Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and functionality to rooms for kids. They can also help save space.
Find bunk beds that are flexible like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easy to take off. There are also twins that can be stacked and separated to make two separate beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll want to take into consideration size, style, and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your children. Take a look at the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to fit into your space. Also, make sure there's enough room for your kids to move around them. The beds should be far enough apart so that children can get up and down safely and not bump into each other or smash into the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress the same size as that of the lower one. This will help you avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the near future.
You can also pick a bunk shape that is not traditional, if it suits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be ideal for a small room or an area that is shared by two people. It can help save space on the floor, and also accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the lower and upper levels, depending on the model you choose.
Many of the best bunk bed for teens are designed to adapt to your child's needs and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to the size of a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance, features a classic farmhouse style with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the bottom and top beds with more space for kids to play on.
Another alternative is a loft bed which optimizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces because it doesn't take up as much vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used for desks as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older kids because it eliminates the need to use an elevator or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, test it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise off the ground. This will help you determine if it is possible to climb into and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. It is also important to take into consideration the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails as well as features that stop falls or entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features prior to purchasing. You should look for a bed with rails that are high enough to stop children from falling or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have a lower weight limit than others.
When choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and will typically provide the total bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.
The most suitable bunk beds are sturdy and feature a ladder or stair that is attached securely to the frame, and has side handles. Avoid bunks with slatted sides, as they can be dangerous for children to climb up and down, especially when the slats aren't securely connected. If your children love playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to let them play and sit without being too high off the ground.
If you're in a tight space or do not want to take up too much room in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less space and are typically only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with narrow ceilings. They're also ideal for children who might be scared of the higher bunk.
If you have more room, go for a full-over-full bunk bed. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that will grow with your child as they grow. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemicals. It's made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.
Style
The right bunk bed can make teens happy regardless of whether it's a shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are minimalist and sleek, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. A twin over full design is a favorite among teens because it gives them room to accommodate two children in a single room, and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the lower level. Some designs come with a Trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress.
Fenton says teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed since it takes up less space and gives them more room to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is another popular option for older kids because it's "built to last, and is the most durable, grown-up bunk," she adds.
If you want a cool bunk, consider a l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. These beds are designed with a ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more room for a desk or dresser. They're not as good for saving space as a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teenagers that offers more room to move around 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 portable and compact which means they can be moved around in case you're planning to redesign your child's space in the near future. However, they're not as durable 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 can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for younger kids. Some models are capable of converting into a chair and desk which allows your child to build the perfect bedroom space for play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to take into consideration your budget when you shop. Although there are plenty of affordable options If you're thinking of buying a bunk bed that will last into the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying a bit more for a high-quality design that can be used for many years to come.
Before you begin shopping think about who will be using the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs might be. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing the same bedroom, whereas full over full bunk is ideal for adults looking to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom that is available between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you may want to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.
The ideal bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that is able to expand with them. Select a style that can work in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds if required. This design has a clean-lined modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's easy for children to climb and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.A bunk bed with built-in storage is an additional option to save money. It could be drawers underneath the bed, or shelves beneath 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 space. Many of the bunks in our list feature this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.
