How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and function to kids' rooms. They can also help reduce space.

Choose bunk beds stores beds bunk beds that are flexible, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that is easily removed. There are also stacked twins which can be separated to make two beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting bunk beds for your children you should consider size, style and safety. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will fit into your space. Also, make sure there's enough space for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be far enough apart that kids can move up and down with ease and not run into one another or fall into the walls. Also, you'll want to determine whether the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the bottom one so that you can avoid the need for a trundle or an extra bed in the near future.

You may also opt for an arrangement for your bunk that isn't conventional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be perfect for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It will save space on the floor, and also accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the lower and upper levels, depending on the model you pick.

Many of the best 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 move to a normal double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example it has the classic farmhouse look with curving 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 beds at the top and bottom, leaving more floor space for children to play on.

Another alternative is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's ideal for smaller spaces since it requires less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great choice for older children since it doesn't require them to use a ladder or stairs which makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, try it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will let you know if it is possible to climb up and down at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. You'll also want to consider the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features to stop falls or entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all ages. However, it is essential to consider the safety features before buying. You'll need bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to prevent children from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress which does not elevate the sleeping surface excessively. You should also be aware of the weight capacity, as some bunks have lower limits than others.

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

The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure safety. It is also recommended to avoid bunks that have slatted sides because they are unsafe for children to climb up and down, particularly when the slats aren't securely joined. If your kids love playing on the ground, go for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to play and sit without being too high off the ground.

If you're in a tight space or do not want to occupy the entire space of your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. These are smaller in size and are typically only the same size as a single bed, so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for children who might feel intimidated by the higher bunk.

If you have a little more room, go for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that can grow with kids as they get 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, and it comes in multiple color options.

Style

The right bunk bed can make teens happy, whether it's in the bedroom of a couple or only one child. Many designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds also come in various sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. A twin-over-full design is a favorite among teens because it gives them room to accommodate two children in a single room, and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the bottom. Some options have trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says teens love a twin-over-king loft bed since it occupies less space and provides them with more room 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 most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is basically a raised platform bed. These beds are designed with a ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more space for a dresser or desk. They're not as good for saving space like a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens, and give them more space to move around in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable, so they can be moved around when you're looking to revamp your child's space in the near future. However, they're not as durable as a metal or wood bunk bed and they don't have guardrails on the top bed.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and can be more convenient to climb, while stairs are more secure and can serve as a seating area for younger children. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair to allow your child to have the perfect bedroom set-up for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to take into consideration your budget when you shop. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if want a bunk bed to last into the teens and even into adulthood, it's worth paying an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used for years.

Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping in the bunk bed adults bed and what their needs for sleep could be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a bedroom, while the full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults looking to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen bed. It is also important to determine the amount of headroom you'd like between the bottom and top bunks. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance, it might be best to go with a lower-to ground arrangement.

The best bunk beds for teens are those that are affordable and are able to grow with the teen. Choose a style that will work well in traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two twin beds, if needed. This style has a sleek, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is an additional option to save money. This could include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also useful if you have a small room. Many of the bunks listed on our list come with this feature, and some have additional storage accessories available such as bookcase headboards for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.