How to Choose the best kids bunk beds Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and functionality in the children's room. They can also help to reduce space.

Choose bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers for storage at the bottom and a trundle bed that's easy to take down and twins that stack and can be separated into two beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing a bunk bed for your kids you should consider size, style, and safety. Check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks will fit in the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks for children to move around. The beds should be far enough apart so that children can get up and down safely and not bump into each other or smash into walls. Additionally, you should find out whether the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so that you don't have to pay for a trundle, or an additional bed in the future.

You may also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape that is for your space. For example, an L-shaped bunk can be perfect for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It saves the floor space and can fit a queen or twin over full mattress on each of the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you pick.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are designed to grow with your child by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to the size of a double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for kids to play.

A loft bed is a different option that makes the most of the space around corners in rooms that are tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces since it doesn't take up as much vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used as a desk, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older children since it eliminates the need to use an elevator or ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, test it out in your child's' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will be off the ground. This will give you a sense of whether it can be easily climbed into and out of at night, without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You'll also want to take into consideration the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features to prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll need to find bunk beds with railings that are high enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that does not elevate the sleeping surface too much. Also, pay attention to the weight capacity, since some bunks are less able than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available regarding mattress sizes and weight limitations. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and will typically provide the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The ideal bunk beds will be solid and sturdy, with an stairway or ladder that is attached securely to the frame, and has handles on the sides. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides, because they are unsafe for children to climb up or down, especially when the slats aren't securely joined. If your kids love playing on the ground, go for a lower-slung bunk so that they can sit and play without being too high off the floor.

If you have a limited space or do not want to occupy the entire space of your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are typically only larger than a single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with small ceilings. They're also more practical for kids who may be intimidated by a higher bunk.

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

Style

The ideal bunk bed will make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's in a shared bedroom or for only one child. Many designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more fun elements. Bunk beds also come in a variety of sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. A twin-over-full design is a favorite among teens because it gives them room to sleep two kids in the same room and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers on the bottom. There are some options that include a trundle bed that allows the upper level to fit an extra mattress.

Teens also love an over-king twin loft bed that occupies less floor space and gives them more space to spread out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and are the most durable, adult bunk bed-sized bunk," Fenton adds.

For a truly cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the end that gives the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a dresser or desk beneath. They're not as effective at saving space like a traditional bunk but they're an attractive option for teens, and give them more room to move around in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk if you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are portable and compact and can be moved around in case you're looking to revamp your child's room in the future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one does not have guardrails.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can also be used as a seating area by younger children. Some models can even be capable of being converted into a chair and desk which allows your child to build the perfect bedroom set-up to study or play.

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's crucial that you consider your budget. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if want a bunk bed to last into the teens and on into adulthood, you should consider spending an extra amount for a quality product that can be used indefinitely.

Before you begin shopping, consider who will be sleeping in the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for families with multiple children or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults who want to save space and avoid the expense of purchasing an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bunks at the top and bunk bed for teens bottom. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it may be better to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.

The best quality bunk beds bunk bed for teens is a good value and one that is able to grow with them. Select a style that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two beds if needed. This design features a clean, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's easy for children to climb and descend, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is an additional option to save money. It could be drawers underneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will help keep the bedroom clutter-free, and is especially beneficial when you have a small space. Many of the bunks listed on our list have this option, and a few offer additional storage options, such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.