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 to save space.

Find bunks built with flexibility, such as bottom storage drawers or a trundle bed which is easy to take down, and twins that stack and can be split into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You should think about the size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks to allow children to move around. The beds should be placed far enough apart so that children can safely get up and down and not hit each other or the walls. It is also important to determine if the top bunk bed can support a mattress similar to the size of the lower one. This will allow you to avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.

You can also choose a bunk design that isn't conventional and suited to your space better. For example an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It will save floor space, and allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the lower and upper levels depending on the model you pick.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time for them to transition into a regular double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the bottom and top beds, leaving more floor space for kids to play on.

Another alternative is a loft bed which optimizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's ideal for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's a great choice for older children as it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder, making it more accessible for larger children and adults.

Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, check it out in your kids bedroom using blue painter's tape to determine how high it will be off the ground. This will allow you to determine whether it's safe to climb into and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. It is also important to think about the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features to prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to take into consideration the security features when you shop. You'll need bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which doesn't raise up the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have a lower weight limit than others.

When choosing the bunk bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed and the bunk bed.

The best bunk beds will be sturdy and have stairs or ladders that is attached securely to the frame, and has side handles. Avoid bunks with slatted sides as they can be dangerous for kids to climb up or down, especially if the slats aren't tightly joined. If your children like to play on the ground, select a bunk with a low slung that allows them to play and sit without being too far off the floor.

Pick an L-shaped mattress if you don't have a lot of space in your child's bedroom or if you do not want it to take up a lot of space. They take up less space and are usually only larger than a single bed. This makes them perfect for small rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for younger kids, who might feel intimidated by the higher bunk.

If you're looking for a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that can grow with your child's growth. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemicals. It's made of sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.

Style

If it's an entire room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed can give teenagers something to be happy about. Many designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with teens, as it allows them to sleep two children in the same space while leaving room for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers in the lower part. Some designs come with a trundle bed that allows the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress.

Teens also love a twin over king loft bed that occupies less floor space and gives them more space to sprawl out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and is the most sturdy, adult bunk bed-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the top giving the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a dresser or desk under. They aren't as space-saving as a bunk bed, but they give teens more room in their rooms.

If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and versatile, so you can move them around if your children want to redecorate their rooms in the future. However they're not as strong as a metal or wood bunk bed and don't come with guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are smaller and can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller kids. Some models can even be capable of being converted into a desk and chair which allows your child to have the ultimate bedroom suite for play and study.

Budget

When shopping for a bunk bed, it's important that you consider your budget. There are many cheap options available, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that can last through the teens (or even into adulthood) it might be worth paying a bit more for a high-quality design that can be used for many years to come.

Think about who will be using 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 full over full bunk is ideal for adults who want to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen bed. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you might want to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.

The best bunk beds for kids sale bed for teens is an affordable option and one that will expand with them. Find a design that works in both modern and traditional rooms, or go with something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you're looking to alter your space down the road. This design features a contemporary elegant, clean-lined design with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

Another option to save money is to find a bunk with built-in storage, such as drawers under the bed or a shelf below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also a good option if you have a small room. Many of the bunks on our list come with this feature, and some offer additional storage options such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.