Loft and bunk beds can add fun and functionality in the kids' room. They also can help save space.
Choose bunks that are designed with flexibility, like drawers that store items in the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to take down, and twin beds that can be divided into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When you're choosing bunk beds for your children, you'll want to consider the size, style and security. Check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks can fit in the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be far enough apart so that children can climb and descend safely and not run into each other or crash into the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can accommodate a mattress that is the same size as that of the lower one. This will allow you to avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the near future.
You can also pick a bunk design that isn't conventional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed can be ideal for a small room or a guest room shared by two people. It saves floor space and can accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on each of the lower and upper levels, based on the model you choose.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time for them to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance is 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 a stationary built-in ladder that connects the top and bottom beds, leaving more floor space for children to play on.
Another option is a loft bed, that maximizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's a great choice for smaller spaces since it doesn't take up as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a great option 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 purchasing any type of bunk bed, check it in your children 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 could be easily climbed into and out at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds. These regulations set standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it is essential to consider the safety features before buying. You should look for a bed with guard rails that are tall enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped. Also, you need an option that doesn't raise the sleep surface too high. Also, be aware of the weight capacity, since some bunks have a lower limit than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available on mattresses and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and will often list the total bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.
The best bunk beds will be sturdy and feature a ladder or stair that is attached securely to the frame and has handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly fitted together. If your children love to play on the ground, choose an un-slung bunk that allows them to sit and play without being too far from the floor.
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 are smaller in size and are generally as wide as one single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with small ceilings. They're also ideal for children who might be scared of the higher bunk.
If you have more space, consider a full-over-full bunk bed. These are the most fashionable and safe bunk beds available. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will grow with children as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made of sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in multiple color options.
Style
The right bunk bed can keep teens content regardless of whether it's the shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with tweens because it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space while leaving room for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage on the bottom. Certain designs have Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says that teens love a twin-over-king loft bed because it occupies less space and provides them with more space to spread out and work at home. A metal bunk bed with an extended guardrail is a popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last, and is the most durable adult-sized bunk," she adds.
For a truly cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with the ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more room to set up a desk or dresser. They aren't as space-saving as bunk beds however, they can provide teens with more space in their rooms.
If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that can offer plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and portable, so they can be moved around in case you're planning to redesign your child's room in the near future. However they're not as strong as a metal or wood bunk bed and don't have guardrails on the top bed.
Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, can be used as seats by younger children. Some models can be transformed into a desk or chair to let your child have the ideal bedroom set-up for study and play.
Budget
A bunk bed is an expensive purchase, so it's essential to consider your budget when buying. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if you need a bed that will last through the teens and on into adulthood, it's worth paying an extra amount for a quality product that can be used indefinitely.
Before you shop think about who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs could be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a bedroom, while the full-over-full bunk is a great option for adults who are looking to save space or reduce the cost of a separate queen mattress. 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 select a layout that is lower to the ground.
The best bunk bed for teens will be one that is affordable, and one that can expand with them. Pick a design that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds if needed. This design features a clean, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's simple for children to climb and descend, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. This could include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and is particularly useful for those who have a small space. Many of the bunks listed on our list come with this feature, and some have additional storage accessories available such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.
