How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

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

Size

You'll want to consider size, style, and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your children. Look at the ceiling height to make sure the bunks are able to fit in your space. Make sure there's enough room for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that children can safely get up and down without having to hit one another or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the size of the bottom. This will help you avoid having to buy bunk bed an additional bed or trundle in the future.

You can also choose an arrangement for your bunk that isn't conventional, if it suits your space better. For example an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can save the floor space and can also accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on each of the upper and lower levels, based on the model you choose.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens will expand with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time for them to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance is a classic farmhouse style with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the top and bottom beds and leaves more floor space for kids to play on.

A loft bed is another option that can maximize the corner space in tween-rooms. It's great for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's an excellent choice for older children as it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder, making it more accessible for larger children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will allow you to determine whether it's safe to climb into and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. You'll also want to think about the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails as well as features that stop falls or entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's essential to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You should look for beds with rails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling or becoming trapped, and an option that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Also, pay attention to the weight capacity, since some bunks are less able than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to see the specifications available for mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and often list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure security. It is also recommended to avoid bunks that have slatted sides because they are dangerous for children to climb up or down, particularly when the slats aren't securely joined. If your children love to play on the ground, choose a bunk beds for teenagers with a low slung that lets them play and sit without having to be too far off the floor.

If you have a limited space or do not want to take up the entire space of your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less space and are usually only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them perfect for small rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for children who might be intimidated by the higher bunks.

If you have a little 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 can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that can grow with kids as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemical. It's made of sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.

Style

Whether it's for a shared room or just one kid bunk beds, the right bunk bed for teens will provide something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. A twin over full style is popular with teens since it lets them accommodate two children in the same space and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the bottom. Certain designs have trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also adore an over-king twin loft bed, which takes up 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 it's the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. These beds are designed with a ladder at their end. This gives them a sleeker look and more space to set up a desk or dresser. These beds are not as space-saving as bunk beds however, they can allow teens to have more space in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk if you want an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are compact and portable, so they can be moved around if you're planning to redesign your child's room in the near future. They're not as sturdy as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one has no guardrails.

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

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to take into consideration your budget when shopping. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if need a bed that will endure through your teens and on into adulthood, it's worth paying more for a high-quality product that can be used for a long time.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements might be prior to shopping. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults looking to reduce space and avoid the expense of purchasing a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you may want to choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.

The best bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that is able to expand with them. Choose a style that will work in both traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds if needed. This design has a modern, clean-lined silhouette with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It is 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 underneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom tidy and free of clutter. It's also helpful if you have a small room. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature, and a few offer additional storage options, such as an bookcase headboard for the top bunk beds online and a desk for the bottom.