How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can bring fun and function to kids' rooms. They can also help to reduce space.

Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as bottom storage drawers and a trundle bed that's easy to take down and twins that stack and can be divided into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to take into consideration the size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Check the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks to allow children to move around. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that kids can safely move up and down without having to crash into one another or the walls. Additionally, you should determine whether the top bunk can support a mattress of the same size as the bottom one so you don't have to pay for a trundle, or an extra bed in the near future.

You can also opt for a different shape for your bunk one that is more for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be perfect for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It is a great way to save the floor space and can fit a twin over full or queen mattress on the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you choose.

A lot of the top bunk bed for teens are made to adapt to your child's needs and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to move up to a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance it has a classic farmhouse style with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the top and bottom beds with more space for children to play on.

A loft bed is a different option that makes the most of the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces since it doesn't require as much vertical space and allows the lower levels to be used for desks as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older kids because it eliminates the need to use a ladder or stairs and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Test the height of any buy bunk beds bed in your child's room with blue painter tape. This will give you a feel of whether it can be easily climbed into and out of at night, without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You should also take into consideration the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features to stop falls or entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features before buying. You should look for beds with rails that are tall enough to keep kids from falling off or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Also, pay attention to the weight capacity, as certain bunks are less able than others.

When choosing the bunk bed you want, look on its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed and the bunk.

The best bunk bed bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles for safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly joined. If your children like to play on the ground, pick an un-slung bunk that allows them to sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.

If you're in a tight space or do not want to occupy too much space in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less floor space and are typically only the same size as a single bed making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for younger children who may be scared of higher bunks.

If you have a little more room, go for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. They are generally the most secure and elegant bunk beds available that are available and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that can grow with your child's development 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 and is made from sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

If it's an entire room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed can give teenagers something to be happy about. Many designs are minimalist and sleek, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with teens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same space while still leaving room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers in the lower part. Some options have trundle beds which allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says teens love a twin-over-king loft bed since it takes up less space and provides them with more room to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and are the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.

If you want a cool bunk, consider a l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. These beds are designed with a ladder at their end. This makes them more sleek and more space for a dresser or desk. These beds aren't as spacious as bunk beds however they do allow teens to have more space in their rooms.

If you're looking for an affordable childrens bunk beds that will still offer plenty of security and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and portable, so they can be moved around when you're looking to revamp your child's bedroom in the future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one has no guardrails.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and are more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and double as a seating area for younger kids. Some models can even be able to convert into a desk and chair and allow your child to build the perfect bedroom space for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's crucial to consider your budget when shopping. Although there are plenty of affordable options but if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that will last until the teens (or even adulthood), it may be worth paying a bit extra for a quality design that will last for years to come.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for families with multiple children, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who want to reduce space and avoid the cost of buying a separate queen or king-sized mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom that is available between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.

The best bunk beds for teens are those that are affordable and are able to grow with the teenager. Find a design that is suitable for traditional and modern rooms, or go with something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be split into two separate twin beds in case you need to reconfigure your space in the future. This style has a sleek, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings, and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb up 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, for example drawers beneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom tidy and free of clutter. It's also helpful if you have a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list feature this feature. Some even offer additional storage options, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.