How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Find bunk beds that are flexible like ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that is easy to take off. There are also twins that can be stacked and divided to create two beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When you're choosing a bunk bed for your children, you'll want to consider size, style, and safety. Take a look at the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to fit in your space. Make sure that there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be spaced enough apart so that children can get up and down safely and not collide with each other or crash into walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can accommodate a mattress that is the same size as that of the bottom one. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the near future.

You can also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape one that is more suitable for your space. A bunk bed with an L shape can be ideal for a small space or an area that is shared by two people. It will save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both upper and lower levels, based on the model you select.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time to transition to a regular double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for kids to play.

Another alternative is a loft bed which maximizes corner space in tween rooms. It's a great option for smaller spaces because it doesn't require as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's also a good choice for older children because it doesn't require you to climb stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, check it out in your child's' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise off the ground. This will let you know whether it's safe to climb in and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. Also, it is important to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds, which define standards for guardrails as well as other features that reduce the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, but it's important to consider the safety features when shopping. You'll want to choose a bed with guard rails that are high enough to stop children from falling over or becoming trapped, and an option that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Be sure to pay attention to the weight capacity, as some bunks have a lower limit than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available regarding mattress sizes and weight limitations. 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 as well as the bunk.

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure safety. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, particularly if they're not securely joined. If your children like to play on the ground, choose a bunk with a low slung that lets them play and sit without having to be too far off the floor.

If you're in a tight space or don't want best place to get bunk beds take up too much room in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less floor space and are usually as wide as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children of smaller age who may feel intimidated by the higher bunks.

If you need a bit more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best bunk beds for heavy adults choice. They are generally the safest and most fashionable bunk beds that are available, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that will grow with children as they get older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemicals. It's made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.

Style

Whether it's for a shared room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed can give teenagers something to be happy about. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with tweens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same space while leaving space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers at the bottom. Some options come with Trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress.

Teens also adore a twin over king loft bed that occupies less floor space and gives them more space to spread out or work from home, says Fenton. best metal bunk beds bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and it's the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.

Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the top that gives an elegant look and gives more space for a dresser or desk beneath. They're not as efficient at conserving space like a traditional bunk but they're an attractive option for teenagers that offers more room to move around in their rooms.

Think about a futon bunk bed if you want an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are compact and portable, so they can be moved around if you're planning to redesign your child's space in the near future. They are not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and are easier to climb. Stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for smaller children. Some models can even be able to convert into a desk and chair which allows your child to build the ultimate bedroom suite for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to consider your budget when buying. While there are plenty of cheap options available, if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that will last into the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying more for a better design that will be used for a long time.

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 arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a bedroom, while the full-over-full bunk is a great option for adults who want to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen bed. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.

The ideal bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that will grow with them. Look for a style that works in traditional and modern rooms, or go with something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be split into two separate twin beds in case you need to reconfigure your space later on. This design features a clean, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb and descend, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

Another option to save money is to choose a bunk with built-in storage, for example drawers under the bed or shelving down below the top. This will allow you to keep the bedroom clutter-free, and is particularly useful if you're working with the space of a small one. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even come with additional storage accessories like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.