How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Find bunks designed with flexibility, like drawers that store items in the bottom and a trundle bed that's easy to take down and stacked twins that can be divided into two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When you're choosing a bunk bed for your kids you should consider size, style, and safety. Look at the ceiling height to make sure the bunks are able to are suitable for your space. Also, make sure that there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be placed sufficiently apart that children can safely get up and down and not crash into each other or the walls. Additionally, you should find out whether the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so you won't need for a trundle, or an additional bed in the future.

You could also choose an alternative to the traditional bunk shape that is suitable for your space. For example an L-shaped bunk could be perfect for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It will save floor space, and allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the lower and upper levels depending on the model you select.

Many of the best adult bunk bed beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features the classic farmhouse look with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk beds beds. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This leaves more space for kids to play.

A loft bed is a different option that can maximize the corner space in tween-rooms. It's great for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's a great choice for older children since it eliminates the use of stairs or ladders which makes it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.

Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, check it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's tape to determine how high it will rise above the ground. This will allow you to determine whether it's safe to climb into and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the window sill. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. They establish standards for guardrails and other features to prevent entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, however, it is important to think about safety features when buying. You'll need to choose bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to stop children from falling or becoming trapped, and a mattress which does not elevate the mattress too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.

When selecting a bunk bed, make sure to check its manufacturer's website for specifications regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and they'll typically list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure safety. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides as they can be dangerous for kids to climb up and down, particularly when the slats aren't securely joined. If your children love to play on the ground, select a bunk with a low slung that lets them play and sit without being too far off the floor.

Pick an L-shaped bed if you don't have much space in your child's room or if you do not want it to take up a lot of space. They take up less space and are usually only larger than a single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with narrow ceilings. These are also more suitable for children of smaller age who may be scared of higher bunks.

If you require a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best bunk bed option. 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 can grow with kids as they age and even can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemicals. It's made of sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.

Style

The right bunk bed can make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's a shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. A twin over full design is a favorite among teens because it lets them sleep two children in a single room, and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the lower level. Some options come with trundle bed that allows the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.

Fenton says that tweens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed since it takes up less space and gives them more space to spread out or work from home. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most durable, grown-up bunk," she adds.

For a really cool bunk, consider a l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. These beds have the ladder at the top giving an elegant look and gives more space for a desk or dresser under. They're not as efficient at saving space like a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens that gives them more space to move around in their rooms.

Think about a futon bunk bed If you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are small and flexible and can be moved them around if your children wish to redesign their rooms in the future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one isn't equipped with guardrails.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, could be used as seats for children younger than. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair so that your child can have the ultimate bedroom set-up for play and study.

Budget

When choosing a bunk bed, it's crucial to consider your budget. There are many inexpensive options available, but if want a bunk bed to last through the teens and even into adulthood, it's worth spending more for a high-quality product that can be used for years.

Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs might be. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings who share bedrooms, while a full over full bunk is ideal for adults who are looking to save space or reduce the cost of a separate queen mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk beds kids and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, it may be better to select a layout that is lower than the ground.

The most suitable bunk beds for teens are those that offer a good price and can adapt to the teenager. Choose a style that will fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two twin beds if needed. This design features a clean, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb 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. This could include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves below the top. This will allow you to make your bedroom less cluttered, and is especially beneficial when you have smaller space. Many of the bunks in our list come with this feature. Some come with additional storage accessories, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.