How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and function to rooms for kids. They can also help save space.

Find bunks designed to be flexible, such as bottom storage drawers, a trundle bed that's easy to take down, and twin beds that can be split into two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When you're choosing a bunk bed for your kids You'll need to think about size, style and safety. Check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, ensure that there is enough room around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be enough apart so that children can get up and bunk Bed for teens down safely and not collide with each other or crash into the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress similar to the size of the lower one. This will help you avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle later on.

You can also opt for a different shape for your bunk, which may be better suitable for your space. For example an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a smaller bedroom or bunk bed for teens even a shared guest room. It will save floor space, and accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you pick.

Many of the best kids bunk bed bunk bed for teens are made to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example is the classic farmhouse look with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the bottom and top beds, leaving more floor space for children to play on.

Another option is a loft bed which optimizes corner spaces in rooms that are tween. It's ideal for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great choice for older children because it doesn't require you to climb a ladder or stairs which makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom using blue painter tape. This will allow you to determine whether it's possible to climb in and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the window sill. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. These regulations define standards for guardrails as well as other features to prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, however, it is important to think about safety features when buying. You should look for beds with rails that are tall enough to keep children from falling over or becoming trapped, and an option that doesn't raise 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 its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and typically list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The ideal bunk beds will be sturdy and have stairs or ladders that is secured to the frame, and has handles on the sides. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides because they are dangerous for children to climb up and down, especially when the slats aren't securely joined. If your children love playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to let them play and sit without being too high off the ground.

If you're limited in space or do not want to take up the entire space of the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less space and are usually only as wide as one single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with small ceilings. They are also suitable for children who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.

If you have a little more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are the most fashionable 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 a stylish and sturdy option that grows with your child's development as they grow. It can even accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemical. It is made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.

Style

If it's the shared room or one kid, the right bunk bed for teens will provide something to be excited about. Some designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more fun elements. bunk bed kids beds also come in a variety of sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with teens because it allows them to sleep two kids beds bunk in the same room while still leaving room for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage in the lower part. Some designs come with a Trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.

Teens also adore the twin over king loft bed that occupies less floor space and gives them more space to sprawl out or work from home, says Fenton. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy grown-up bunk available," she adds.

For a really cool bunk, consider a l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. They have a ladder at the end giving the appearance of a sleeker design and allows more room for a dresser or desk underneath. They aren't as spacious as a bunk bed however, they can give teens more room in their rooms.

If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of safety and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are portable and compact which means they can be moved around if you want to redecorate your child's room in the future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top bed has no guardrails.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, can be used as seats by younger children. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair to allow your child to have the perfect bedroom set that can be used for study and play.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's crucial to factor in your budget when shopping. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you need a bed that will last into the teens and into adulthood, you should consider spending more for a high-quality product that can be used for years.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs may be before you start shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings who share the same bedroom, whereas a full over full bunk is ideal for adults looking to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen-sized mattress. It is also important to determine the amount of headroom you'd like between the bunks at the top and bottom. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example, it might be best to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.

The best bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that will grow with them. Look for a style that is suitable for traditional and modern rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can separate into two freestanding twin beds if you're looking to alter your space down the road. This style has a sleek, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

Another option to save money is to choose a bunk with built-in storage, for example drawers beneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also useful for those with a smaller room. Many of the bunks in our list feature this feature. Some come with additional storage options like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.