How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft bed can bring fun and utility in the kids' room. They also can help reduce space.

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

Size

You'll need to take into consideration size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Consider the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will fit into your space. Also, make sure there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be far enough apart that kids can move up and down with ease and not run into each other or smash into the walls. Also, you should determine if the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is similar to the size of the bottom. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the near future.

You may also opt for an arrangement for your bunk that is not traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can save space on the floor, and also allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on the model you pick.

Many of the best bunk, your domain name, bed for teens are built to grow with your child by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to move up to the size of a double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for kids to play.

A loft bed is another option that can maximize the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's a great choice for smaller spaces because it doesn't require as much vertical room and allows the bottom level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older children because it doesn't require you to use a ladder or stairs and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, check it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will allow you to determine whether it's possible to climb into and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the window sill. It is also important to take into consideration the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features that prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features before buying. You'll need to choose bunk beds with railings that are high enough to prevent children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which does not elevate the mattress too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have a lower weight limit than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out what specifications are available regarding mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress can be, and they'll typically provide the total capacity of the bunk bed for kids and upper bed capacity for weight.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your children love to play on the ground, choose a bunk with a low slung that allows them to sit and play without having to be too far off the ground.

Pick an L-shaped bed if you do not have enough space in your child's room or if you don't want it to take up a lot of space. These are smaller in size and are usually about the same width as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for younger kids bunk beds, who might be scared of a bunk that is higher.

If you're looking for a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best option. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that can grow with kids as they get older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemical. It's made of sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.

Style

Whether it's for a shared room or just one kid, the right bunk bed for teens will provide something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin over full design is a favorite among teens because it lets them accommodate two children in the same space and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the lower level. Some options come with Trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress.

Fenton says that teens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it occupies less space and provides them with more room to spread out or work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and is the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. They have a ladder on the end giving it a more sleek look and makes room for a desk or dresser beneath. They're not as efficient at saving space as a traditional bunk but they're an attractive option for teens, and give them more space in their rooms.

If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and portable which means they can be moved around in case you're looking to revamp your child's space in the future. However they're not as strong as a metal or wood bunk bed and do not have guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for smaller kids. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk so that your child can have the ideal bedroom set for both play and study.

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's important that you consider your budget. There are many inexpensive options available, but if you need a bed that will last into the teens and on into adulthood, you should consider spending an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used for a long time.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings who share the same bedroom, whereas full over full bunk is ideal for adults who are looking to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen-sized mattress. It is also important to determine the amount of headroom you'd like between the top and bottom bunks--if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example, it might be best to choose a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The most suitable bunk beds for teens are those which are priced at a reasonable price and are able to grow with the teenager. Choose a style that will work well in traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch bunk beds for kids Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two twin beds if needed. This design has a clean-lined 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 its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is an additional option to save money. It could be drawers under the lower bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also useful in the case of a small room. Many of the bunks in our list come with this feature. Some even offer additional storage options like bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.