How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft and bunk beds can be a great way to add fun and function in the kids' room. They also can help save space.

Find bunk beds that are able to be moved, such as ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easy to take off. You can also find twins that are stacked, which can be divided to create two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When you're choosing a bunk bed for your children you should consider size, style, and safety. Take a look at the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to fit into your space. Also, make sure that there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be spaced enough apart to allow kids to get up and down safely and not bump into each other or smash into the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk can be able to support a mattress of similar to the size of the lower one. This will allow you to avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle later on.

You may also opt for a bunk shape that isn't traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. It will 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 pick.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance, features the classic farmhouse look with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the bottom and top beds and leaves more floor space for kids to play on.

Another alternative is a loft bed, which optimizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's ideal for smaller spaces since it requires less vertical space and lets you use the lower floor for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's an excellent choice for older children because it eliminates the use of stairs or ladders, making it more accessible to adults and children of larger sizes.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will give you a sense of whether it is easily climbed into and out of at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. It is also important to think about the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails as well as features that protect against falls and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds can be an ideal option for families with children of all age groups. However, it is essential to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll need to find a bunk beds for teenagers bed with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress which does not elevate the sleeping surface too much. You should also be aware of the capacity for weight, as certain bunks have a lower limit than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available regarding mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed and the bunk.

The most suitable bunk beds are sturdy and have an stairway or ladder that is secured to the frame, and has side handles. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, particularly if they're not securely joined. If your children love to play on the ground, select an un-slung bunk that lets them play and sit without being too far off the floor.

Choose an L-shaped bed if you don't have a lot of space in your child's room or if you do not want it to take up much 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 more suitable for children who may be intimidated by the higher bunk.

If you have a little more room, go for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that can grow with your child's growth. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemicals. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will keep teens content regardless of whether it's the shared bedroom or for just one child. A lot of designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular with teens since it gives them room to accommodate two children in a single room, and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the bottom. Some options have trundle beds which allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says that teens like a twin-over-king loft bed since it takes up less space and gives them more room to spread out or work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and is the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically a raised platform bed. They have a ladder at the end that gives it a more sleek look and gives more space for a desk or dresser under. They're not as effective at conserving space as a traditional bunk, however, they're a stylish choice for teenagers that offers more space in their rooms.

If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and portable, so they can be moved around if you want to redecorate your child's space in the near future. However they're not as sturdy as a wood or metal bunk beds for kids on sale bed and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and can be more convenient to climb, while stairs are safer and double as a seat for younger kids. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair so that your child can have the perfect bedroom set-up for study and play.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to factor in your budget when buying. Although there are plenty of affordable options but if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that can last through the teens (or even adulthood) it might be worth paying more for a better design that will last for many years to come.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings sharing the same bedroom, whereas a full over full bunk is a great bunk beds option for adults who want to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen mattress. You'll also need to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.

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

Another option to save money is to locate a bunk with built-in storage, for example drawers underneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will help make your bedroom less cluttered, and is particularly useful when you have the space of a small one. Many of the bunks listed on our list come with this feature, and a few have additional storage accessories available, such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.