How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can add fun and utility to children's rooms. They also can help reduce space.

Choose bunks that are built with flexibility, such as drawers that store items in the bottom or a trundle bed which is easily removed, and twin beds that can be separated into two separate beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll need to take into consideration size as well as style and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your children. Make sure you check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be far enough apart to allow kids to move up and down with ease and not collide with one another or fall into the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can be able to support a mattress of the same size as that of the bottom one. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.

You may also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape, which may be better suitable for your space. A bunk bed with an L shape can be the perfect choice for a small room or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can save floor space, and accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the upper and lower levels depending on the model you select.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children's needs, converting into two free-standing beds when it's the right time to transition to a regular double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin bunk beds usa Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This creates more space for children to play.

Another option is a loft bed which maximizes corner space in rooms that are tween. It's ideal for smaller spaces since it requires less vertical space and lets you make use of the lower levels for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a good choice for older kids because it doesn't require them to climb a ladder or stairs and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before you buy bunk beds any kind of bunk bed, check it out in your child's bedroom using blue painter's tape to see how high it will be off the ground. This will give you a feel of whether it could be easily climbed in and out at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You should also think about the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails as well as features that prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it is essential to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll need to find bunk beds with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which doesn't raise up the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.

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

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure safety. Avoid bunks with slatted sides, because they are dangerous for children to climb up and down, especially in the case where the slats haven't been tightly fitted together. If your children love playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to play and sit without being too high off the floor.

If you're in a tight space or do not want to take up too much space in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. These are smaller in size and are typically only as wide as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for younger children who may be scared of the higher bunks.

If you're looking for a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. They are the most stylish and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that will grow with your child's growth. It can even accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemical. It's made of sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.

Style

A good bunk bed can keep teens content regardless of whether it's the bedroom of a couple or only one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with tweens, as it allows them to sleep two kids bunk beds in the same space while leaving enough space for a desk dresser or storage drawers in the lower part. There are some options that include a Trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.

Fenton says that tweens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it occupies less space and gives them more room to spread out and work from home. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is another popular option for older kids because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.

For a really cool bunk, think about an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. These beds are designed with a ladder at their end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a dresser or desk. They're not as good for saving space as a traditional bunk, but they're a stylish option for teens, and give them more space in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk if you want an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are compact and portable, so they can be moved around when you're planning to redesign your child's bedroom in the future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs on the other hand, could be used as a seat for children younger than. Some models are able to convert into a chair and desk and allow your child to build the perfect bedroom set-up to study or play.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's crucial to factor in your budget when you shop. Although there are plenty of inexpensive options out there, if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that can last until the teens (or even into adulthood) it might be worth paying more for a high-quality design that will be used for years to come.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements could be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings and a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who wish to make space and avoid the cost of purchasing an additional queen or king size mattress. It is also important to determine how much headroom you want between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it may be better to go with a lower-to ground arrangement.

The ideal bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that will adapt to their needs. Choose a style that will fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds if required. This design features a clean, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's easy for kids bunk beds to climb and descend and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different option to save money. This could include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves beneath the top. This can help you keep your bedroom clutter-free and is particularly useful when you have the space of a small one. Many of the bunks in our list feature this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.