How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and utility to kids' rooms. They also can help save space.

Find bunk beds that are able to be moved like ones with drawers on the bottom or trundles that are easily removed. You can also find twins that are stacked, which can be divided to create two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll need to think about the size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks for children to move around. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that children are able to safely go up and down and not crash into one another or the walls. You'll also want to check if the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is similar to the size of the bottom one. This will help you avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the near future.

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

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will expand with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time for them to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example it has an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This gives more room for children to play.

A loft bed is an alternative option that can maximize the space around corners in rooms that are tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces since it doesn't require the same amount of vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used as a desk, dressers or storage cabinets. It's a great choice for older children because it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder, making it more accessible to large children and adults.

Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, test it out in your kids bedroom using blue painter's tape to see how high it will be off the ground. This will give you a feel of whether it can be easily climbed in and out at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. It is also important to consider the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features to stop falls or entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds can be an ideal option for families with children of all different 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 prevent children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not elevate the sleeping surface excessively. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.

When choosing the bunk bed you want, look on its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on 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 most suitable bunk beds are sturdy and have stairs or ladders that is secured to the frame and has side handles. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, particularly if they're not securely connected. If your children love to play on the ground, choose a bunk beds uk with a low slung that lets them play and sit without being too far from the floor.

If you're in a tight space or don't want to take up the entire space of your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less space and are typically only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with small ceilings. They're also more suitable for younger kids, who might be scared of the higher bunk.

If you need a bit more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will grow with children as they age and even accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's a shared bedroom or for only one child. Many designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with tweens, as it allows them to sleep two children in the same space, while still leaving room for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage at the bottom. Certain designs have trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says that tweens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it takes up less space and provides them with the space to spread out or work from home. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most sturdy adult bunk-sized bunk," she adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the top that gives the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a dresser or desk underneath. These beds aren't as spacious as a bunk bed however, they can provide teens with more space in their rooms.

If you're looking to find a more affordable bed that will offer plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are small and flexible and can be moved them around if your children 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 that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can also be used as seats for children younger than. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair so that your child can have the ultimate bedroom set for both play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's important to consider your budget when you shop. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you want a bunk bed to last through the teens and on into adulthood, it's worth spending an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used for years.

Before you shop, consider who will be using the bunk bed and what their needs for sleep might be. For instance, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings and a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who wish to make space and avoid the cost of buying an additional queen or king-sized mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.

The best bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that will grow with them. Pick a design that can work in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two twin beds if required. This design has a clean-lined modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

Another way to save money is to locate an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, for example drawers beneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also helpful in the case of a small room. Many of the bunks listed on our list offer this feature, and some offer additional storage options such as bookcase headboards for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.