How to Choose the best kids' bunk beds Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can add fun and functionality to rooms for kids. They can also help to save space.

Find bunk beds that can be adapted like ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that's easy to remove. You can also find twins that can be stacked and divided to create two beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.

Size

You should think about the dimensions design, style, and security when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be far enough apart that kids can get up and down safely and not run into one another or fall into the walls. Also, you'll need to find out whether the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so that you don't have to pay for a trundle, or an extra bed in the future.

You may also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape that is suited to your space. A bunk bed with an L shape can be perfect for small spaces or an area that is shared by two people. It can help save the floor space and can accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both upper and lower levels, based on the model you choose.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will 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 an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curved headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom with more space for kids to play on.

A loft bed is another option that can maximize the space around corners in rooms with tweens. It's ideal for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and allows you to make use of the lower levels for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great option for older children because it eliminates the need to use stairs or a ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom using blue painter tape. This will give you an idea of whether it is easily climbed into and out of at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds. They define standards for guardrails as well as other features to prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to consider the safety features when shopping. You'll need to choose bunk for adults beds with guardrails that are high enough to keep children from falling off or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that does not elevate the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have a lower weight limit than others.

When selecting a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and typically list the total capacity of the bunk beds for adults and upper bed capacity for weight.

The most suitable bunk beds are sturdy and feature a ladder or stair that is attached securely to the frame, and has handles on the sides. Avoid bunks with slatted sides as they could be dangerous for children 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 play and sit without being too high off the floor.

If you're limited in space or do not want to occupy too much room in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. These require less floor space and are usually about the same width as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more suitable for younger kids, who might feel intimidated by a bunk beds kids that is higher.

If you have a little more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are usually the safest and most fashionable bunk beds that are available, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that can grow with kids as they age and even can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of harmful chemicals. It's made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.

Style

A good bunk bed can keep teens content regardless of whether it's in the shared bedroom or for just one child. Many designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with tweens because it permits the possibility of sleeping two children in the same room while leaving enough room for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers at the bottom. Some options come with Trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress.

Fenton says that teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed because it occupies less space and gives them the space to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and it's the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is essentially a raised platform bed. They're designed with the ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more room for a desk or dresser. They're not as effective at saving space as a traditional bunk, however, they're a stylish choice for teens that gives them more room to move around in their rooms.

If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of security and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and portable which means they can be moved around when you want to redecorate your child's bedroom in the future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and can be more convenient to climb, whereas stairs are more secure and can serve as a seating area for younger kids. Some models are even capable of converting into a desk and chair, allowing your child to have the perfect bedroom set-up to study or play.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's crucial to factor in your budget when shopping. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you want a bunk bed to last into the teens and even into adulthood, it's worth spending an extra amount for a quality product that can be used indefinitely.

Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs might be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings who share bedrooms, while a full over full bunk is ideal for adults looking to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you may want to select a layout that is lower than the ground.

The best bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option and one that will grow with them. Choose a design that is suitable for both modern and traditional 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 if you need to reconfigure your space later on. This design has a modern, clean-lined silhouette with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is an additional option to save money. This could include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help keep the bedroom clutter-free, and it's especially useful if you're working with a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some come with additional storage options, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.