The Best Bunk Bed For Teens
Lofts and bunk beds are fantastic solutions for saving space in children's rooms. Choose from a variety of designs, finishes and configurations to meet your family's needs.
Fenton is a fan of Room & Board's full-over-full bunk because of its sturdy construction and neutral finish that doesn't look too childish when teens take over the top bunk. She also recommends Oeuf Perch bunk beds due to their sleek design that separates into individual twin beds.
Size
Bunk beds are typically twin-over-twin size, but you can also find twin-over-full bunk bed designs or queen-over-queen bunks for those who have tall kids that want to lay out in bed while they sleep. bunkbedsstore might prefer a bigger mattress as well, so you may look for options in twin xl over queen as well as full over full sizes for bunk beds.
Laura Fenton, the author of Bunk Rooms 115 Ideas for Two or More, advises that you should consider the capacity of your weight when choosing a bunk bed. She says that although many bunks state how much weight they can carry, it's recommended to verify this in person because some may feel less sturdy. You should also be aware of the height of your ceiling to ensure that the bunk can be able to fit and provide enough space for your kids to safely climb in and out.
A few bunk beds are low because they are closer to ground, which is a great choice for rooms with low ceilings or smaller spaces where a standard-height bunk would be too big. However, a low-height bunk may not be as durable as a higher bed and isn't recommended for smaller children because it's more likely to fall off the top.
Some bunk beds are high and have an elegant look and is better for older kids or adults who wish to sit comfortably in bed. This l-shaped bunk bed is a great example, as it can sleep two people in a corner. It also has plenty of space below to play or hanging out, as well as storing toys and clothes.
Another alternative is a metal bunk bed, which is sturdy and can withstand more use than wood. This option is available in a variety of stylish colors and is a great choice for older children because it's less prone to being damaged by scrapes and bumps. It's the only non-wood bunk bed we've included and is a favorite among adults because it's built as tank, according to Fenton who says it's the most "grown-up" bunk bed in the room.
Style
As kids grow into teenagers and teens, they might not be interested in the traditional bunk bed design. A loft bed is a modern alternative as it eliminates the bunk beds above and frees up the space below for lounges, desks or storage. This option also allows younger siblings to share a room and allows teens the option of transforming the bed into a separate room to accommodate guests later on.
A twin XL bunk bed can sleep two people and still leave enough room for their larger arms and legs. This is a favorite choice for college students and young adults who live in cramped areas. Tweens may use a twin-XL bunk bed that includes a large desk for homework and research. This is a great way to help them concentrate on their schoolwork and avoid distractions.
Another kind of bunk bed that is suitable for teens and older children is a full-over-full design. This type of bunk bed is more expensive than a twin over full but it's worth the investment for kids who will use the bunk for a long time. Find a sturdy wood frame that has a non-toxic finish and low volatile organic compounds (VOC) to ensure your teenager gets a restful night's sleep.
If you don't want spend on a large amount of money, think about an affordable bunk with a sleeker, modern look. Many models have a ladder at the foot of the bed and have a simple, clean design. This is perfect for teens who have outgrown the toys of their childhood. Choose a bunk bed that is neutral in color, like gray or white. It will work with any design.
For a more striking look, try a dark espresso or walnut wood finish. This shade isn't as versatile as a classic neutral but it can be a great addition to any color scheme and can give your bunk an edgy look that's an upgrade from the usual.
If you're looking to upgrade to a queen-size bunk bed for your older children choose this modern design that is versatile for any shared bedroom. The lower bed can be split into a twin-size or full-size bed. It is made from FSC certified Baltic birch plywood, manufactured by hand, and is finished with GreenGuard Gold finishes that are free of chemical.
Safety
When buying a bunk bed for teens safety features must be high on the priority list. The Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates bunk beds and sets safety standards to stop falling and entrapment, and other dangers like sharp edges, surface finishes, and phthalates. Look for bunk beds that have guardrails on both sides of the top bed, particularly for children under six who may fall or get trapped between the mattress and frame.
A ladder that is securely anchored to the frame of the bunk and placed at a safe angle can also help reduce the risk. It is essential to teach children how to climb and descend the ladder, and to discourage horseplay, and ensure they wear non-slip socks or wear barefoot shoes when climbing. Check the ladder frequently for loose connections and then promptly tighten or replace as needed.
It's important to make sure that your loft bed will be able to fit in the space. Avoid bunks with slats since they could be points of entry for rust or splinters. Choose a bunk that uses platform bases instead, which can help reduce these risks.
Only one child should be sleeping on the top bunk at a time. Children are at risk of falling or getting trapped between the mattresses in the event that they use the top bunk to store items or for other purposes like studying. It is also essential to remove obstacles and tripping hazards from the area around the bunks, specifically the ladder access point. Installing a nightlight in the area around the ladder could aid in this, as it will illuminate the pathway and help prevent slips and falls.
The most popular option is the Oeuf Perch bunk, which has an L-shape and separates into a twin loft bed as well as an ordinary full-size bed. It's GreenGuard Gold-certified and made from FSC sustainable Baltic Birch plywood and environmentally sustainable MDF. The loft bed has the weight limit of 250 pounds. Fenton and Morris love it because it offers "nice flexibility" for children as they develop. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden Full-over-Full Bunk Bed is a good option. It's stylish, durable, and has a weight limit of 200 pounds for the bunk at the bottom. It's also certified GreenGuard Gold and finished with waterbased paint that doesn't release organic or volatile compounds.
Stores
Bunk beds can create an impact on children rooms, helping them reduce space and making their room feel adventurous and fun. The best bunk beds will not only offer ample storage but they also have other features that expand with your child like trundles that pull out from underneath the bottom bunk. These beds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes to suit any kid's bedroom design.
When you are looking for a new bunk bed, take into consideration the mattress size of your kids and dimensions of the room to determine which size is the best for your needs. The most common configuration is twin-over-twin. This lets your children sleep comfortably without sacrificing the floor space. You can also upgrade to twin-over-full when you have space for a larger mattress. This bunk bed is perfect for families with a little space. It can accommodate two beds of a full size in a small footprint.
The top of this bunk bed has full-length guardrails. This is important for keeping your kids safe when they're on the upper level. It's also available in a selection of colors, including a bright white finish that pairs with any design. If you're shopping for a more masculine look, you can opt for dark espresso stain or even a black finish.
This bunk bed also has an integrated staircase as well as plenty of storage space under the bed, which is perfect for organizing linens and toys. It is also a Greenguard Gold Certified Product, which means it is low emission and meets the standards for volatile organic compounds and ozone depleting agents.
This classic bunk bed is an elegant and affordable option for your children's bedrooms. It's made of solid pine wood, with the headboards and footboards slatted for a an elegant, modern appearance. Many customers say that it takes 3 hours to assemble. Many also note that the materials are durable and that the bunk bed can withstand a lot of use.
This triple-decker bed is a fashionable addition to any child's bedroom. It is constructed of solid and manufactured wood and has a child-safe finish and low VOCs. This bunk bed has been Greenguard Gold Certified. It has a full-overfull mattress which provides ample space for your children and guests.