How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and utility to rooms for kids. They can also help to save space.

Look for bunk beds that are able to be moved, such as ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easy to remove. You can also find stacked twins which can be separated to make two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting bunk beds for your children You'll need to think about size, style, and safety. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will are suitable for your space, and make sure there's enough space for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be placed apart enough that children can safely get up and down and not collide with each other or the walls. Also, you'll need to determine whether the top bunk is able to support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so you won't need for a trundle or another extra bed in the future.

You could also choose a different shape for your bunk, which may be better suited to your space. For example an L-shaped bunk might be perfect for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It saves the floor space and can fit a twin over full or queen mattress on each of the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you choose.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's the right time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features the classic farmhouse look with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom and leaves more floor space for children to play on.

A loft bed is a different option that can maximize the space around corners in tween-rooms. It's a great option for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical room and allows the lower levels to be used as a desk as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's a great choice for older children since it eliminates the use of stairs or ladders which makes it more accessible for large children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room by using blue painter's tape. This will let you know whether it's safe to climb into and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds, which set standards for guardrails and other features to prevent entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it is essential to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll want to choose a bed with rails that are high enough to prevent kids from falling off or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't elevate the bed's surface too high. You should also pay attention to the weight capacity, since some bunks have lower limits than others.

When selecting a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer for details regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and will often list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure security. Avoid bunks with slatted sides, as they can be dangerous for children to climb up and down, especially if the slats aren't tightly connected. If your kids love playing on the ground, you should opt for a low-slung bottom bunk to allow them to sit up and play without being too high off the ground.

If you're limited in space or do not want to take up the entire space of the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are typically only larger than a single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with small ceilings. These are also more suitable for younger children who may be scared of higher bunks.

If you're looking for a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best sturdy bunk beds choice. These are the most fashionable and safe bunk beds available. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that will grow with children as they grow older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in multiple color options.

Style

The right bunk bed can keep teens content regardless of whether it's the shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds also come in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin over full style is a favorite among teens because it gives them room to sleep two children in the same space and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. There are some options that include a Trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress.

Tweens also love an over-king twin loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home, according to Fenton. A bunk bed made of metal with an extended guardrail is a popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last, and is the most sturdy, grown-up bunk," she adds.

For a really cool bunk, think about an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. The beds feature a ladder at the end, which gives an elegant look and gives more space for a dresser or desk underneath. They're not as effective at saving space like a traditional bunk but they're an attractive option for teenagers that offers more room to move around in their rooms.

Think about a futon bunk bed if you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are portable and compact, so they can be moved around if you're looking to revamp your child's bedroom in the near future. However they're not as sturdy as a metal or wood bunk bed and do not have guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for smaller children. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair to allow your child to have the ultimate bedroom set-up for play and study.

Budget

When choosing a bunk bed, it's important to think about your budget. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if are looking for a bunk bed that will last through the teens and into adulthood, it's worth spending an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used indefinitely.

Before you shop think about who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs could be. For instance, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room, while a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to save space and avoid the expense of purchasing an additional queen or king-sized mattress. You'll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the top and bottom bunks--if kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it may be better to opt for a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The best place to get bunk beds bunk beds for teens are those which are priced at a reasonable price and can adapt to the teen. Find a design that is suitable for both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds should you want to change the layout of your space down the road. This design features a contemporary sleek, clean lines with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. It could be drawers under the lower bed, or shelves below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also helpful in the case of a small room. Many of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some even come with additional storage accessories, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.