How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and functionality in the children's room. They can also help to save space.

Find bunks designed with flexibility, like bottom storage drawers, a trundle bed that's easy to remove, and twin beds that can be divided into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You'll need to take into consideration the dimensions design, style, and security when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will fit in your space. Also, make sure there's enough space for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be placed far enough apart so that children are able to safely go up and down without having to hit each other or the walls. Also, you should determine if the top bunk bed can be able to support a mattress of the same size as that of the bottom. This will allow you to avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the future.

You can also choose an arrangement for your bunk that isn't traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For example, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can help save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both upper and lower levels depending on the model you pick.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time for them to transition to a regular double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This gives more room for children to play.

Another alternative is a loft bed which maximizes corner space in rooms with tweens. It's great for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and bunk beds for teens allows you to make use of the lower levels for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great choice 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 by using blue painter's tape. This will give you a sense of whether it could be easily climbed in and out at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You should also consider the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features that prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, but it's important to consider the safety features when buying. You should look for a bed with guard rails that are high enough to prevent kids from falling off or getting trapped. Also, you need an option that doesn't raise the bed's surface too high. You should also be aware of the weight capacity, as some bunks have lower limits than others.

When selecting a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer for details on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and typically list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure safety. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides, as they could be dangerous for kids bunkbed to climb up or down, particularly when the slats aren't securely joined. If your children love 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 ground.

If you have a limited space or do not want to occupy the entire space of your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. These take up 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 suitable for younger children who might be intimidated by higher bunks.

If you have more space, you can opt for a full-over-full bunk bed. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used as twin or full-size beds bunk beds. Pottery Barn kids bunk beds' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that can grow with kids as they get older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made of sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will 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 come in different sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular among teens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same space while still leaving space for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers on the bottom. Some options have trundle beds which allow the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says that tweens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed since it occupies 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 option for older children because they're "built to last and it's the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially a raised platform bed. These beds are designed with a ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more space to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as efficient at saving space as a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens, and give them more room to move around in their rooms.

Think about a futon bunk bed if you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are portable and compact, so they can be moved around when you want to redecorate your child's room in the near future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one does not have guardrails.

Bunks that include ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can also be used as a seat for children younger than. Some models are even capable of being converted into a chair and desk, allowing your child to create the perfect bedroom set-up to study or play.

Budget

When choosing a bunk bed, it's crucial that you consider your budget. Although there are plenty of affordable options but if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last into the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying a little extra for a quality design that will be used for a long time.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs may be before you start shopping. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for families with multiple children or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults looking to reduce space and avoid the expense of buying an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the bottom and top bunks. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it may be better to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.

The best bunk bed for teens is an affordable option and one that is able to expand with them. Pick a design that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds if needed. This style features a modern sleek, clean lines with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is an additional option to save money. This could include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help make your bedroom less cluttered, and is particularly useful for bunk beds for teens those who have smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some come with additional storage accessories like a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.