Five Killer Quora Answers On Best Bunk Beds For Teens
How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft and bunk beds can be a great way to add fun and function in the room for kids. They can also help to save space.
Look for bunk beds that are flexible, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that is easy to remove. There are also stacked twins which can be divided to create two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing bunk beds for your children, you'll want to consider size, style and safety. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure the bunks are suitable for your space. Also, make sure there's enough room for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be set far enough apart so that children can safely get up and down and not crash into one another or the walls. Also, you'll need to determine if the top bunk can support a mattress that is the same size as the bottom one so that you won't need for a trundle, or an extra bed in the future.
You may also opt for an arrangement for your bunk beds usa that is not traditional and suited to your space better. A bunk bed with an L shape can be ideal for a small space or an area that is shared by two people. It will save the floor space and can allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the upper and lower levels, based on the model you select.
Many of the best bunk bed for teens are built to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to move up to a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example it has a classic farmhouse style with curved headboards. It also has wagon-inspired 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 optimizes corner spaces in rooms that are tween. It's a great choice for smaller spaces since it doesn't require as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a great choice for older kids because it doesn't require them to climb an elevator or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room using blue painter tape. This will let you know if it is possible to climb up and down at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the window sill. You'll also want to think about the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features to prevent entrapment or falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all ages. However, it is important to take into consideration the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll need bunk beds with railings that are high enough to prevent 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. Some have a lower weight limit than others.
When selecting the bunk bed you want, look on its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed and the bunk bed.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure safety. It is also recommended to avoid bunks that have slatted sides as they could be dangerous for children to climb up or down, especially if the slats aren't tightly joined. If your children like to play on the ground, choose a bunk with a low slung that allows them to sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.
If you're in a tight space or don't want to take up too much space in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less floor space and are usually the same size as a single bed making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for kids bunk beds who might feel intimidated by a higher bunk.
If you need a bit more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best choice. They are typically the safest and most stylish bunk beds that are available and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that can grow with your child's development as they grow. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of harmful chemicals. It's made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.
Style
A good bunk bed can keep teens content regardless of whether it's in the shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds are also available in various sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with tweens, as it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same room while still leaving space for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage at the bottom. Certain designs have trundle beds which allow the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Teens also love a twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and gives them more space to sprawl out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and are the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.
For a truly cool bunk, think about an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the end giving the appearance of a sleeker design and makes room for a dresser or desk underneath. These beds are not as spacious as bunk beds, but they provide teens with more space in their rooms.
Consider a futon bunk if you want an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable which means you can move them around if your children are looking to revamp their rooms in the future. They're not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one does not have guardrails.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and are easier to climb, while stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller kids. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk to let your child have the perfect bedroom set-up for study and play.
Budget
When choosing a bunk bed, it's important to consider your budget. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if want a bunk bed to last through the teens and on into adulthood, it's worth spending a little more for a quality product that can be used for a long time.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs may be before you start shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who want to reduce space and avoid the expense of purchasing an additional queen or king mattress. It is also important to determine how much headroom you want between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to choose a lower-to-ground arrangement.
The best bunk beds for teens are ones that are affordable and can grow with the teen. Find a design that works in both modern and traditional rooms, or opt for something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be split into two separate twin beds should you want to change the layout of your space later on. This design features a contemporary sleek, clean lines with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is another way to save money. This can include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This can help you make your bedroom less cluttered, and it's especially useful for those who have smaller space. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature, and a few come with additional storage options like bookcase headboards for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.