How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Find bunk beds that can be adapted, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or trundles that are easily removed. There are also twins that can be stacked and divided to create two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to think about the size as well as style and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your kids. Look at the ceiling height to make sure the bunks are able to fit into your space. Also, make sure there's enough room for children to move around them. The beds should be set apart enough that kids can safely move up and down and not hit each other or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress the same size as that of the bottom one. This will help you avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle later on.

You could also choose a non-traditional bunk shape, which may be better for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It will save floor space, and accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on the model you select.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are designed to grow with your child by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to the size of a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example is a classic farmhouse style with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This gives more room for children to play.

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

Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, try it out in your kids' bedroom with blue painter's adhesive to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will give you a sense of whether it can be easily climbed in and out at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds, which establish standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are an ideal option for families with children of all age groups. However, it is essential to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll need to choose bunk beds with guardrails that are high enough to prevent children from falling off or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not elevate the mattress excessively. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have smaller weight limits than others.

When choosing a bunk bed, check its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed and the bunk bed.

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure security. You should also avoid any bunks that have slatted sides as they could be dangerous for kids to climb up and down, particularly if the slats aren't tightly joined. If your children like to play on the ground, choose a bunk with a low slung that allows them to sit and play without being too far from the floor.

If you have a limited space or do not want to occupy too much space in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are typically 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 high bunk beds.

If you need a bit more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. They are typically the most secure and elegant bunk beds available on the market, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that will grow with your child's growth. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemical. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.

Style

The right bunk bed can make teens happy, whether it's in the bedroom of a couple or just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun bunk beds elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular with teens since it gives them room to accommodate two children in a single room, and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers on the bottom. Certain designs have trundle beds which allow the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says teens like a twin-over-king loft bed since it occupies less space and gives them more space to spread out or work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and are the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

If you want a cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder on the end giving the appearance of a sleeker design and makes room for a dresser or desk beneath. They're not as efficient at conserving space like a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teens, and give them more room to move around in their rooms.

If you're looking to find a more affordable bed that will offer plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are small and flexible which means you can move them around in case your kids want to redecorate their rooms in the near future. However they're not as sturdy as a wood or metal bunk bed and don't have guardrails on the top bed.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and are easier to climb, while stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller kids. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk to let your child have the ultimate bedroom set for both play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's important to factor in your budget when you shop. There are many inexpensive options out there, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that can last into the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying extra for a quality design that can be used for many years to come.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs may be before you start shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings who share bedrooms, while a full over full bunk is ideal for adults who want to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen bed. 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, you might want to choose a bed that is lower to the ground.

The best bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that is able to expand with them. Look for a style that works in traditional and modern rooms, or go with something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be divided into two freestanding twin beds in case you want to change the layout of your space later on. This design features a clean, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

Another way to save money is to choose a bunk with built-in storage options, like drawers beneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free. It's also helpful for those with a smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature, and some have additional storage accessories available such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.