Five Killer Quora Answers On Best Bunk Beds For Teens
How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft and bunk beds can add fun and functionality in the kids' room. They also can help reduce space.
Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers for storage at the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to remove and twin beds that can be split into two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When selecting a bunk bed for your kids you should consider size, style, and safety. Consider the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will are suitable for your space. Also, make sure there's enough space for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that kids can safely move up and down and not hit one another or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the size of the lower one. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the near future.
You may also opt for a bunk shape that isn't conventional, if it suits your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It is a great way to save floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on the lower and upper levels, depending on which 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 time to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance is the classic farmhouse look with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed 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 children to play.
A loft bed is a different option that can maximize the space around corners in rooms with tweens. It's a great choice for smaller spaces because it doesn't require as much vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used for desks as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's a great option for older children as it eliminates the use of stairs or ladders, making it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.
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 rise above the ground. This will give you a sense of whether it could be easily climbed into and out of at night, without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Also, it is important to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. They establish standards for guardrails and other features that reduce entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it is important to take into consideration the safety features before buying. You'll want to look for beds with rails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling or becoming trapped, and an option that doesn't raise the bed's surface too high. Also, be aware of the weight capacity, since certain bunks have a lower limit than others.
When you are choosing the bunk bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer for details regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and they'll often list 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 be equipped with side handles for security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're poorly fitted together. If your children like to play on the ground, select a bunk with a low slung that lets them sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.
Pick an L-shaped bed if you don't have a lot of space in the room of your child or if you don't want it to take up lots of space. They require less space and are generally larger than a single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with small ceilings. They're also ideal for kids who might feel intimidated by the higher bunk.
If you need a bit more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best choice. They are generally the most secure and stylish bunk beds on the market, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that can grow with kids as they get older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemical. It is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.
Style
A good bunk bed can make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's in a shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalist while others are more playful elements. Bunk beds are also available in different sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular among teens because it permits them to sleep two kids in the same space while still leaving space for a desk dresser, or storage drawers in the lower part. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Teens also love a twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and gives them more space to spread out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular option for older children because they're "built to last and are the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.
Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at their end. This makes them more sleek and more space to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as good for saving space like a traditional bunk but they're an attractive option for teens, and give them more space in their rooms.
If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are small and flexible and can be moved them around if your children wish to redesign their rooms in the future. However they're not as strong as a metal or wood bunk bed, and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders require less space and are easier to climb. Stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for smaller kids. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair to let your child have the ideal bedroom set for both play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's crucial to take into consideration your budget when you shop. There are many inexpensive options out there but if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last until the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying a little extra for a quality design that will last for years to come.
Before you shop think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who wish to save space and avoid the expense of buying an additional queen or king mattress. You'll have 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 configuration that is lower to the ground.
The best bunk bed for teens is a good value, and one that can grow with them. Look for a style that is suitable for both modern and traditional rooms, or opt for 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 want to change the layout of your space in the future. This design has a modern sleek, clean lines as well as boucle upholstered guardrails 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 choose an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, such as drawers under the bed or shelving down below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also a good option if you have a small room. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature, and some have additional storage accessories available such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.