2019-02-11
Author: Belfan
From this article you will learn:
- What are the criteria for choosing a bed for a teenager?
- What types of beds for teenagers are there?
- What material is best for a teenager's bed?
- How to choose a bed for a teenage boy?
- How to choose a bed for a teenage girl?
Bedtime is an extremely important part of the life of any person, including teenagers. During these hours, vitality is restored, a stable psyche is formed, and the musculoskeletal system is strengthened. Therefore, the child should sleep in a comfortable sleeping place. Furniture showrooms and online stores offer a huge selection of beds. In this article you will find detailed recommendations on how to choose a bed for a teenager.
Basic criteria for choosing a bed for a teenager
When starting to choose a bed for a teenager, you need to clarify the necessary requirements. In this matter, you cannot focus only on the appearance of the product and your taste. The important criteria are the following:
- Functionality - the design, in addition to the sleeping area itself, can be equipped with drawers for linen, a chest of drawers, a built-in cabinet or a table. Furniture transformers significantly save space in the room.
- Safety – Compliance with all safety requirements is vital. It is necessary to purchase furniture that has quality certificates. It is better if the pieces of furniture have slightly rounded corners. Check the condition of the fittings especially carefully.
- Warranty obligations - buy furniture from a manufacturer that has a positive reputation in the market and provides a 2-5 year guarantee on its products.
- Strength – this is perhaps the most important of the quality indicators. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account that children quickly gain height and weight; accordingly, the length of the bed should be designed for growth.
- Design and color also play a role in the normal psychological state of a teenager; his preferences should be taken into account when choosing a model. The color and design of the bed should match the rest of the items in the bedroom.
- Dimensions. Typically, the length of a bed for teenagers does not exceed 1.9 m. If everyone in the family is tall, then it is better to purchase a model with a length of 2 m. The width of single beds is usually 0.8–0.9 m, but if you wish, you can choose a model with a width 1.6 m.
- Shape - in most cases, they settle on rectangular-shaped models, but for a girl’s bedroom you can choose something unusual, for example, a round bed.
- Material used. Most teenagers prefer bright options, so you can buy products made from artificial materials. However, such a bed is not strong enough and will not last long. It is much more practical and safer to sleep on a wooden model.
It may come as a surprise to some parents to learn that their child has his own opinion about the decor in his room. To prevent this from developing into a conflict in the future, you need to talk with the teenager and listen to his wishes. In fact, the process of arranging a room for your growing child can be made fun for the whole family.
In his room, a teenager not only sleeps, but also completes homework, reads, and chats with friends. Here he creates his own space, influencing his worldview. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the upcoming purchase with him and come to a common decision on this issue.
As a rule, he is only interested in the appearance of the furniture, and quality issues will remain your prerogative.
Standard size cribs for newborns
Standard versions are produced in Russia. The size of the sleeping bed is 120 x 60. Taking into account the walls, the bed will take up a space of 128 x 68 cm. European manufacturers have slightly larger standards: 125 x 65 cm. The level of the bottom and the height of the sides are adjustable in such cribs, which makes caring for the baby much easier. Your baby will be able to sleep on this model until he is 3-4 years old.
They have a drawer at the bottom in which you can put your child's things or toys. This crib will last up to 7 years.
When choosing such models, be sure to pay attention to the distance between the rods. It should be no more than 6 cm, otherwise the baby's head may get stuck between them
Does your apartment have enough space and you can afford not only a crib for a newborn, but also additional items for it? You can opt for the increasingly popular transforming beds. As a rule, these are models measuring 170 x 60 cm. For newborns, these models have a hanging cradle. It is attached to the sides of the bed and is good for rocking the baby to sleep. In a small cradle, the child will feel comfortable and fall asleep calmly. A little later, the child can be placed on the sleeping bed itself. These beds have a built-in changing table and chest of drawers. As they grow, they can be removed and placed separately, thereby freeing up space for sleeping. The bulkiness of this model is easily compensated by its changeability, but keep in mind that in this case you may have difficulty choosing a mattress and bed linen.
Now you know more about the sizes of cribs for newborns, you can navigate their sizes and features of the models offered. The choice is yours. Perhaps you will buy a classic crib and your baby will sleep in it from birth to 4 years. Perhaps you would prefer to purchase a cradle first, and then a large transformable bed, so that the child sleeps in it until adolescence. The choice is yours.
Remember: despite all the signs, it’s better to buy a crib before giving birth. The 4-5 days that mother and newborn will spend in the hospital will fly by. Decide on the model, buy it, install it in your place. If you believe in omens, dress up a doll or teddy bear in baby clothes and place it in a crib. Let him wait for his future owner.
Which bed to choose for a teenager
A large selection of furniture items presented in furniture showrooms will satisfy the whim of the most capricious young man. Models of beds for teenagers 12–16 years old are distinguished according to several criteria: one-, two- and three-tier; "attic" type; with or without built-in elements; modular type; collapsible or solid; different sizes; suitable for boys or girls; created in different styles.
- Single.
- Two-tier.
- Three-tiered.
- Additional equipment.
- Transformable bed.
Beds with a bed width from 0.8 to 1.2–1.4 m are considered single and semi-double, and this model should be preferred for furnishing a room in which one teenager lives. If the room is spacious enough, then it is optimal when the bed is only a sleeping place, not burdened with additional functions.
The standard height model gives a feeling of security, a comfortable mattress with an orthopedic structure ensures healthy sleep, and the traditional shape will help you harmoniously integrate it into the space of the room.
But classic design does not mean boring, strict or mediocre. The design of the bed can be combined with a cabinet, chest of drawers, table, shelves, drawers for clothes and sports equipment; various transforming mechanisms will turn it into a multifunctional structure for a teenager's room. Today, various design options have been developed to give the room its own unique look.
Such options are very popular among owners of small apartments and among teenagers themselves. There are solid-type designs and those that can be divided into two separate beds.
Children, even big ones, love such beds because they bring an element of play into everyday life; each sleeping place turns into a kind of place for solitude, where you can be alone, read or play.
Two-tier designs significantly save space in a small room for teenagers. Due to the design and variety of shapes, it is possible to competently build the interior so that they feel comfortable.
The sleeping places of two-tier models can be located under each other, perpendicular to each other at different heights, or both on the upper tier, and there are wardrobes and a workplace below - there are a lot of options.
In fact, this type of bed does not look as bulky as it sometimes seems to especially impressionable people. And it does not at all resemble the narrow shelves of a fast train or the structures of scaffolding.
Undoubtedly, there are also home-made options when three sleeping places are located above each other at an equal distance, but such a structure requires high ceilings. If we talk about industrial furniture, then a three-tier bed consists of two ordinary tiers and one roll-out bed, which is located almost on the floor.
The lower tier is located under the bottom of the first, during the day the bed is rolled up inside, and for night rest the third bed can be easily pulled out for use.
For convenience and saving space, beds are equipped with additional functionality, for example, a desk, shelves, cabinets of different heights, chests of drawers, and sports equipment.
Retractable structures occupy a small area; they can even combine three sleeping places, with the third hidden during the daytime under the first at floor level.
- The sliding option is a “growth” type of bed. Its difference from a classic bed is that when folded it has a length of 1–1.2 m, and when unfolded it is 1.8–1.9 m. The additional element extends to its full length and a soft block is placed on it.
- Folding model – additional free space. Durable mechanisms allow you to bring the berths into a horizontal position and return them back to the vertical position after use. The design is absolutely safe and a teenager is quite capable of unfolding such a device.
- A folding bed is two pieces of furniture in one design: a sleeping place and a work desk. During the daytime, the bed can be easily removed into a special place near the wall and frees up space for a work desk. There are also designs in which, by raising the bed, you can use the cabinet located at its bottom.
- A modular system is a universal package that includes individual module elements. They can be placed in the room in the order you need. The set includes beds (one or two), a desk, wardrobes, chests of drawers, poufs, nightstands and other items. From various elements you can create interesting interior options for children and teenagers.
- With a lifting mechanism - a very popular system when the bed is equipped with a large drawer under the base. After raising the bed, you can place bed linen, seasonal items and sports equipment in the opened space.
- Bed-chest of drawers - in this case, the sleeping place is located on the top panel of the chest of drawers, which has a height of 0.4–0.8 m. A spacious chest of drawers under the bed allows you to put a lot of personal belongings, clothes, and bedding into drawers.
- Bed-wardrobe - such designs are especially popular among young people, because they can significantly save room space, and besides, it immediately acquires a special chic when in one move the closet is transformed into a comfortable sleeping place. The structure can be positioned vertically or horizontally, in both cases the bed is located inside the closet.
By removing the bed during the day, the room takes on a neater appearance, and a whole area is freed up for sports exercises or games.
- Chair-bed - if you can allocate a very small area for sleeping, then there is nothing better than a chair-bed. During the day it is a comfortable wide seat, and for night rest it can easily be converted into a standard single bed. Such models are relevant for rooms where two or three children live. Often the chairs have an unusual shape and decorative pillows, which allows you to diversify the interior.
Armchair-beds when folded take up no more than a meter in width. There can be a storage compartment under the seat, which is an added bonus.
- An ottoman is a piece of furniture that combines a bed and a sofa. Its difference from a sofa is that, as a rule, it only has an armrest on one side or two narrow ones. This option is well suited for installation in the living room, bedroom or children's room.
- A couch is a cross between a sofa and a narrow bed. Such models usually do not have armrests, so they are quite compact; some models are equipped with drawers for storing linen and may have a mechanism for transforming them in length or width.
- Other types of beds.
- The frame bed is a simple and laconic model. It looks easy, does not take up a large area, and if you have a high-quality mattress, it creates comfortable sleeping conditions.
- A sofa is a version of a sofa bed in which the back and armrests are the same height. A practical option for a girl’s room, especially in light upholstery. Sofas usually have a drawer for linen.
- With decorative elements: soft backs, with beautiful upholstery that matches the interior, with a wrought-iron headboard, in the shape of a ship or car, with a canopy and curtains.
Additional equipment
Functional models are especially loved by teenagers. They prefer non-standard furniture equipped with additional modules and mechanisms to ordinary classic designs. An example would be a bed with drawers. If the model is two-story, the boxes can be located in steps. Storing things is convenient when the drawers are built into the frame itself under the mattress. In the case where the bed is high, the containers are placed in two rows.
The roll-out model on the podium can be supplemented with a work area, cabinets, and shelving. A loft bed with a table below is also multifunctional. The lower tier is equipped with shelves on which a teenager can store educational materials and personal belongings. Classic models can also be improved by expanding the headboard. The wide back is complemented by a narrow shelf. It serves as a stand for books, lamps, telephones and other small items.
Variety of children's beds, requirements for them, tips for choosing
The transforming bed-wardrobe is equipped technically. To avoid raising and lowering the furniture body manually, some models come with a remote control. This addition greatly facilitates operation and makes the life of a teenager more interesting.
When choosing a modernized bed model for a teenager, you need to take into account his tastes, desires and needs.
With drawers
Roll-out with workplace
Loft bed with table
With a shelf at the head
Transformable bed-wardrobe
How to choose a bed size for a teenager
The first step is to determine the dimensions of the bed. The standard mattress sizes for teenagers 11–17 years old are 0.9–1.8 m.
But if everyone in your family is tall and your child is much taller than his peers, it is better not to take risks and purchase a product 2 m long. The sleeping place should be 10 cm longer than the height of your “baby”.
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Pay attention to the child's build. In order for an overweight teenager to sleep comfortably, it is worth purchasing a bed with a wider sleeping area, for example, 1.1–1.2 m.
It is believed that a person will be comfortable if he can spread his elbows to the width of the mattress.
Teenager's bed base
Choosing the right foundation means ensuring healthy sleep for your teenager. This part is located directly under the mattress and is attached to the frame.
The following types of bases are available:
- solid;
- rack and pinion;
- orthopedic (on lamellas).
A solid base is a whole furniture board made from boards, plywood or chipboard. A mattress lying on such a support wrinkles faster and loses its elasticity. In addition, it is not ventilated and this creates favorable conditions for the development of fungi and bacterial colonies.
A rack structure is a frame and slats attached to it. Wood, metal or plastic are used for manufacturing. Plastic bases do not have high strength and do not have a long service life. Another disadvantage is that there is no free air circulation inside the mattress.
On wooden or metal slats, the mattress is better ventilated, but such bases are less durable; under heavy mattresses, the plates bend and break.
In the third version of the base, bent-glued wooden planks - lamellas - are attached to the frame. The material for their manufacture is often beech or birch.
The special curved shape of the lamellas allows the load to be distributed evenly, and this base enhances the orthopedic properties of the mattress. Therefore, a teenager should choose this type of base for a bed.
How to choose a bed for a teenage boy
Today, parents for their beloved children can choose a bed model from a huge assortment: there are simple classic options and transforming models. The types listed below are most often in demand:
- classic model;
- bed combined with wardrobe;
- "attic" type;
- two-tier structures;
- bed-podium.
- The classic type is a regular mattress design that provides a comfortable night's sleep.
- Wardrobe bed. As we have already found out, this is a complex design that combines two pieces of furniture in one. During the daytime, the bed is in an upright position and its bottom is the front of a closet. To rest, it is lowered and the legs are placed.
- The “attic” model is a two-story structure that provides an upper sleeping position.
This option is good for a boy when the room is spacious enough. If you are limited in square meters, then it is better to choose a different type.
Among the classic types there are beds in the shape of a square or even a circle. A rectangular shape is more likely to suit a teenager. They are also more restrained in the selection of finishes and decor. Usually boys prefer minimalism and constructivism in the interior. They prefer strict and clear lines, simple shapes and calm tones.
The space around the bed needs to be made more functional and equipped with a bedside table, shelves, and storage drawers at the head.
Furniture transformers free up valuable space in the room, and they also discipline the young man, since they need to be disassembled and reassembled, maintaining daily order.
The designs of wardrobe beds can be supplemented with elements such as a sofa and a table. Two-tier modifications have also been developed.
The space below is usually arranged according to the needs of the owner of the room. Usually there is a work area with a computer desk, shelves for books, and a cabinet for school supplies.
“Attic” type designs allow you to create a variety of variations, adapting to the desires of a teenager.
We list the existing types of loft beds:
- A workplace is organized in the lower part. This configuration makes it possible to place everything a teenager needs in one place: a bed and an activity area with a table, shelves, drawers, a bedside table and other additional elements.
- There is a sofa downstairs; during the day you can relax here and receive guests.
- The lower space is occupied by a spacious closet, where the child will have to independently maintain order - isn’t this what every mother dreams of?
- Sports corner, here you can install a wall bars, crossbar, exercise machine and a locker to store all sports equipment.
Attic models must withstand a decent load, so wood and metal are used in their manufacture.
- Let’s look at the two-story bed models on the market today:
- The standard type is a design of two stationary beds, located one above the other.
- With a work table - this set can have a folding table or a stationary one located in the lower part. Alternatively, the lower berth can be transformed into a work area by turning it over. Some models have a retractable tabletop.
- Modular type - this design is a complete set of furniture for sleeping and storing personal belongings; it has drawers, shelves and cabinets.
- Bed-sports corner - instead of a ladder, such a structure has a wall bars with a crossbar and other additional devices for physical exercise.
- Pull-out option or matryoshka - this bed is good for rooms with low ceilings or for children who do not want to sleep high; in this case, the lower bed is pulled out at night from the internal space under the upper bed.
- With a sofa – the lower place is a sofa bed: you can sit on it during the day and turn it into a sleeping place at night.
- A podium with a retractable bed is an unusual design: during the daytime, the bed is hidden inside the elevation, and at night it is pulled out into the free space.
If you want to save space and create a special interior in a teenager’s room, then you should choose this model.
With the help of a podium, you can play with various options: a relaxation area with a sofa and a TV looks good on it, or, conversely, the child will want to put a desk for studying, a shelving unit, hang shelves - and now a comfortable working environment has been organized.
The modern market is replete with a variety of bed options for teenagers' rooms. But parents need to first find out what kind of furniture their grown child wants to see in his room. It is important for a young man that the family listens to his opinion, so adults should not rigidly insist on their choice, but should develop a common position.
Opportunities to express your opinion and show your imagination develop creativity, including when decorating a room.
For a teenager who dreams of racing and speed, you can choose a bed in the shape of a racing car to make his dream come closer.
Options have been developed for a “superhero” or “Spiderman” bed; a nautical theme with a ship bed is always popular; you can find a round model resembling a nest or a huge hamburger. The imagination of designers is limitless! A young traveler will love a hammock, and a science fiction lover will love a piece of furniture “from the future”, with a lot of plastic and chrome.
Primary requirements
Choosing a children's bed from 3 years old is not as simple as it seems. It is easy for a person who is not familiar with the features to make a mistaken purchase. Many factors must be taken into account: design, material, size, functionality. Naturally, design also plays a role. Manufacturers are ready to offer a variety of models aimed specifically at boys and girls.
Despite the fact that the child has grown up and needs a larger bed, it is unlikely that there will be enough space in his room for an oversized model. A transformable children's bed would be an ideal option. It can be disassembled only at night, and in the daytime leave room for games.
One of the main criteria for choosing a bed for children over 3 years old is safety. The kit must include side partitions or the possibility of installing them. At this age, the child is not yet able to control himself in his sleep: turning to his side, he may fall. This is especially dangerous when using a bunk bed. Before purchasing, you should also check the product for cracks, burrs, chips, or anything that could injure children. It is better to purchase a model with rounded corners. If the bed has a second floor, the ladder must be strong and the steps wide and stable.
Children's beds from three years old are usually made of natural wood. Oak, beech, pine, and maple are used. These materials are not only environmentally friendly, but also durable. The only negative is the high cost. More budget models are assembled from compressed wood panels. They are also hypoallergenic, but tend to dry out over time. It is not recommended to purchase a metal bed, as it is much easier to get injured on it. Some manufacturers make models with plastic parts. Such components wear out quickly and can also be toxic.
An important factor when choosing a children's bed from 3 years old with sides is the possibility of ventilation. The side walls must be made of high-quality materials that are free of synthetic odors and impurities. It is advisable to purchase models with sides made of slats. There should be a distance of 4–6 cm between each of them, otherwise air will flow poorly to the sleeper. However, if the gap is larger than 6 cm, the baby's foot or hand may accidentally fall into the hole and get stuck. Based on this criterion, you can choose a bed with fabric or mesh sides on a solid base.
What children don't do with their beds. They jump, have pillow fights on them, build barricades. Therefore, a strong frame and side backs of the product are important. In addition, the build quality and adherence to the technical process play a big role in the service life. When choosing a bed in a store, you should check the absence of gaps, the quality of surface treatment, and the presence of all reinforcing and fixing elements.
To save the family budget, you can also purchase a pull-out bed for a child over 3 years old. This model can be used further as it grows older, since it has sliding elements. When a second baby appears in the family, it will be easy to put it back together.
You should be careful when choosing a mattress. For teenagers and children's beds from 3 years old, purchase products of medium hardness, since a mattress that is too soft can cause deterioration in posture.
A room with the smallest area is usually allocated for a children's room. For this reason, parents try to ensure that all furniture has maximum functionality. If we consider children's beds with drawers, they are convenient to use, since you can put clothes, toys, and bedding in them. Other models are a symbiosis of a sleeping place, a desk, a play area and more.
Children from 3 to 10 years old attach great importance to the color scheme and design of their sleeping place. Modern manufacturers are able to implement any idea and depict their favorite character on the back. Children's beds for boys from 3 years old are most often presented in the form of cars, special equipment or with portraits of superheroes. Girls are bought a bed for a princess.
How to choose a bed for a teenage girl
To make the right choice, it is important to remember that you are choosing a bed for a teenage girl. In this case, color and decorative design are of great importance. The next point is the parents’ understanding of their daughter’s preferences and character. Someone dreams of sleeping on a classic model under a canopy. But in most cases, girls prefer more neutral options. The sleeping place should be beautiful and comfortable. You should choose a medium-hard mattress. When purchasing, you should pay close attention to the quality of all parts so that the bed lasts for a long time.
As mentioned above, the most practical material is wood. If the wall decoration is bright, then it is better to choose a furniture set in white or other light colors. Don’t forget about functionality: it’s good when the bed is additionally equipped with a lifting mechanism and a spacious linen drawer. Decor and furniture should match each other in style and color.
If space allows, it is better to purchase a bed with a width of 120–140 cm. The wall decoration should serve as a beautiful backdrop for the bedroom set. Light furniture can be complemented with bed linen and bedspreads in brighter shades. Be sure to install a chest of drawers in the room, as girls have a lot of linen, cosmetics and other personal items.
Having a canopy over the bed is a special case. Such a bed is seen in the dreams of romantic young girls or rebels seeking solitude. Such a structure does not have to be bulky and made of heavy fabrics. For the frame you can use bamboo or other lightweight material, and for the curtains - natural fabrics, organza, tulle, decorated with bows and ribbons.
The decoration of the canopy can easily be done by the owner of the room; many girls love to sew and knit, so the guide to action should be her own interests and mood. One person’s place to sleep can turn into a kingdom of butterflies and flowers, while another’s can turn into a sinister witch’s dwelling.
Bed design and additional functions
A bunk bed is an excellent solution for two children
A regular rectangular bed is the best choice. Manufacturers also produce semicircular furniture for sleeping, but it takes up a large area; such models can only be placed in spacious rooms.
A bed for a teenager may have additional options: a linen box or a lifting base. This will help free up your closets for other things. If two teenagers share one room, you can choose a bunk bed. This will free up space to organize two comfortable places for study and relaxation. But in this case it is necessary to take into account the height of the ceilings.