How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and function to children's rooms. They can also help to save space.

Find bunks designed with flexibility, like bottom storage drawers or a trundle bed which is easily removed, and stacked twins that can be split into two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When you're choosing bunk beds for your kids You'll need to think about size, style, and safety. Examine the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be spaced sufficiently apart that children are able to safely go up and down without having to crash into one another or the walls. Also, you'll want to find out if the top bunk can support mattresses that is the same size as the bottom one so you don't have to pay for a trundle or another extra bed in the near future.

You may also opt for a different shape for your bunk, which may be better for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed can be the perfect choice for small spaces or an area that is shared by two people. It can save floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you select.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children's needs by converting into two independent beds when it's the right time to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example is a classic farmhouse style with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk bed online. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for children to play.

A loft bed is a different option that makes the most of the corner space in tween-rooms. It's a great choice for smaller spaces as it doesn't require the same amount of vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's a great option for older children since it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder which makes it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom with blue painter tape. This will help you determine whether it's safe to climb up and down at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the window sill. You should also take into consideration the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features to protect against falls and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to take into consideration the security features when you shop. You'll want to look for a bed with rails that are high enough to stop children from falling or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't raise the sleep surface too high. Be sure to be aware of the weight capacity, since certain bunks have lower limits than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to see the specifications available for mattress dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum weight capacity of the top buy bunk bed bed as well as the bunk bed.

The best bunk beds children's beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles to ensure safety. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your kids love to play on the ground, select a low-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without having to be too far off the ground.

Choose an L-shaped mattress if you don't have a lot of space in your child's bedroom or if you do not want it to take up a lot of space. These are smaller in size and are usually only as wide as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for children who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.

If you have more room, go for a full-over-full bunk bed. These are usually the safest and most elegant bunk beds available on the market, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will expand with kids as they age and even accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemicals. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.

Style

If it's a shared room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed for teens will provide something to be happy about. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular among teens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same room while leaving space for a desk dresser, or storage drawers in the lower part. Certain designs have trundle beds which allow the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also adore a twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and is the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

For a really cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. The beds feature a ladder at the end that gives an elegant look and allows more room for a desk or dresser under. They're not as efficient at saving space as a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teens that gives them more space in their rooms.

Think about a futon bunk bed If you're looking for bunk beds bunk beds that are affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are small and flexible which means you can move them around in case your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. However, they're not as durable as a metal or wood bunk bed, and they do not have 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 seat by younger children. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk to allow your child to have the ideal bedroom set-up for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive purchase, so it's essential to factor in your budget when shopping. While there are plenty of affordable options, if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that is designed to last through the teens (or even into adulthood) it might be worth paying a bit extra for a quality design that will be used for many years to come.

Consider who will use the bunk beds beds bed and what their sleeping requirements could be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for families with multiple children and a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who wish to make space and avoid the expense of buying an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom that is available between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you might want to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.

The ideal bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that will expand with them. Pick a design that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds if needed. This design has a clean-lined contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a 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.

Another option to save money is to find a bunk that has built-in storage options, like drawers underneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will help keep your bedroom clutter-free and is particularly useful if you're working with smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some come with additional storage options, such as headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.