How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can add fun and functionality to rooms for kids. They also can help in reducing space.

Choose bunk beds that can be adapted like ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that is easy to remove. There are also stacked twins which can be separated to create two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You should take into consideration the size design, style, and security when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Take a look at the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to are suitable for your space. Make sure there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be spaced enough apart that kids can get up and down safely and not run into each other or smash into the walls. Also, you'll want to determine whether the top bunk can support mattresses similar to the bottom one so you can avoid the need for a trundle or an additional bed in the future.

You can also pick a bunk shape that isn't conventional and suited to your space better. A bunk bed with an L shape can be perfect for a small space or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can save floor space and can accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on the upper and lower levels, depending on which 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 move to a normal double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired style with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's made of 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.

A loft bed is a different option that maximizes the space at the corner in tween-rooms. It's great for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's a great option for older children as it doesn't require a ladder or stairway, making it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom using blue painter tape. This will help you determine if it is possible to climb into and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. It is also important to consider the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features to protect against falls and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are an ideal option for families with children of all different ages. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll want to choose beds with rails that are tall enough to keep kids from falling off or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleeping surface too much. You should also be aware of the weight capacity, as some bunks have lower limits than others.

When you are choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and often list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The best bunk beds will be sturdy and feature stairs or ladders that is secured to the frame, and has side handles. Avoid bunks with slatted sides, because they are dangerous for children to climb up and down, especially if the slats aren't tightly joined. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, go for a lower-slung bunk to let them sit up and play without being too high off the floor.

Pick an L-shaped mattress if you don't have a lot of space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it to take up much space. They take up less space and are typically only as wide as one single bed. This makes them ideal for small rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for younger children who might be intimidated by higher bunks.

If you have more space, you can opt for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used for full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will expand with kids as they get older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it is available in a variety of color options.

Style

A good bunk bed can make teens feel happy, whether it's in a shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds also come in different sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with tweens because it allows them to sleep two kids in the same room while leaving space for a desk dresser, or storage drawers at the bottom. There are some options with trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.

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

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They're designed with the ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a desk or dresser. These beds aren't as spacious as a bunk bed however, they can provide teens with more space in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you're looking for an affordable bunk beds beds bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are compact and portable and can be moved around if you're planning to redesign your child's room in the future. However they're not as sturdy as a metal or wood bunk bed and don't come with guardrails for the top bed.

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 seating area for children younger than. Some models are capable of converting into a chair and desk and allow your child to create the perfect bedroom space for study time and playtime.

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's crucial to think about your budget. Although there are plenty of inexpensive options out there, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last through the teens (or even adulthood), it may be worth paying a bit extra for a quality design that can be used for years to come.

Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their needs for sleep could be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a bedroom, while a full over full bunk is a great option for adults looking to reduce space or the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll also need to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the top and bottom bunks--if kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to go with a lower-to ground arrangement.

The ideal bunk beds beds bed for teens will be an affordable option and one that will expand with them. Find a design that works in both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be split into two separate twin beds if you need to reconfigure your space down the road. This design features a contemporary elegant, clean-lined design with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

Another way to save money is to choose a bunk that has built-in storage options, like drawers under the bed or shelving down below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom tidy and clutter-free. It's also useful if you have a small room. Many of the bunks listed on our list come with this feature, and a few offer additional storage options, such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.