How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Look for 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. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be separated to create two separate beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.

Size

When you're choosing bunk beds for your kids, you'll want to consider the size, style and security. Examine the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be placed apart enough that children can safely get up and down and not crash into one another or the walls. Also, you'll need to determine 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 another extra bed in the future.

You could also choose a non-traditional bunk shape that is suitable for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed can be ideal for a small space or an area that is shared by two people. It saves the floor space and can also accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you pick.

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

A loft bed is an alternative option that can maximize the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's ideal for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you make use of the lower levels for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great choice for older children because it doesn't require them to use a ladder or stairs, making it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, check it out in your kids' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will be off the ground. This will allow you to determine whether it's safe to climb up and down at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Also, it is important to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. These regulations set standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds can be an ideal option for families with children of all age groups. However, it is crucial to consider the safety features before buying. You should look for a bed with guard rails that are high enough to keep kids from falling off or becoming trapped, and an option that doesn't raise the bed's surface too high. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have a lower weight limit than others.

When you are choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and bunk bed for teens be equipped with side handles to ensure security. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly fitted together. If your children like to play on the ground, select a bunk with a low slung that lets them sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.

Choose an L-shaped bed if do not have enough space in your child's bedroom or if you do not want it to take up a lot of space. These require less floor space and are usually as wide as a single bed, so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for younger kids beds bunk, who might be scared of the higher bunk.

If you have more space, consider an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the safest and most stylish bunk beds 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 expand with kids as they grow older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemicals. It is made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.

Style

It's for the shared room or one child, the ideal bunk bed will give teens something to be happy about. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are also available in various sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular among teens, as it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space, while leaving enough space for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage on the bottom. Some options come with Trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress.

Teens also love an over-king twin loft bed that 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 a full-length guardrail is another popular option for older kids because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy, grown-up bunk," she adds.

If you want a cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the end, which gives an elegant look and gives more space for a dresser or desk underneath. They're not as effective at conserving space as a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens, and give them more space to move around in their rooms.

If you're looking for a more affordable bed that will provide plenty of safety and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and adaptable which means you can move them around if your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the future. They are not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top bed has no guardrails.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, could be used as seats by children who are younger. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk to let your child have the ideal bedroom set-up for study and play.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's crucial to take into consideration your budget when you shop. There are many cheap options available but if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that is designed to last through the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying a little more for a better design that can be used for a long time.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements may be before you start shopping. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for rooms with siblings, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults looking to save space and avoid the expense of buying an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll also need to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bunks at the top and bottom. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to opt for a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The best bunk bed for teens will be one that is affordable and one that will adapt to their needs. Select a style that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch deals bunk beds Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds, if needed. This design features a contemporary elegant, clean-lined design, boucle upholstered guardrails and a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. It could be drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help keep your bedroom clutter-free and it's especially useful when you have a small space. Many of the bunks on our list come with this feature, and a few come with additional storage options like an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.