How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft bed can be a great way to add fun and function in the children's room. They can also help reduce space.

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

Size

When choosing a bunk bed for your children, you'll want to consider size, style, and safety. Check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, make sure that there is enough space around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be enough apart so that children can get up and down safely and not run into one another or fall into walls. It is also important to determine if the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is the same size as that of the bottom. This will help you avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the future.

You may also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape, which may be better suitable for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. It is a great way to save floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on the lower and upper levels, depending on which 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 the right time to move to a normal double bed. For instance, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This leaves more space for children to play.

Another alternative is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's great for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great choice for older kids because it eliminates the need to climb stairs or a ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, check it out in your kids bedroom using blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise off the ground. This will give you a feel of whether it could be easily climbed into and out of at night, without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. It is also important 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 that stop falls or entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds can be a great choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features before buying. You'll want to look for a bed with guard rails that are tall enough to prevent kids from falling off or getting trapped and an option that doesn't raise the sleep surface too high. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.

When you are choosing a bunk bed, check its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed as well as the bunk.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladders or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for safety. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides, as they can be dangerous for children to climb up or down, especially if the slats aren't tightly joined. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to let them sit and play without being too high off the floor.

Pick an L-shaped bed if don't have much space in your child's room or if you do not want it to take up much space. These take up less floor space and are typically only about the same width as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for children who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.

If you have a little more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are the most fashionable and safe bunk beds available. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that grows with your child 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 also made of sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.

Style

Whether it's for the shared room or one child, the perfect bunk bed for teens will provide something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist and some have more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. A twin over full style is a favorite among teens because it gives them room to accommodate two children in the same space and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers in the lower level. Some designs come with a 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 since it takes up less space and provides them with more room to spread out and work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older kids bunk beds because they're "built to last and are the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.

For a truly cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the top, which gives it a more sleek look and gives more space for a dresser or desk beneath. These beds are not 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 and offers safety and comfort. Futons are compact and portable and can be moved around if you want to redecorate your child's room in the future. They are not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one does not have guardrails.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can be used as seats by children who are younger. Some models are even capable of being converted into a desk and chair and allow your child to have the perfect bedroom set-up for study time and playtime.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's crucial to take into consideration your budget when you shop. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if need a bed that will last through the teens and on into adulthood, it's worth spending more for a high-quality product that can be used for years.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs may be before you start shopping. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for families with multiple children, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults looking to save space and avoid the expense of buying a separate queen or king mattress. 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 could be beneficial to choose a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The best places to buy bunk beds bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Pick a design that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds if needed. This design has a modern bunk beds, clean-lined silhouette, boucle upholstered guardrails and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is another way to save money. This can include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This can help you keep your bedroom clutter-free and it's especially useful when you have the space of a small one. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even come with additional storage accessories like a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.