How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can bring fun and function to kids' rooms. They can also help save space.

Look for bunks that are designed with flexibility, like drawers for storage at the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to take down and stacked twins that can be separated into two beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to take into consideration the dimensions as well as style and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your kids. Consider the height of the ceiling to ensure the bunks fit in your space. Make sure that there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be set apart enough that kids can safely move up and down without having to crash into each other or the walls. It is also important to determine if the top bunk bed can support a mattress similar to that of the bottom. This will allow you to avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.

You may also opt for a bunk shape that is not traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For instance, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It is a great way to save the floor space and can fit a queen or twin over full mattress on each of the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you pick.

Many of the best sturdy bunk beds for adults bunk bed for teens are built to adapt to your child's needs, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to the size of a double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails 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 with more space for children to play on.

Another alternative is a loft bed, that maximizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's great for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to make use of the lower levels for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's a great option for older children as it doesn't require a ladder or stairway and makes it more accessible for larger children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room by using blue painter's tape. This will help you determine whether it's safe to climb into and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. These regulations establish standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, but it is important to think about safety features when buying. You'll need to find a bunk bed with guardrails that are high enough to stop children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that does not elevate the mattress excessively. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have smaller weight limits than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out what specifications are available on mattresses 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 and the bunk bed.

The best l shaped bunk beds bunk beds canada (a cool way to improve) bunk beds will be solid and sturdy, with stairs or ladders that is attached securely to the frame and has side handles. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly joined. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom so that they can sit up and play without being too high off the ground.

If you have a limited space or do not want to occupy too much room in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less space and are usually only as wide as one single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with small ceilings. These are also more suitable for younger children who might be intimidated by high bunk beds.

If you have more space, you can opt for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that will grow with your child as they grow. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of harmful chemicals. It is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.

Style

It's for an entire room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed will give teens something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds are also available in different sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. A twin over full design is popular for tweens because it allows them to sleep two kids in a single room, and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the bottom. Some designs come with a Trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress.

Fenton says that teens love a twin-over-king loft bed since it occupies less space and provides them with more room to spread out or work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and it's the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.

For a truly cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with the ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more space for a dresser or desk. These beds aren't as spacious as bunk beds however, they can allow teens to have more space in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you want an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable and can be moved around if you want to redecorate your child's bedroom in the near future. However they're not as strong as a wood or metal bunk bed and do not have guardrails for the top bed.

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 a seat for children younger than. Some models are able to convert into a desk and chair which allows your child to have the perfect bedroom space for study time and playtime.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major purchase, so it's essential to consider your budget when shopping. There are many inexpensive options available, but if you want a bunk bed to last into the teens and even into adulthood, it's worth paying more to get a top-quality bed that can be used for a long time.

Before you shop think about who will be using the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs could be. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a room and a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who wish to make space and avoid the cost of purchasing a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll also have to decide how much headroom you want between the bottom and top bunks. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to go with a lower-to ground configuration.

The most suitable bunk beds for teens are ones that offer a good price and can adapt to the teen. 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 sleek, clean lines 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 environmental and social responsibility.

Another option to save money is to locate a bunk with built-in storage options, like drawers underneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will help keep your bedroom clutter-free and it's especially useful when you have a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and a few offer additional storage options, such as a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.