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 to save space.

Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers for storage at the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to remove, and twin beds that can be divided into two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll need to think about the size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your kids. Check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough space around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be set far enough apart so that children can safely get up and down and not collide with one another 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 help you avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle later on.

You may also opt for a bunk design that isn't conventional and suited to your space better. A bunk bed with an L shape can be ideal for a small room or an area that is shared by two people. It will save space on the floor, and also 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 will grow with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time for them to move to a normal double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This creates more space for kids to play.

Another alternative is a loft bed which optimizes corner spaces in rooms that are tween. It's a great choice for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older children since it eliminates the need to climb a ladder or stairs which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, check it out in your kids' bedroom with blue painter's tape to determine how high it will rise above the ground. This will help you determine if it is possible to climb in and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. It is also important to take into consideration the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features to protect against falls and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, but it is important to think about security features when you shop. You should look for a bed with guard rails that are tall enough to stop children from falling or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleep surface too high. Also, pay attention to the weight capacity, as some bunks have a lower limit than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available on mattress dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and will typically list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The most suitable bunk beds are solid and sturdy, with stairs or ladders that is securely attached to the frame, and has side handles. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides, as they could be dangerous for kids to climb up or down, especially if the slats aren't tightly joined. If your kids love to play on the ground, choose an un-slung bunk that allows them to sit and play without being too far from the ground.

If you have a limited space or do not want to occupy the entire space of the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are usually only about the same width as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for children who might be scared of the higher bunk.

If you have more space, you can opt for a full-over-full bunk bed. They are the most stylish and safe bunk beds available. They can be used for full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will grow with children as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemical. It is made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.

Style

The right bunk bed can keep teens content regardless of whether it's the shared bedroom or for only one child. Many designs are sleek and minimalist and some have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin over full style is a favorite among teens because it gives them room to accommodate two children in a single room, and still leaves space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the lower level. Some options come with Trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress.

Tweens also love an over-king twin 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 a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and it's the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the end giving the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a desk or dresser beneath. They're not as good for saving space like a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teenagers that offers more room to move around in their rooms.

If you're looking for an affordable bunk that can offer plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and adaptable, so you can move them around if your kids want to redecorate their rooms 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 with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can be used as a seating area by younger children. Some models can be converted into a table or chair so that your child can have the ultimate bedroom set-up for study and play.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's crucial to take into consideration your budget when shopping. There are many cheap options available If you're thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that will last into the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying a little more for a high-quality design that will be used for years to come.

Before you shop bunk beds, consider who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs might be. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a room and a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults looking to make space and avoid the expense of buying a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, it may be better to choose a bed that is lower to the ground.

The best kids bunkbeds bunk bed for teens is a good value, and one that can adapt to their needs. Find a design that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be split into two separate twin beds in case you want to change the layout of your space later on. This design features a contemporary, clean-lined silhouette with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is an additional way 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 clutter-free. It's also useful for those with a smaller room. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories, such as headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.