How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft bed can bring fun and utility in the kids' room. They also can help in reducing space.

Choose bunk beds that are able to be moved like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easy to remove. There are also twins that can be stacked and separated to create two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to consider the dimensions as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks for children to move around. The beds should be enough apart to allow kids bunk beds to climb and descend safely and not bump into one another or fall into the walls. Also, you should determine 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 in the near future.

You can also pick a bunk shape that is not traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be perfect for a small space 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 each of the lower and upper levels, based on the model you choose.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's the right time to transition into a regular double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This gives more room for kids to play.

Another alternative is a loft bed which optimizes corner spaces in rooms that are tween. It's a great choice for smaller spaces since it doesn't require as much vertical room and allows the bottom level to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children as it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder which makes it more accessible to large children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom using blue painter tape. This will let you know whether it's safe to climb into and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the window sill. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk childrens beds bunk. These regulations define standards for guardrails as well as other features to prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

childrens bunk beds beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, but it's important to consider the safety features when shopping. You'll need to choose bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to prevent children from falling or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that doesn't raise up the sleeping surface excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.

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

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and Bunk Beds for Teens the ladders or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles for security. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides because they are unsafe for children to climb up and down, especially in the case where the slats haven't been tightly fitted together. If your children love to play on the ground, pick an un-slung bunk that allows them to sit and play without being too far from the floor.

Choose an L-shaped mattress if you don't have a lot of space in your child's room or if you don't want it taking up lots of space. They are smaller in size and are typically only larger than a single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with narrow ceilings. They're also more suitable for younger kids, who might be scared of a higher bunk.

If you have more space, you can opt for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. These are usually the most secure and elegant bunk beds available that are available, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that can grow with kids as they age and even can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made of sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will make teens happy, whether it's in a shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are also available in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full, and even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular with teens since it lets them accommodate two children in the same space and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers in the lower level. Some designs come with a trundle bed that allows the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.

Teens also adore an over-king twin loft bed that occupies 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 a popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and are the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.

For a really cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically a platform bed elevated. These beds have the ladder on the end, which gives the appearance of a sleeker design and makes room for a desk or dresser beneath. They're not as good for saving space as a traditional bunk, however, they're a stylish choice for teens that gives them more space to move around in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk If you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are compact and versatile, so you can move them around if your kids want to redecorate their rooms in the future. They're not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds, and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.

Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders take up less space and are easier to climb. Stairs are safer and can double as a seating area for younger children. Some models can be transformed into a chair or desk so that your child can have the ultimate bedroom set for both play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's important to take into consideration your budget when buying. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if need a bed that will last into the teens and into adulthood, it's worth spending a little more to get a top-quality bed that can be used indefinitely.

Before you shop take into consideration who will be sleeping in the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a bedroom, while full over full bunk is perfect for adults looking to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen bed. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you may want to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.

The best rated bunk beds bunk bed for teens is a good value, and one that can expand with them. Choose a design that works in both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be split into two separate twin beds if you want to change the layout of your space in the future. This design features a contemporary, clean-lined silhouette, boucle upholstered guardrails and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

Another option to save money is to locate a bunk with built-in storage options, like drawers beneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also useful in the case of a small room. Many of the bunks listed on our list have this feature, and some come with additional storage options like a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.