How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can add fun bunk beds and functionality to rooms for kids. They also can help in reducing space.

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

Size

You should think about the size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your kids bunk beds. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that children can safely get up and down and not crash into one another or the walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress similar to that of the lower one. This will allow you to avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the future.

You may also opt for a different shape for your bunk, which may be better for your space. A bunk bed with an L shape can be ideal for a small space or a guest room shared by two people. It can help save floor space, and accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the lower and upper levels depending on the model you pick.

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

A loft bed is an alternative option that makes the most of the space at the corner in rooms that are tweens. It's ideal for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's a great choice for older children as it doesn't require stairs or ladders which makes it more accessible for larger children and adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom with blue painter tape. This will give you a sense of whether it can be easily climbed in and out of at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You'll also want to consider the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features that prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features before buying. You should look for a bed with rails that are high enough to stop children from falling or getting trapped. Also, you need an option that doesn't raise the bed's surface too high. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have a lower weight limit than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to find out the specifications available for 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 upper bunk bed and the bunk.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure safety. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides as they could be unsafe for children to climb up and down, particularly if the slats aren't tightly fitted together. If your children love to play on the ground, select a bunk with a low slung that allows them to sit and play without being too far from the floor.

If you're limited in space or don't want to take up too much space in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less space and are generally as wide as one single bed. This makes them ideal for small rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for kids who might be scared of a bunk that is higher.

If you have a little more space, you can opt for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are the most stylish and safe bunk beds available. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn kids bunk bed sale' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will grow with children as they get older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of harmful chemicals. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.

Style

If it's the shared room or one child, the ideal bunk bed will give teens something to be excited about. Many designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature 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 among teens because it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space, while leaving enough room for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers in the lower part. Some designs come with a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress.

Fenton says that tweens love a twin-over-king loft bed because 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 are the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.

If you want a cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder on the end, which gives it a more sleek look and allows more room for a desk or dresser underneath. These beds aren't as space-saving as bunk beds, but they allow teens to have more space in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk if you want a bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are compact and portable which means they can be moved around if you're planning to redesign your child's bedroom in the near future. However they're not as strong as a metal or wood bunk bed, and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and are more convenient to climb, whereas stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller kids. Some models are even capable of converting into a desk and chair which allows your child to create the perfect bedroom set-up to study or play.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's crucial to take into consideration your budget when buying. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you need a bed that will endure through your teens and into adulthood, it's worth spending an extra amount for a high-quality product that can be used for years.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs may be before you start shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for bunk bed for teens siblings who share bedrooms, while a full over full bunk is ideal for adults looking to save space or avoid the cost of a separate queen-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 select a layout that is lower to the ground.

The ideal bunk bed for teens will be one that is affordable and one that is able to expand with them. Select a style that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two twin beds if required. This style features a modern elegant, clean-lined design as well as boucle upholstered guardrails a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

Another way to save money is to locate an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, such as drawers underneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will help make your bedroom less cluttered, and it's especially useful if you're working with a small space. Many of the bunks listed on our list come with this option, and a few offer additional storage options such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.