kids want to redecorate their rooms in the near future. However they're not as sturdy as a metal or wood bunk bed and they don't have guardrails on the top bed.
Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are smaller and are easier to climb, whereas stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller children. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk to let your child have the perfect bedroom set for both study and play.
Budget
When shopping for a bunk bed, it's crucial to think about your budget. While there are plenty of affordable options but if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that will last through the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying a little more for a better design that can be used for many years to come.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs might be prior to shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a bedroom, while full over full childrens bunk bed is perfect for adults who are looking to save space or avoid the cost of a separate queen mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom 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 best bunk bed for teens is a good value and one that will expand with them. Find a design that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be split into two separate twin beds in case you need to reconfigure your space down the road. This design has a clean-lined contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social 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 beneath 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 space. Many of the bunks on our list feature this feature. Some even come with additional storage options, such as headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.