The Complete Guide to Teen Beds
Teens – I can’t help but feel sorry for them as they battle their way through adolescence. I often observe, with immense pride, how my teenage son and daughter rise to life’s challenges and plough through obstacles like two bulls in a china shop but then I’m floored when suddenly and out of nowhere they wilt under the stress of another GCSE exam – it’s all part of being a teenager in this day and age I suppose (and indeed of being a parent in the twentieth century). So much pressure on such young shoulders. They say ‘pressure is a privilege’ but is so much pressure such a great privilege? That’s a topic for another time. The question I asked my friends in preparation for this post was, ‘Would any of us jump in a hot tub time machine and go back in time to our teenage selves, with no way of coming back?’ The answer was a resounding ‘No’, because being a teen was one of the toughest periods of our lives and why would we swap carefree G&T’s in the park for teenage angst? Less wrinkles would be nice of course but that’s way too high a price to pay! From those first few dreaded pimples to raging hormones that make even the simplest conversation a battle of wills. No thanks! And every decision an exercise in procrastination where you end up making the wrong choice anyway. B choose B! I remember all too well the near-constant state of self doubt and anxiety (and the rollercoaster ride of crazy emotions) that used to consume me as a teen. Jumping in that time machine, not going to happen!
My teen bedroom was a whole lot different compared to the bedroom of my earlier childhood. With toys in a storage box giving way to a grown up, sturdy desk (and TV) and my pretty wallpaper being plastered over with Richard Gere posters. So, do teens require more consideration when it comes to their beds and bedroom furniture? Absolutely!
This week I’ve decided to tackle that all-important topic of teen beds. After all, according to the NHS, teens need a minimum (and I do put a lot of emphasis on minimum here) of 8 to 9 hour’s sleep each night. With huge developmental changes taking place within their bodies and brains, it’s hardly surprising that this basic requirement of sleep doesn’t always happen for teenagers. Teens seem to go through a night owl phase of life. In fact, it’s actually called night owl syndrome and affects many teens as explained here by Kids Health.
We, as parents, can of course help. Talking through stress and anxieties. Explaining the importance of a good sleep routine, reducing screen time and ensuring our teens are eating a healthy balanced diet, can all help. As can a new bed to help growing bodies develop at night as they should. Below is my guide to the best beds for teens.
Bed Size Guide for Teens
A bed fit for a teen (see what I did there?) can take on many dimensions. It’s probably wise to note that a standard single and european single are different in size. That’s why I have put together the below table to help highlight the different sized beds available:
| Small Single | Standard Single | European Single | Small Double |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75 cm x 120 cm | 90 cm x 190 cm | 90 cm x 200 cm | 120 cm x 190 cm |
| 30″ x 75″ | 36″ x 75″ | 36″ x 79″ | 48″ x 75″ |
| 2’6′” x 6’3″ | 3′ x 6’3″ | 3′ x 6’6″ | 4′ x 6’3″ |
As you can see from the table, there is a big difference in size from say a small single when compared to a small double.
Small Singles
A small single kids bed is likely to be too small for a teenager. From the age of twelve a typical teen will grow by a fair few inches over the span of five years and will need a bed that can fit these growth spurts.
Standard Single
A standard single is a preferred choice for many parents. Standard singles fit the need when it comes to growing teens and can be compact enough to save on space. Space-saving is a consideration during teen years when your teenager may need a desk or extra cupboard space.
European Single
A European single is slightly longer than a standard single and may be useful if you expect your teen to shoot up height-wise. If mum or dad are blessed with tall genes, it is a safe bet that your teen is going to follow suit. This makes a European single a better choice for taller teens.
Small Double
If you have space, a small double is a great sized bed for a teen. Not only will it accommodate any growth spurts but small doubles do often feature storage solutions.
Beds with Storage
As teens branch out and experiment with their identities, tastes in fashion, music, accessories may all change – seemingly overnight! With this onslaught of new character-defining possessions that help your teen express themselves, storage may need to be considered. Thankfully, nowadays, a lot of beds designed for teens come with extra storage options already built in.
High Sleepers
High sleepers really are the saving grace for otherwise messy teens and will help you and them really get their room decluttered and organised. A high sleeper bed features an elevated sleep area with the underneath section free for storage, desk space or even a sofa bed. Take for example the very clever Urban Birch High Sleeper 2. This ingenious bed features a comfy single bed on top with a sofa bed and two drawer unit underneath. It’s a great bed, especially for teens who like to invite best mates over for an impromptu sleepover.
Cabin Beds
A cabin bed is another ideal bed for teens. A cabin bed features storage built into the bed frame. Take a look at the Lars Low Cabin Bed. Not only is this cabin finished in white and grey, perfect for growing teens, but it also has loads of brilliant storage built into the frame. There is even a trundle drawer that runs the entire length of the bed. Now that is a lot of storage space!
Bunk Beds
Bunk beds no longer consist of a simple two-story frame. The bunk bed designs of today are far more sophisticated than that. Some bunk beds have shelving, storage or additional pull out beds to convert into a triple bunk. The Pino Triple Bed in White is a good option to maximize bed space. This bunk bed features an extra wide bottom bunk to fit growing teens. It’s not the most prestigious or luxurious (we have plenty of those on our website) but it’s a well built, affordable, practical solution.
Life with a teenager isn’t always easy (at times it’s downright impossible!) so I hope my guide to teen beds has helped ease the stress of finding the perfect bed for your teen. Remember, my team and I are always on hand to answer any questions you may have, so please call us on +44 (0) 1305 231231 Mon-Fri 9-6pm or email nathalie@cuckooland.com or customerservice@cuckooland.com.
