How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Find bunk beds that are able to be moved, such as those with bottom storage drawers or trundles that are easy to take off. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be divided to create two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing a bunk bed for your kids you should consider size, style, and safety. Examine the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be spaced apart enough that kids can safely move up and down and not collide with each other or the walls. Also, you'll need to determine whether the top bunk can support mattresses similar to the bottom one, so that you don't have to pay for a trundle or another extra bed in the future.

You may also opt for a different shape for your bunk one that is more for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be perfect for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It is a great way to save the floor space and can fit a queen or twin over full mattress on the upper and lower levels, based on the model you choose.

A lot of the top 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 to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance it has a classic farmhouse style with curved headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made from 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.

A loft bed is another option that maximizes the space around corners in rooms with tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces because it doesn't require the same amount of vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used as a desk, dressers or storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children since it doesn't require a staircase or ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room using blue painter tape. This will give you a sense of whether it can be easily climbed in and out of at night without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You'll also want to consider the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features that stop falls or entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are an ideal option for families with children of all age groups. However, it is essential to consider the safety features before buying. You'll need to choose bunk beds bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to prevent children from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress which doesn't raise up the sleeping surface excessively. Also, be aware of the weight capacity, since some bunks are less able than others.

When selecting the bunk bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer for details on the mattress sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and will often list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladders or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles for security. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides because they are dangerous for kids to climb up or down, especially if the slats aren't tightly connected. If your children love playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom so that they can sit and play without being too high off the ground.

Consider an L-shaped bed if you don't have much space in your child's room or if you don't want it taking up a lot of space. These require less floor space and are usually only the same size as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for younger kids, who might feel intimidated by a bunk that is higher.

If you have a little more space, you can opt for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. These are usually the most secure and fashionable bunk beds on the market and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that can grow with your child as they grow. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made from sustainably sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

Whether it's for an entire room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed will give teens something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek, minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds also come in various sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with teens, as it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space, while leaving enough space for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage on the bottom. Some options come with trundle bed that allows the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress.

Fenton says teens love a twin-over-king loft bed since it occupies less space and provides them with the space to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and are the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is essentially a raised platform bed. They're designed with a ladder at their end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a dresser or desk. These beds aren't as spacious as bunk beds however, they can provide teens with more space in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you want bunk beds that are affordable bunk beds for kids and offers security and comfort. Futons are portable and compact, so they can be moved around if you want to redecorate your child's space in the future. However they're not as sturdy as a wood or metal bunk bed, and they do not have guardrails for the top bed bunk bed.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and can be more convenient to climb, while stairs are safer and double as a seating area for younger kids. Some models can even be able to convert into a desk and chair, allowing your child to create the perfect bedroom space for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's crucial to consider your budget when shopping. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if need a bed that will last into the teens and into adulthood, it's worth paying an extra amount for a high-quality product that can be used indefinitely.

Before you shop, consider who will be using the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs could be. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing bedrooms, while a full over full bunk is a great option for adults who want to save space or reduce the cost of a separate queen bed. You'll also need to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the top and bottom bunks--if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance, it might be best to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.

The best bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Look for a style that is suitable for both modern and traditional rooms, or opt for something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds should you want to change the layout of your space in the future. This design has a clean-lined modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's simple for children to climb and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is another option to save money. This could include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This can help you keep your bedroom clutter-free and is especially beneficial if you're working with a small space. Many of the bunks in our list have this feature. Some come with additional storage options like a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.