How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Look for bunk beds that are able to be moved, such as those with bottom storage drawers or trundles that are easy to remove. There are also twins that can be stacked and divided to create two separate beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to think about size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Make sure you check the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be enough apart so that children can move up and down with ease and not bump into one another or fall into the walls. Also, you should determine if the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is the same size as that of the bottom. This will allow you to avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle later on.

You can also choose a bunk bed adults design that isn't traditional, if it suits your space better. For example an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It is a great way to save the floor space and can fit a twin over full or queen mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you choose.

Many of the best childrens bunk beds bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time to move to a normal double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance is 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 lower and upper bunk beds. This gives more room for kids to play.

A loft bed is a different option that maximizes the space around corners in rooms with tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces because it doesn't take up the same amount of vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children since it doesn't require a staircase or ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before you buy bunk beds any kind of bunk bed, test it out in your child's' bedroom with blue painter's adhesive to see how high it will be off the ground. This will help you determine whether it's possible to climb into and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Also, it is important to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds, which set standards for guardrails and other features that reduce entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to take into consideration the safety features when buying. You should look for beds with rails that are high enough to stop kids from falling off or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't elevate the bed's surface too high. Also, pay attention to the capacity for weight, as some bunks have a lower limit than others.

When choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress's 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 bed.

The most sturdy bunk beds best beds are constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles for security. Avoid bunks with slatted sides, because they are dangerous for children to climb up and down, particularly in the case where the slats haven't been tightly joined. If your children enjoy 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 ground.

If you have a limited space or do not want to take up the entire space of your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are typically only larger than a single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with small ceilings. These are also more suitable for younger children who might be intimidated by the higher bunks.

If you're looking for a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. They are generally the most secure and fashionable bunk beds that are available, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that can grow with your child's development as they grow. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemicals. It is made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.

Style

The right bunk bed can keep teens content, whether it's in the shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds are also available in different sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with tweens because it allows them to sleep two kids in the same room while leaving enough room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers at the bottom. Some options come with Trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress.

Teens also love an over-king twin loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and is the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

If you want a cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the top, which gives the appearance of a sleeker design and makes room for a desk or dresser beneath. They're not as good for saving space as a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teenagers that offers more room to move around in their rooms.

If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and versatile and can be moved them around in case your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the future. They're not as sturdy as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one has no guardrails.

Bunks that have stairs or bunk bed for teens ladders are also available. Ladders require less space and can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and double as a seating area for younger children. Some models can even be capable of converting into a desk and chair, allowing your child to create the perfect bedroom space for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive purchase, so it's essential to factor in your budget when buying. 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 adulthood) it might be worth paying a little more for a better design that will be used for a long time.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a room and a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who wish to save space and avoid the expense of buying an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the bottom and bunk bed for teens top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it may be better to opt for a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The ideal bunk bed for teens is an affordable option, and one that can expand with them. Find a design that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be split into two separate twin beds in case you want to change the layout of your space later on. This design features a contemporary, clean-lined silhouette, boucle upholstered guardrails and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different option to save money. It could be drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and is especially beneficial for those who have the space of a small one. Many of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and some come with additional storage options such as an bookcase headboard for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.