How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can bring fun and function to rooms for kids. They also can help reduce space.

Choose bunk beds that can be adapted like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that is easily removed. There are also twins that can be stacked and separated to make two beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting a bunk bed for your children You'll need to think about the size, style and security. Check the ceiling's height 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 apart enough that children can safely get up and down without having to hit one another or the walls. Additionally, you should find out if the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so that you can avoid the need for a trundle or another additional bed in the future.

You may also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape that is suited to your space. An L-shaped bunk beds for kids bed can be the perfect choice for a small space or an area that is shared by two people. It can help save the floor space and can allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the lower and upper levels, depending on the model you select.

Many of the Best Bunk bed bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children's needs and can be converted into two separate beds when it's the right time to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example is an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curved headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This creates more space for children to play.

A loft bed is an alternative option that makes the most of the corner space in tween-rooms. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces since it doesn't take up the same amount of vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a great choice for older children because it eliminates the need to use an elevator or ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room with blue painter tape. This will let you know whether it's possible to climb up and down at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. Also, it is important to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. These regulations define standards for guardrails as well as other features that reduce entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll want to look for beds with rails that are tall enough to prevent kids from falling off or getting trapped. Also, you need an option that doesn't raise the bed's surface too high. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.

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

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladders or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure safety. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides as they could be dangerous for children to climb up or down, particularly in the case where the slats haven't been tightly fitted together. If your kids love playing on the ground, go for a low-slung bottom bunk to let them sit up and play without being too high off the ground.

Consider an L-shaped bed if do not have enough space in the room of your child or if you do not want it to take up a lot of space. They are smaller in size and are generally larger than a single bed. This makes them suitable for small rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for kids bunk bed who might be scared of a higher bunk.

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

Style

If it's an entire room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed can give teenagers something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek, minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular for tweens because it lets them sleep two children in a single room, and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers in the lower level. There are some options with trundle beds which allow the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also love an over-king twin loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more room to stretch out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and it's the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.

For a really cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's basically an elevated platform bed. They're designed with the ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more space for a desk or dresser. They're not as effective at saving space like a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teens that gives them more space in their rooms.

If you're looking for an affordable bunk beds for kids that will still offer plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and portable which means they can be moved around in case you want to redecorate your child's room in the future. However they're not as sturdy as a wood or metal bunk bed and do not have guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, could be used as a seat by younger children. Some models are able to convert into a desk and chair which allows your child to create the perfect bedroom set-up for play and study.

Budget

When shopping for a bunk bed, it's essential that you consider your budget. There are many inexpensive options out there but if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that is designed to last into the teens (or even adulthood), it may be worth paying a little more for a better design that can be used for a long time.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements could be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings sharing a bedroom, while a full over full bunk is perfect for adults who want to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bunks at the top and bottom. If children 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 teenagers are those that are affordable and can adapt to the teenager. Choose a style that will fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two beds if needed. This design features a clean, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb up and down and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is another way to save money. This could include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help make your bedroom less cluttered, and it's especially useful if you're working with smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some come with additional storage accessories, such as a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.