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 bring fun and utility in the children's room. They can also help save space.
Look for bunk beds that can be adapted like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that is easy to take off. You can also find twins that can be stacked and divided to create two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You should take into consideration the size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Consider the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will fit in your space. Make sure there's enough room for your kids to move around them. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that children are able to safely go up and down and not hit each other or the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk can accommodate a mattress that is the same size as that of the bottom. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.
You may also opt for a bunk design that isn't conventional and suited to your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can help save space on the floor, and also accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both upper and lower levels depending on the model you select.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens are built to grow with your child, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to the size of a double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired style with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the top and bottom beds, leaving more floor space for children to play on.
A loft bed is an alternative option that makes the most of the corner space in rooms that are tweens. It's great for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a good choice for older kids because it eliminates the need to use an elevator or ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room using blue painter tape. This will give you a sense of whether it is easily climbed in 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 ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. These regulations establish standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to take into consideration the safety features when shopping. You'll need to choose bunk beds with railings that are high enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that does not elevate the sleeping surface excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available on mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed and the bunk.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, particularly if they're not securely fitted together. If your kids love playing on the ground, go for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to let them sit up and play without being too high off the ground.
If you have a limited 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 typically only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them ideal for small rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for kids who may be intimidated by the higher bunk.
If you need a bit more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. These are usually the most secure and fashionable bunk beds on the market and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that will grow with your child as they grow. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it is available in a variety of color options.
Style
A good bunk bed can make teens feel happy, whether it's in the bedroom of a couple or only one child. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular among teens because it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space while leaving space for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers in the lower part. Some options have trundle beds which allow the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Teens also adore an over-king twin loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more room to stretch out or work from home, according to 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 sturdy grown-up bunk available," she adds.
For a really cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are designed with a ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more room for a desk or dresser. These beds are not as space-saving as a bunk bed however they do provide teens with more space in their rooms.
You should consider a futon bunk if you want an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are small and flexible and can be moved them around if your children are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. However they're not as sturdy like a metal or wood bunk bed, and they don't have guardrails on the top bed.
Bunks that include ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and are more convenient to climb. Stairs are more secure and can serve as a seating area for younger children. Some models are capable of being converted into a desk and chair, allowing your child to have the ultimate bedroom suite for study time and playtime.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to take into consideration your budget when buying. There are many inexpensive options available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will last through the teens and even into adulthood, you should consider spending an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used indefinitely.
Before you start shopping, consider who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs could be. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings who share a bedroom, while the full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who want to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen bed. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you may want to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.
The best bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that will adapt to their needs. Select a style that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds if needed. This design has a clean-lined modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's easy for kids to climb and descend and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another way to save money is to locate an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, for example drawers under the bed or a shelf below the top. This can help you make your bedroom less cluttered, and is particularly useful if you're working with a small space. Many of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.