How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft and bunk beds can be a great way to add fun and function in the children's room. They can also help save space.

Look for bunk beds that are flexible like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that is easy to remove. There are also stacked twins which can be separated to make two separate beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting bunk beds for your children You'll need to think about size, style, and safety. Examine the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be placed sufficiently apart that kids can safely move up and down without having to hit each other or the walls. Also, you'll want to determine if the top bunk can support a mattress that is the same size as the bottom one so you don't have to pay for a trundle or an additional bed in the future.

You could also choose a non-traditional bunk shape one that is more suited to your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be perfect for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It saves floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you select.

Many of the best bunk beds on amazon bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time for them to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance it has an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This leaves more space for children to play.

Another option is a loft bed which optimizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces since it doesn't require the same amount of vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's a great option for older children since it eliminates the use of a ladder or stairway which makes it more accessible to large children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will let you know if it is possible to climb into and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. You'll also want to think about the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features that prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages, but it is important to think about security features when you shop. You'll need to find a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to stop children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which doesn't raise up the mattress excessively. Also, be aware of the capacity for weight, as certain bunks have lower limits than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to see the specifications available for mattresses and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress can be, and will typically provide the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.

The best value bunk beds bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladders or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure security. Avoid bunks that have slatted sides because they are dangerous for children to climb up and down, particularly in the case where the slats haven't been tightly fitted together. If your children like to play on the ground, pick a low-slung bunk that allows them to sit and play without having to be too far off the ground.

If you're limited in space or do not want to occupy too much space in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. These are smaller in size and are typically only as wide as a single bed making them 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 a little more space, you can opt for a full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the safest and most fashionable bunk beds that are available and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and best sturdy bunk beds option that can 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 made from sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in multiple color options.

Style

Whether it's for a shared room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed can give teenagers something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds are also available in different sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with tweens because it permits the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space while still leaving space for a desk dresser, or drawers for storage in the lower part. Certain designs have trundle beds which allow the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says that tweens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed because it takes up less space and gives them more room to spread out and work at home. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last, and is the most durable, grown-up bunk," she adds.

For a really cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder on the end that gives an elegant look and allows more room for a dresser or desk underneath. These beds are not as space-saving as a bunk bed however, they can give teens more room in their rooms.

If you're looking for an affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of safety and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and portable, so they can be moved around when you're planning to redesign your child's space in the future. However they're not as sturdy as a metal or wood bunk bed and don't have guardrails on 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 safer and can double as a seat for smaller kids. Some models are able to convert into a desk and chair, allowing your child to have the perfect bedroom space for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to consider your budget when shopping. There are many inexpensive options out there If you're thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that can last until the teens (or even adulthood) it might be worth paying more for a better design that will last for many years to come.

Before you shop think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs might be. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings sharing a bedroom, while a full over full bunk is a great option for adults who are looking to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom between the top bunk and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, it may be better to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.

The most suitable bunk beds for teenagers are those which are priced at a reasonable price and are able to grow with the teen. Find a design that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or choose something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds should you want to change the layout of your space later on. This style features a modern elegant, clean-lined design as well as boucle upholstered guardrails a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is an additional option to save money. It could be drawers beneath the bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and is particularly useful if you're working with a small space. Many of the bunks on our list come with this option, and a few come with additional storage options such as an bookcase headboard for the top best bunk beds with stairs and a desk for the bottom.