How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers that store items in the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to take down, and stacked twins that can be separated into two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll need to think about the size design, style, and security when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Check the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be spaced far enough apart so that kids can safely move up and down without having to collide with each other or the walls. Also, you'll need to determine whether the top bunk is able to support mattresses that is the same size as the bottom one so you won't need for a trundle or an extra bed in the future.

You can also choose a bunk shape that isn't conventional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It is a great way to save floor space and can accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on the upper and lower levels, based on the model you select.

A lot of the top bunk bed for teens are made to adapt to your child's needs, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to an adult bed. For instance, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This gives more room for children to play.

A loft bed is another option that can maximize the space at the corner in tween-rooms. It's a great choice for smaller spaces since it doesn't take up as much vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used as a desk and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's a great option for older children since it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder, making it more accessible for larger children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom with blue painter tape. This will help you determine if it is possible to climb into and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. These regulations set standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it's essential to consider the safety features before buying. You'll want to look for a bed with guard rails that are high enough to stop kids from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress that doesn't elevate the bed's surface too high. Also, be aware of the weight capacity, since some bunks have a lower limit than others.

When selecting a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer for details regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed as well as the bunk.

The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladders or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. It is also recommended to avoid bunks that have slatted sides because they are unsafe for children to climb up or down, particularly if the slats aren't tightly joined. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, opt for a lower-slung bunk so that they can play and sit without being too high off the ground.

Pick an L-shaped mattress if you don't have a lot of space in the room of your child or if you don't want it taking up lots of space. They require less space and are typically only larger than a single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with narrow ceilings. They're also suitable for children who might be intimidated by the higher bunks.

If you require a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. They are generally the most secure and elegant bunk beds available that are available, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will grow with children as they get older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

Whether it's for an entire room or just one kid, the right bunk bed for teens will provide something to be excited about. Some designs are minimalist and sleek, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with tweens, as it allows them to sleep two children in the same room while leaving enough room for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers on the bottom. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also adore a twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home, says Fenton. A metal bunk bed with an extended guardrail is a popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most durable grown-up bunk available," she adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder on the end giving an elegant look and gives more space for a dresser or desk underneath. These beds are not as spacious as a bunk bed however, they can provide teens with more space in their rooms.

If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of safety and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and adaptable and can be moved them around if your children want to redecorate their rooms in the future. However, they're not as durable like a metal or wood bunk bed and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.

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

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to take into consideration your budget when you shop. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you need a bed that will endure through your teens and into adulthood, you should consider spending an extra amount for a high-quality product that can be used for a long time.

Before you begin shopping take into consideration who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs could be. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings, while a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who wish to reduce space and avoid the cost of buying a separate queen or king size mattress. It is also important to determine the amount of headroom you'd like between the bottom and top bunks. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it may be better to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.

The best loft bunk beds bunk bed for teens is an affordable option, and one that can grow with them. Pick a design that can work in both traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two twin beds if required. This design features a contemporary, clean-lined silhouette, boucle upholstered guardrails and a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. This could include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This can help you keep the bedroom clutter-free, and it's especially useful if you're working with a small space. Many of the bunks listed on our list have this feature, and some have additional storage accessories available such as bookcase headboards for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.