Bunk and loft beds can add fun and utility to rooms for kids. They can also help save space.
Look for bunks that are designed with flexibility, like drawers for storage at the bottom and a trundle bed that's easily removed, and twins that stack and can be split into two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll want to take into consideration the dimensions, style, and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your children. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will fit in your space. Also, make sure there's enough room for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be placed apart enough that kids can safely move up and down without having to collide with one another or the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk can accommodate a mattress that is similar to the size of the bottom one. This will help you avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the near future.
You can also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape one that is more suitable for your space. A bunk bed with an L shape can be the perfect choice for small spaces or a guest room that is shared by two people. It is a great way to save floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you pick.
Many of the best twin over full bunk bed bunk beds for teens will expand with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's the right time to move to a normal double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the top and bottom beds, leaving more floor space for children to play on.
A loft bed is another option that makes the most of the space at the corner 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 storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great choice for older children since it doesn't require you to use stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, check it out in your child's bedroom using blue painter's tape to determine how high it will rise off the ground. This will give you a sense of whether it is easily climbed in and out of at night without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You'll also want to take into consideration the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails as well as features that stop falls or entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, but it's important to consider the security features when you shop. You'll need a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling or becoming trapped, and a mattress which doesn't raise up 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 find out the specifications available for mattress sizes and weight limitations. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.
The ideal bunk beds will be best solid wood bunk beds and sturdy, with stairs or ladders that is attached securely to the frame, and has handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your children love to play on the ground, select an un-slung bunk that allows them to play and sit without being too far from the floor.
If you have a limited space or do not want to take up too much room in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. These are smaller in size and are typically only as wide as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for children of smaller age who may feel intimidated by the higher bunks.
If you have more room, go for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. They are the most stylish and safe bunk beds available. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that grows with your child as they grow. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemical. It's made of sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.
Style
The ideal bunk bed will keep teens content, whether it's in the shared bedroom or for only one child. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds come in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular with teens since it allows them to sleep two children in the same room and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers on the bottom. Some designs come with a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress.
Fenton says that teens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it takes up less space and provides them with the space to spread out or work at home. A bunk bed made of metal with a full-length guardrail is another popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last and it's the most sturdy, grown-up bunk," she adds.
For a truly cool bunk, you should consider an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. These beds are constructed with a ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more room for a dresser or desk. These beds aren't as space-saving as bunk beds however they do give teens more room in their rooms.
Consider a futon bunk if you want a bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable which means they can be moved around when you're looking to revamp your child's space in the future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can be used as a seat by younger children. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair to allow your child to have the ideal bedroom set that can be used for play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's crucial to consider your budget when buying. There are a variety of best affordable bunk beds options available, but if are looking for a bunk bed that will endure through your teens and into adulthood, it's worth paying more for a high-quality product that can be used indefinitely.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs could be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings who share a bedroom, while full over full bunk is perfect for adults who want to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen-sized mattress. It is also important to determine how much headroom you want between the top and bottom bunks--if kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to opt for a lower-to-ground arrangement.
The best triple bunk 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. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two twin beds if needed. This design features a contemporary elegant, clean-lined design as well as boucle upholstered guardrails an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. This can include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and is especially beneficial if you're working with smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list come with this feature, and some offer additional storage options such as an bookcase headboard for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.
