How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft bed can be a great way to add fun and function in the room for kids. They also can help save space.

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

Size

You should think about the dimensions as well as style and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Look at the ceiling height to ensure the bunks fit into your space. Make sure that there's enough space for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be placed apart enough that children can safely get up and down without having to hit each other or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can accommodate a mattress that is similar to that of the bottom. This will help you avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle later on.

You can also opt for a different shape for your bunk one that is more suitable for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed can be ideal for a small space or a guest room shared by two people. It will save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, based on the model you choose.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children's needs by converting into two independent 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 an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the top and bottom beds and leaves 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 an excellent option for smaller spaces since it doesn't take up as much vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children because it eliminates the use of stairs or ladders and makes it more accessible for large children and adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom with blue painter tape. This will let you know if it is possible to climb up and down at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. In addition, you should keep your family's safety in 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 kids of all ages, however, it's important to consider the security features when you shop. You'll need to choose a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to stop children from falling or becoming trapped, and a mattress which does not raise the mattress excessively. Be sure to pay attention to the weight capacity, since some bunks have a lower limit than others.

When choosing the bunk bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer for details on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and typically provide the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The ideal bunk beds will be sturdy and have a ladder or stair that is securely attached to the frame and comes with handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your children love to play on the ground, select a bunk with a low slung that lets them play and sit without being too far from the ground.

Consider an L-shaped bed if don't have much space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it to take up much space. They require less floor space and are usually the same size as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for younger children who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.

If you have more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. They are the most stylish 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 choice that can grow with kids as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it is available in a variety of color options.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will make teens happy, whether it's in the shared bedroom or for just one child. A lot of designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin over full style is a favorite among teens because it lets them accommodate two children in the same room and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also love a twin over king loft bed, which 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 a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last and is the most sturdy, grown-up bunk," she adds.

If you want a cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are designed with a ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more space to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as efficient at saving space as a traditional bunk, however, they're a stylish choice for teens, and give them more room to move around in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk if you want an affordable bunk bed that is affordable bunk beds for kids and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable, so you can move them around if your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the near future. However they're not as strong like a metal or wood bunk bed and do not have guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks that include ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller children. Some models can be transformed into a desk or chair so that your child can have the ultimate bedroom set-up for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's important to factor in your budget when buying. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will endure through your teens and even into adulthood, it's worth spending more for a high-quality product that can be used indefinitely.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements could be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for families with multiple children or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults who wish to save space and avoid the cost of purchasing an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom between the top bunk bed cheap and bottom bunk beds near me. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to select a layout that is lower than the ground.

The best bunk beds for kids bunk bed for teens is an affordable option and one that will expand with them. Look for a style that works in both modern and traditional rooms, or go with something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be split into two separate twin beds if you need to reconfigure your space later on. This design has a clean-lined modern design, boucle-upholstered railings, and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is a different way to save money. It could be drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom tidy and free of clutter. It's also helpful in the case of a small room. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature, and a few have additional storage accessories available, such as bookcase headboards for the upper contemporary bunk beds and a desk for the bottom.