How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft bed can be a great way to add fun and function in the room for kids. They also can help save space.

Choose bunks that are designed with flexibility, like drawers that store items in the bottom and a trundle bed that's easy to take down and twin beds that can be separated into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting bunk beds for your children you should consider size, style and safety. Look at the ceiling height to make sure the bunks are able to fit into your space. Also, make sure that there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be enough apart so that children can get up and down safely and not run into one another or fall into the walls. Also, you'll need to find out whether the top bunk is able to support a mattress that is the same size as the bottom one, so that you won't need for a trundle or an additional bed in the future.

You may also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape, which may be better suitable for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed could be perfect for a small room or an area that is shared by two people. It is a great way to save the floor space and can also accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on each of the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you pick.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance it has a classic farmhouse style with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on 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 creates more space for children to play.

Another alternative is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's a great choice for smaller spaces since it doesn't require as much vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a great choice for older children since it doesn't require you to use stairs or a ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, check it out in your kids bedroom using blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise off the ground. This will allow you to determine if it is possible to climb in and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. You'll also want to take into consideration the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails as well as features that protect against falls and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features before purchasing. You'll need to choose bunk beds with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which bunk bed is the best does not elevate the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have less weight limits than others.

When selecting a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress can be, and they'll often list the total bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.

The best place to buy bunk beds bunk beds will be sturdy and feature stairs or ladders that is secured to the frame, and has handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're poorly fitted together. If your kids love to play on the ground, choose a bunk with a low slung that lets them sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.

If you're in a tight 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 are smaller in size and are generally about the same size as a single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with small ceilings. They're also more suitable for children who might be scared of a bunk that is higher.

If you have a little more room, go for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. They are typically the safest and most fashionable bunk beds on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will expand with kids 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 of sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.

Style

It's for a shared room or just one child, the ideal 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 available in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular with teens since it gives them room to sleep two children in the same space and still leaves space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. Some designs come with a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress.

Teens also love the twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and gives them more space to sprawl out or work from home, says Fenton. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is another popular option for older children because it's "built to last and is the most durable, grown-up bunk," she adds.

For a really cool bunk, you should consider an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder on the end that gives the appearance of a sleeker design and makes room for a dresser or desk beneath. They're not as efficient at conserving space like a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens that gives them more space in their rooms.

Consider a futon Best Bunk Bed Desk if you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are compact and versatile and can be moved them around if your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the future. They're not as sturdy as metal or wood bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.

Bunks that include stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders take up less space and are easier to climb, whereas stairs are safer and double as a seat for smaller children. Some models can be transformed into a desk or chair so that your child can have the ideal bedroom set-up for play and study.

Budget

When shopping for a bunk bed, it's crucial to think about your budget. Although there are plenty of cheap options available, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that can last until the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying a bit more for a better design that can be used for a long time.

Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for rooms with siblings or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults who wish to reduce space and avoid the expense of purchasing a separate queen or king mattress. You'll also need to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bunks at the top and bottom. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance, it might be best small bunk beds to go with a lower-to ground configuration.

The ideal bunk bed for teens will be one that is affordable and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Choose a style that will work well in traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two twin beds, if needed. This style has a sleek, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. It could be drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free. It's also useful if you have a small room. Many of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some even come with additional storage options like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.