How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Choose bunk beds that are able to be moved like ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that's easily removed. There are also twins that can be stacked and separated to make two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to consider size, style, and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your kids. Look at the ceiling height to ensure that the bunks will fit into your space, and make sure there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be spaced far enough apart so that kids can safely move up and down without having to crash into one another or the walls. Additionally, you should determine if the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the bottom one so you don't have to pay for a trundle or an additional bed in the future.

You may also opt for a different shape for your bunk, which may be better suited to your space. For instance, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can save floor space, and allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the lower and upper levels depending on the model you choose.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time to transition to a regular double bed. For instance, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the top and bottom beds, leaving more floor space for kids to play on.

Another alternative is a loft bed, which optimizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's a great choice for smaller spaces because it doesn't take up as much vertical room and allows the bottom level to be used as a desk as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older children because it doesn't require you to climb a ladder or stairs, making it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, test it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's adhesive to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will give you a feel of whether it could be easily climbed in and out of at night, without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. These regulations define standards for guardrails as well as other features that reduce entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to consider the safety features when buying. You should look for a bed with guard rails that are high enough to keep children from falling or getting trapped. Also, you need an option that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.

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

The most suitable bunk beds are solid and sturdy, with stairs or ladders that is secured to the frame, and has handles on the sides. It is also recommended to avoid bunks that have slatted sides as they could be dangerous for kids to climb up or down, particularly if the slats aren't tightly joined. If your children 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're limited in space or do not want to occupy too much space in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less space and are generally about the same size as a single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with small ceilings. They're also more suitable for kids who may be intimidated by a bunk that is higher.

If you require a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best choice. 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 bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that grows with your child's development as they grow. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in multiple color options.

Style

Whether it's for the shared room or one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds also come in different sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with teens because it permits the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space, while still leaving space for a desk dresser, or drawers for storage in the lower part. There are some options that include a Trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress.

Teens also adore an over-king twin loft bed that occupies less floor space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds best beds with full-length guardrails make a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and it's the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially a raised platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the end giving the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a desk or dresser beneath. They aren't as space-saving as bunk beds, but they allow teens to have more space in their rooms.

Think about a futon bunk bed if you want bunk beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable and can be moved around in case you want to redecorate your child's bedroom in the future. However they're not as sturdy like a metal or wood bunk bed and don't come with guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space 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 table or chair to allow your child to have the ideal bedroom set that can be used for study and play.

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's important to think about your budget. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will last through the teens and into adulthood, it's worth spending a little more to get a top-quality bed that can be used indefinitely.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs may be before you start shopping. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who want to make space and avoid the cost of purchasing a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the top and bottom bunks--if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance, it might be best to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.

The ideal bunk bed for teens is a good value and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Choose a style that will fit in both traditional and modern rooms. 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 contemporary elegant, clean-lined design with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

Another way to save money is to locate an area of the bunk that is 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 a good option if you have a small space. Many of the bunks in our list have this feature. Some even come with additional storage options like a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.