How to Choose the best affordable bunk beds Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Choose bunks that are built with flexibility, such as drawers for storage at the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to remove and stacked twins that can be split into two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to think about the size, style, and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your kids. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks for children to move around. The beds should be enough apart that kids can move up and down with ease and not collide with each other or crash into the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk can be able to support a mattress of similar to that of the bottom. This will allow you to avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the near future.

You may also opt for a different shape for your bunk, which may be better suitable for your space. For example an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It is a great way to save floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on each of the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you pick.

Many of the best double bunk beds bunk bed for teens are made to grow with your child, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to the size of a double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the top and bottom beds, leaving more floor space for kids to play on.

Another option is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in rooms that are tween. It's great for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's a great choice for older children because it eliminates the use of a ladder or stairway and makes it more accessible to large children and adults.

Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, try it out in your child's' bedroom with blue painter's tape to determine how high it will be off the ground. This will give you a feel of whether it could be easily climbed in and out at night without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You'll also want to take into consideration the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails as well as features that prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds can be a great choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it is important to take into consideration the safety features before purchasing. You'll need to choose a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling over or getting trapped as well as a mattress that doesn't raise up the mattress excessively. You should also be aware of the weight capacity, as some bunks have a lower limit than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available regarding mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and typically list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The best bunk bed reviews bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles to ensure safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're poorly connected. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to play and sit without being too high off the floor.

If you have a limited space or do not want to occupy the entire space of the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. These are smaller in size and are usually only about the same width as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.

If you have more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that will grow with your child's development as they grow. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made of sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.

Style

A good bunk bed can keep teens content regardless of whether it's a shared bedroom or for just one child. Some 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. A twin over full design is a favorite among teens because it gives them room to accommodate two children in the same space and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. Some designs come with a trundle bed that allows the upper level to fit an additional mattress.

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

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. These beds are designed with a ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more room for a dresser or desk. These beds aren't as spacious as a bunk bed however, they can provide teens with more space in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk If you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are compact and versatile and can be moved them around if your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the future. However they're not as sturdy as a wood or metal bunk bed and don't come with guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and can be more convenient to climb, whereas stairs are safer and double as a seat for smaller children. Some models can even be capable of converting into a desk and chair which allows your child to build the perfect bedroom space to study or play.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's crucial to take into consideration your budget when shopping. While there are plenty of cheap options available If you're thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that will last through the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying a bit more for a high-quality design that will last for a long time.

Before you begin shopping, consider who will be using the bunk bed, and what their needs for sleep might be. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a room or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults who wish to reduce space and avoid the expense of buying an additional queen or king-sized mattress. It is also important to determine the amount of headroom you'd like between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it may be better to go with a lower-to ground arrangement.

The best bunk beds for teens are those that are affordable and can grow with the teenager. Choose a design that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or go with something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you want to change the layout of your space later on. This design has a modern sleek, clean lines, boucle upholstered guardrails and a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also 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 can include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help make your bedroom less cluttered, and it's especially useful when you have a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature, and some offer additional storage options like bookcase headboards for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.