How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and utility in the kids' room. They can also help to reduce space.

Look for bunk beds that are able to be moved, such as those with bottom storage drawers or trundles that are easy to take off. You can also find twins that are stacked, which can be divided to create two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing a bunk bed for your children you should consider the size, style and security. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will are suitable for your space, and make sure there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be set apart enough that children are able to safely go up and down and not collide with each other or the walls. Additionally, you should find out whether the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the bottom one so you don't have to pay for a trundle, or an extra bed in the future.

You may also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape, which may be better for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It saves the floor space and can fit a queen or twin over full mattress on the lower and upper levels, based on the model you select.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's the right time to transition into a regular double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired style with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails on the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the top and bottom beds, leaving more floor space for kids to play on.

Another alternative is a loft bed, which optimizes corner spaces in rooms that are tween. It's a great choice for smaller spaces because it doesn't require as much vertical space and allows the lower levels to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a good choice for older kids because it doesn't require them to use a ladder or stairs which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, check it out in your kids bunk beds' bedroom with blue painter's tape to determine how high it will be off the ground. This will let you know whether it's possible to climb up and down at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. In addition, you should ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds, which establish standards for guardrails and other features that prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's essential to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll need to choose a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which does not raise the mattress too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have a lower weight limit than others.

When selecting a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed and the bunk bed.

The best childrens bunk beds bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladders or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. Avoid bunk beds usa beds that have slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're poorly connected. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk bed Uk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to sit up and play without being too high off the floor.

If you're limited in space or do not want to take up too much space in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less floor space and are typically only about the same width as a single bed, which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for children of smaller age who may feel intimidated by the higher bunks.

If you need a bit more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. These are usually the safest and most fashionable bunk beds that are available, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that grows with your child as they grow. It can even accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made from 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 in the bedroom of a couple or just one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with tweens, as it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space while leaving enough space for a desk dresser or storage drawers in the lower part. Certain designs have trundle beds which allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also adore an over-king twin loft bed, which takes up less floor space and provides them with more room to stretch out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and are the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.

Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the top giving the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a dresser or desk beneath. They're not as efficient at saving space like a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teenagers that offers more room to move around in their rooms.

If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of safety and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are portable and compact and can be moved around when you want to redecorate your child's room in the future. However they're not as strong like a metal or wood bunk bed and they don't come with guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, could be used as a seat by younger children. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair to let your child have the ideal bedroom set for both study and play.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's crucial to consider your budget when you shop. There are many affordable options, if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that will last until the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying a bit more for a better design that will last for a long time.

Before you shop take into consideration who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their needs for sleep might be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a bedroom, while full over full bunk is ideal for adults who want to reduce space or the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll also have to decide how much headroom you want between the bunks at the top and bottom. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to choose a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The ideal bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Find a design that is suitable for both modern and traditional rooms, or opt for something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be divided into two freestanding twin beds should you want to change the layout of your space in the future. This design features a clean, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is a different way to save money. This can include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom tidy and free of clutter. It's also a good option in the case of a small space. Many of the bunks on our list feature this feature. Some come with additional storage options like a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.