How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can add fun and functionality to children's rooms. They also can help save space.

Choose bunks that are built with flexibility, such as drawers that store items in the bottom and a trundle bed that's easy to remove and stacked twins that can be divided into two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You should take into consideration size design, style, and security when selecting a bunk bed for your kids. Take a look at the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to are suitable for your space, and make sure there's enough room for children to move around them. The beds should be placed far enough apart so that children can safely get up and down without having to crash into each other or the walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk can be able to support a mattress of similar to the size of the lower one. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.

You can also pick a bunk design that isn't traditional and suited to your space better. A bunk bed with an L shape can be the perfect choice for small spaces or an area that is shared by two people. It can help save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, based on the model you pick.

A lot of the top bunk bed for teens are designed to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example it has the classic farmhouse look with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This gives more room for children to play.

Another alternative is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in tween rooms. It's ideal for smaller spaces since it requires less vertical space and allows you to use the lower level for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's a great choice for older children as it eliminates the use of a ladder or stairway which makes it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room by using blue painter's tape. This will help you determine if it is possible to climb into and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Also, it is important to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. They establish standards for guardrails and other features that prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to take into consideration the safety features when buying. You'll want to look for a bed with rails that are tall enough to stop children from falling over or getting trapped and an option that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. You should also pay attention to the weight capacity, since some bunks are less able than others.

When selecting a bunk bed, check its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed and the bunk.

The most suitable bunk beds for adults beds are solid and sturdy, with stairs or ladders that is securely attached to the frame and has side handles. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, particularly if they're not securely connected. If your children like to play on the ground, pick a bunk with a low slung that lets them play and sit without being too far off the ground.

If you're limited in space or do not want to take up too much room in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are generally larger than a single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with small ceilings. These are also more suitable for children who may feel intimidated by the higher bunks.

If you're looking for a little more space, the full-overfull bunk beds for adults bed is the best option. They are typically the most secure and elegant bunk beds available on the market, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will expand with kids bunk beds as they get older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemical. It is made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.

Style

If it's an entire room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed for teens will provide something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist while others are more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. A twin over full design is a favorite among teens because it allows them to accommodate two children in the same room and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers on the bottom. Some designs come with a Trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress.

Teens also adore the twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and gives them more space to sprawl out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.

If you want a cool bunk, consider a l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. They have a ladder on the end, which gives it a more sleek look and allows more room for a dresser or desk under. They're not as efficient at conserving space as a traditional bunk, but they're an attractive option for teenagers that offers more room to move around in their rooms.

If you're looking for a more affordable bed that will provide plenty of security and comfort, think about a futon bunk bed online. Futons are compact and versatile which means you can move them around if your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. However they're not as sturdy like a metal or wood bunk bed and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders take up less space and can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and can double as a seat for younger children. Some models are capable of being converted into a chair and desk and allow your child to create the perfect bedroom space to study or play.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to consider your budget when shopping. There are many cheap options available, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last into the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying more for a high-quality design that will last for years to come.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs may be before you start shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room and a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who want to make space and avoid the expense of purchasing a separate queen or king-sized mattress. You'll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the top and bottom bunks--if kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example, it might be best to go with a lower-to ground configuration.

The ideal bunk bed for teens is a good bunk beds value, and one that can grow with them. Pick a design that can 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 separated into two beds, if needed. This design features a clean, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's easy for kids to climb and descend, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is another option to save money. This could include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This can help you make your bedroom less cluttered, and is particularly useful if you're working with the space of a small one. Many of the bunks on our list have this option, and a few have additional storage accessories available such as bookcase headboards for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.