How to Choose the best bunk beds to buy Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and utility to kids' rooms. They also can help reduce space.

Find bunks designed to be flexible, such as bottom storage drawers and a trundle bed that's easy to take down, and twin beds that can be split into two beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting a bunk bed for your kids you should consider size, style and safety. Check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks for children to move around. The beds should be spaced apart enough that kids can safely move up and down without having to collide with each other or the walls. It is also important to determine if the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is similar to the size of the bottom. This will allow you to avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the near future.

You may also opt for a bunk shape that isn't conventional, if it suits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be ideal for a small space or a guest room shared by two people. It can save the floor space and can fit a twin over full or queen mattress on the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you select.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time to transition into a regular double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired style with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails that run 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 gives more room for children to play.

Another alternative is a loft bed which optimizes corner spaces in rooms that are tween. It's great for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's an excellent choice for older children because it eliminates the use of a ladder or stairway and 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 let you know if it is possible to climb into and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the window sill. You should also consider the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features to prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds can be 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 a bed with rails that are high enough to stop children from falling over or becoming trapped, and a mattress that doesn't elevate the bed's surface too high. Also, be aware of the weight capacity, as certain bunks have lower limits than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to see the specifications available for mattress sizes and weight limitations. 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 as well as the bunk.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure security. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides as they could be dangerous for children to climb up and down, especially in the case where the slats haven't been tightly joined. If your children love playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to sit up and play without being too high off the floor.

Pick an L-shaped mattress if you don't have a lot of space in the room of your child or if you do not want it to take up lots of space. These take up less floor space and are typically only the same size as a single bed, so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more suitable for kids who might be scared of the higher bunk.

If you have a little more space, consider an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. They are generally the safest and most fashionable bunk beds that are available and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that will expand with kids as they get older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of harmful chemicals. It is made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.

Style

A good bunk bed can make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's a shared bedroom or for only one child. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin over full design is popular with teens since it lets them sleep two kids in a single room, and still has room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers at the bottom. There are some options that include a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress.

Teens also love an over-king twin loft bed that occupies 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 make a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and it's the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are designed with the ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more room for a dresser or desk. They aren't as spacious as a bunk beds best bed however, they can give teens more room in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you want bunk beds that are affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable and can be moved them around if your children want to redecorate their rooms in the near future. However they're not as sturdy as a metal or wood best bunk beds for heavy adults bed and they don't come with guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can be used as a seat by younger children. Some models are capable of converting into a desk and chair and allow your child to have the perfect bedroom set-up for study time and playtime.

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's crucial that you consider your budget. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if need a bed that will last into the teens and on into adulthood, it's worth spending an extra amount for a high-quality product that can be used for a long time.

Before you start shopping, consider who will be sleeping on the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a bedroom, while full over full bunk is ideal for adults who are looking to reduce space or the expense of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top bunk and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you might want to select a layout that is lower than the ground.

The most suitable bunk beds for teens are ones that are affordable and can grow with the teenager. Choose a design that is suitable for both modern and traditional rooms, or go with something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can separate into two freestanding twin beds in case you need to reconfigure your space in the future. This design has a clean-lined contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's easy for kids best place to buy bunk beds climb up and down and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

Another option to save money is to locate an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, for example drawers under the bed or a shelf below the top. This will allow you to keep the bedroom clutter-free, and it's especially useful for those who have the space of a small one. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some even offer additional storage options, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk beds best.