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 can also help in reducing space.

Find bunk beds that are flexible like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or trundles that are easy to remove. You can also find twins that can be stacked and separated to make two beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing bunk beds for your children, you'll want to consider the size, style and security. Make sure you check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be spaced enough apart to allow kids to get up and down safely and not run into one another or fall into the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress the same size as that of the lower one. This will help you avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the future.

You may also opt for a bunk design that isn't traditional and suited to your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed stores bed could be the perfect choice for small spaces or a guest room shared by two people. It can save floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you choose.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's the right time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance, features the classic farmhouse look with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated, 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 an excellent option for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used as a desk and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older kids because it doesn't require them to climb an elevator or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, try it out in your kids bunk bed' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will be off the ground. This will help you determine whether it's safe to climb in and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the window sill. You'll also want to consider the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features to stop falls or entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds can be an ideal option for families with children of all different ages. However, it is essential to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll need to find deals bunk beds beds with railings that are tall enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that does not raise the mattress too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available on mattress sizes and weight limitations. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed and the bunk bed.

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed, and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for security. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, go for a low-slung bottom bunk so that they can play and sit without being too high off the floor.

If you're in a tight space or don't want to take up too much room in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. These require less floor space and are usually only the same size as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for children who might be scared of a higher bunk.

If you have more space, consider a full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the most secure and stylish bunk beds that are available and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that will grow with children as they age and even accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemicals. It is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety 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. Some designs are sleek, minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with teens, as it allows them to sleep two kids in the same room while leaving enough space for a desk dresser or storage drawers in the lower part. Some designs come with a Trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress.

Teens also adore a twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with an extended guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last and it's the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.

For a truly cool bunk, think about an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically a platform bed elevated. They have a ladder on the end giving the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a dresser or desk beneath. These beds aren't as spacious as bunk beds, but they give teens more room in their rooms.

If you're looking for an affordable bed that will provide plenty of safety and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and portable which means they can be moved around when you're looking to revamp your child's bedroom in the future. They're not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top bed has no guardrails.

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

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to factor in your budget when buying. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if are looking for a bunk bed that will last through the teens and even into adulthood, it's worth paying an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used for a long time.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs could be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings sharing a bedroom, while the full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you may want to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.

The ideal bunk bed for teens is a good value and one that will adapt to their needs. Pick a design that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two twin beds if needed. This style features a modern elegant, clean-lined design with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is another option to save money. It could be drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also a good option for those with a smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list come with this option, and a few have additional storage accessories available, such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.