Loft beds and bunk beds are great space-saving solutions for kids rooms. Pick from a range of designs, finishes and configurations to suit your family's requirements.
Fenton loves Room and Board's full-overfull bunk due to its sturdy build and neutral finish that doesn't appear too childish when teenagers take over the top bunk. She also recommends Oeuf's Perch bunk bed for a chic design that can be divided into two separate twin beds.
Size
Bunk beds are usually twin-over-twin size however, you can find twin-over-full bunk beds or queen-over-queen bunks for those who have tall kids who want to spread out while they sleep. Adults may want a bigger mattress as well, so you may find options in twin xl over queen or full over full bunk sizes.
Laura Fenton, the author of Bunk Rooms 115 Ideas for Two or More, advises that you take into consideration the capacity of your weight when choosing the bunk bed. "Many bunks state how much they can support however, it's best to verify this in person because some can appear more fragile than others," she says. Also, be aware of the height of your ceiling to ensure that the bunk will be able to fit and provide enough space for your kids to climb safely in and out.
There are bunk beds that are lower because they are closer to the ground. This is a great option for rooms that have low ceilings or spaces where a standard height bunk could take over the space. A bunk bed that is low may not be as sturdy as a taller one and isn't recommended for children under the age of five because it is more likely that they will be thrown off the top.
Some bunk beds are high that have an elegant style and is best for older kids or adults who need to comfortably sit in bed. This loft bed in the shape of an L is a great example because it can sleep two people in a corner with plenty of room under for hanging out or storing toys and clothes.
Another alternative is a bunk made of metal bed, which is durable and can withstand more use than wood. This option is available in a variety of stylish designs, and is ideal for older children since it's less likely to be damaged by bumps and scratches. It's the only bunk bed that isn't wood. bed on our list and is a favorite among adults due to its construction like tanks, says Fenton, who adds that it's the most "grown-up" bunk bed in the room.
Style
As children become teenagers, they may no longer be interested in the traditional bunk bed design. A more contemporary option is a loft bed, which eliminates the upper beds and leaves the space underneath to be used for lounging, desks, or storage. This lets younger siblings share the same space and teens can transfer the bed's bottom to another room for guests.
A twin loft bed that is XL can accommodate two people while providing plenty of space for their longer legs and arms. This is a popular choice for young adults and college students who live in tiny spaces. Teenagers can benefit from a twin XL bunk bed with a large desk for studying and homework. This is a great method to help them stay focused on their schoolwork and avoid distractions.
Another type of bunk bed that works well for older kids and teens is a full-over-full design. This design is more expensive than the twin over full but is worth it if you intend to use the bunk bed for a number of years. Choose a sturdy wood frame with a non-toxic finish and low volatile organic compounds (VOC) to ensure that your teen will have a good night's rest.
If you don't want to spend a lot of money, you can consider an affordable bunk that has modern, sleek design. A lot of models have an elevated ladder on the side of the bunk, and a simple, clean design, which is perfect for teens who have grown out of the toy-themed decorations of childhood. Pick a bunk bed that is neutral in color, like gray or white. This can be paired with any design.
Choose a dark wood finish such as walnut or espresso to create a striking look. This shade isn't as flexible as a classic neutral however, it's a good match for any color scheme and can give your teenager's bedroom an eye-catching, high-contrast style that's a step above the norm.
This contemporary style is perfect for any bedroom that is shared. It can be converted into a twin bed or a full-size bed. The lower bed can be divided into a twin bed or a full-size bed. The beds are constructed from FSC sustainable Baltic birch plywood. They are also manufactured wood, and are coated with GreenGuard Gold certified finishes free of harmful chemicals.
Safety
When purchasing bunk beds for teenagers safety features must be high on the priority list. The Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates bunk beds and establishes safety standards to avoid entrapment and falls, and other dangers like sharp edges, rough surface finishes and phthalates. Find a bunk bed with guardrails on all sides of the bed's top particularly for children younger than 6 who can fall or get trapped between the frame and mattress.
A ladder that is securely attached 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 make sure they wear nonslip shoes or barefoot when climbing. Make sure to check the ladder regularly for loose connections. Tighten or replace them as needed.
It is crucial to ensure that your loft bed is a good fit for the space. Avoid bunks with slats, because they can be easy entry points for rust or splinters. Choose a bunk that uses a platform base instead, which will help reduce these risks.
Only one child at a time can sleep on the top bunk. Utilizing the top bunk for storage or other activities, like studying, puts children at risk of falling or getting trapped between the mattresses. It is also essential to remove obstructions and tripping hazards from the area of the bunks, specifically the ladder access point. Installing a lamp at night in the vicinity of the ladder could also be helpful. It will illuminate the path to climb and help prevent tripping accidents.
The most popular option is the Oeuf Perch bunk, which has an L-shape, and can be divided into a twin loft bed as well as an ordinary full-size bed. It is GreenGuard Gold-certified and is constructed from FSC sustainable Baltic Birch plywood and eco sustainable MDF. The loft bed comes with an upper limit of 250 pounds. It's a favorite of Fenton and Morris who claim it offers "nice flexibility" as children grow older. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden Full-over-Full Bunk Bed is a excellent alternative. It's stylish, sturdy, and has a weight limit of 200 pounds for the bottom bunk. It's also certified GreenGuard Gold and painted with a water-based finish which doesn't release organic compounds or volatiles.
Storage
Bunk beds can create a big impact in kids rooms, helping them reduce space while making their room feel adventurous and fun. The most effective bunk beds do not only offer ample storage but they also have other features that grow with your child like trundles that pull out from underneath the bunk that is on the bottom. They are available in a wide variety of styles and finishes to suit any kid's bedroom design.
Consider the mattress sizes of your children as well as the dimensions of your room when looking for bunk beds. The most popular configuration is twin-over-twin, which allows your kids to sleep comfortably, without sacrificing floor space. If you have room for a full-size mattress it is possible to upgrade to a twin over full option. This bunk bed is an excellent option for families with a small space, as it offers two full-size mattresses in a small footprint.
The bunk bed has full-length guardrails on the top, which are important to keep your children safe while they're on the upper level. It is also available in a variety of colors, like white that can go with any color scheme. If you're shopping for a more masculine style it's possible to choose a dark espresso stain or even a black finish.
Another great aspect of this bunk bed is that it includes a built-in ladder and has plenty of storage space under the bed which is ideal to keep toys and linens well-organized. It is also a Greenguard Gold Certified Product, which means it is low emission and meets the standards for volatile organic compound and ozone-depleting agents.
This classic bunk bed looks great in the bedroom of your child, and is priced at a reasonable. It is made of solid pine wood and the headboards and footboards slatted for a a clean, modern look. It's easy to assemble and, according to the majority of buyers, it takes three hours to put together. Many of them also say that the materials used are strong, and that this bunkbed holds up well to frequent use.
This bed with three decks is a chic addition to any child's bedroom. It's made of solid and made wood, and it has a high-quality finish that's child-safe and low in VOCs. This bunk bed is also Greenguard Gold Certified and has an over-full-to-full mattress configuration that provides ample sleeping space for your children and guests.
