5 Killer Quora Answers To 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 kids' room. They can also help to save space.
Look for bunk beds that are able to be moved like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that's easily removed. There are also stacked twins which can be divided to create two beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When you're choosing bunk beds for your children you should consider size, style and safety. Look at the ceiling height to make sure the bunks are able to fit in your space, and make sure that there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be placed apart enough that children can safely get up and down without having to crash into one another or the walls. It is also important to determine if the top bunk bed can be able to support a mattress of similar to that of the lower one. This will allow you to avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle later on.
You can also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape one that is more for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It will 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 select.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's the right time to move to a normal double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features a classic farmhouse style with curved headboards. It also has 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 lower and upper bunk beds. This gives more room for kids to play.
Another alternative is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's ideal for smaller spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's a great choice for older children because it eliminates the use of stairs or ladders which makes it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.
Before you buy any kind of childrens bunk beds bed, test it in your children bedroom using blue painter's tape to see how high it will be off the ground. This will give you an idea of whether it could be easily climbed into 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 define standards for guardrails as well as other features that reduce the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to take into consideration the safety features when buying. You'll need to find bunk beds with railings that are high enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not elevate the sleeping surface excessively. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed for kids bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to see the specifications available for mattresses and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and typically provide the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles to ensure security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your kids love to play on the ground, choose a bunk with a low slung that lets them play and sit without being too far off the floor.
If you're in a tight space or don't want to take up too much space in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are usually only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them ideal for small rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children of smaller age who might be intimidated by high bunk beds.
If you have a little more room, go for a full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the most secure and stylish bunk beds that are available and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed for kids bed is an attractive and sturdy option that can grow with your child's development as they grow. It can even accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of harmful chemicals. It's made of sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.
Style
It's for the shared room or one child, the perfect bunk bed for teens will provide something to be enthusiastic about. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds also come in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full or even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular among teens, as it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same room while still leaving space for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers at the bottom. Some designs come with a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper floor to accommodate an additional 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, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most sturdy, grown-up bunk," she adds.
Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the end that gives the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a dresser or desk beneath. These beds aren't as space-saving as bunk beds, but they allow teens to have more space in their rooms.
You should consider a futon bunk if you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable and can be moved them around if your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. They're not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top bed has no guardrails.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, can be used as a seating area for children younger than. Some models are capable of being converted into a chair and desk and allow your child to create the perfect bedroom space for study time and playtime.
Budget
A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's crucial to factor in your budget when you shop. There are many inexpensive options available, but if need a bed that will last through the teens and on into adulthood, it's worth paying a little more for a quality product that can be used indefinitely.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep 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 looking to make space and avoid the cost of buying a separate queen or king-sized mattress. It is also important to determine the amount of headroom you'd like between the bunks at the top and bottom. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example, it might be best to choose a lower-to-ground arrangement.
The most suitable bunk beds for teenagers are those which are priced at a reasonable price and can adapt to the teenager. Select a style that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds, if needed. This style features a modern, clean-lined silhouette with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another way to save money is to locate a bunk with built-in storage, such as drawers underneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also helpful if you have a small space. Many of the bunks in our list have this feature. Some even come with additional storage options like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.