How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and utility in the room for kids. They can also help to save space.

Look for bunk beds that are flexible, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that is easily removed. You can also find twins that are stacked, which can be separated to make two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When you're choosing bunk beds for your kids, you'll want to consider size, style, and safety. Check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough space around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be spaced apart enough that kids can safely move up and down without having to crash into each other or the walls. Also, you should determine if the top bunk bed can support a mattress similar to the size of the bottom one. This will allow you to avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the near future.

You can also choose a bunk design that is not traditional, if it suits your space better. A bunk bed with an L shape can be the perfect choice for a small room or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can save floor space, and allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both upper and lower levels, based on the model you pick.

Many of the best childrens bunk beds bunk bed for teens are made to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to move up to an adult bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for children to play.

Another alternative is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in rooms with tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical room and allows the bottom level to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a good choice for older children since it doesn't require them to climb stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, check it out in your kids' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise off 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. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk bed uk beds. These regulations establish standards for guardrails and other features that reduce entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are an ideal option for families with children of all different ages. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features before purchasing. You'll need bunk beds with guardrails that are high enough to stop children from falling off or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not raise the sleeping surface too much. You should also be aware of the weight capacity, since some bunks are less able than others.

When selecting a bunk bed, make sure to check its manufacturer's website for specifications regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and will typically provide the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The best bunk beds (click the next page) are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides, as they could be dangerous for kids to climb up and down, especially when the slats aren't securely joined. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, go for a low-slung bottom bunk to allow them to sit and play without being too high off the floor.

If you're limited in space or do not want to occupy too much space in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less floor space and are usually only about the same width as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more suitable for children who might be scared of a higher bunk beds for kids.

If you have a little more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will expand with kids as they get older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemicals. It's made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.

Style

The right bunk bed can keep teens content regardless of whether it's in the bedroom of a couple or just one child. Many designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with teens, as it allows them to sleep two children in the same space, while leaving enough space for a desk dresser, or drawers for storage in the lower part. Some options come with Trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress.

Tweens also love a twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, according to Fenton. A bunk bed made of metal with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last and is the most durable adult-sized bunk," she adds.

For a truly cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They're designed with a ladder at their end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a desk or dresser. They're not as effective at saving space like a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens, and give them more space in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you want an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable which means they can be moved around in case you're looking to revamp your child's room in the future. However, they're not as durable like a metal or wood bunk bed and don't have guardrails on the top bed.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can be used as a seat by children who are younger. Some models can be transformed into a chair or desk to let your child have the ideal bedroom set that can be used for study and play.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's crucial to take into consideration your budget when you shop. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if are looking for a bunk bed that will last through the teens and even into adulthood, you should consider spending an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used indefinitely.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for families with multiple children or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults who want to make space and avoid the expense of buying an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top bunk and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.

The best bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that will adapt to their needs. Pick a design that can work in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds if required. This style has a sleek, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb and descend, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

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