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 also can help save space.

Find bunk beds that can be adapted like ones with drawers on the bottom or trundles that are easy to take off. There are also stacked twins which can be divided to create two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When you're choosing a bunk bed for your children You'll need to think about the size, style and security. Examine the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, make sure that there is enough space around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be spaced enough apart to allow kids to move up and down with ease and not collide with each other or smash into the walls. It is also important to determine if the top bunk bed can support a mattress the same size as that of the bottom. This will allow you to avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.

You may also opt for a different shape for your bunk one that is more suitable for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed can be perfect for a small room or an area that is shared by two people. It saves the floor space and can also accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on each of the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you select.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will expand with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time to transition to a regular double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired style with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails that run along 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 leaves more space for kids to play.

Another option is a loft bed, which optimizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's ideal for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and lets you make use of the lower levels for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great option for older children since it eliminates the need to climb a ladder or stairs, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, test it out in your kids bedroom using blue painter's tape to determine how high it will rise above the ground. This will help you determine if it is possible to climb into and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. In addition, you should keep your family's safety in mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds. They define standards for guardrails as well as other features that prevent entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with kids of all ages, however, it's important to consider the safety features when buying. You'll need a bunk bed with guardrails that are high enough to keep children from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress which does not elevate the sleeping surface too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight 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 will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed and the bunk bed.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your children like to play on the ground, pick a bunk with a low slung that allows them to play and sit without being too far from the ground.

If you're limited in space or do not want to occupy too much room in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. These require less floor space and are usually only as wide as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children of smaller age who may feel intimidated by high bunk beds.

If you have a little more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk beds usa bed. They are typically the most secure and stylish bunk beds on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that can grow with your child's growth. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemical. It's made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.

Style

Whether it's for a shared room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed will give teens something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist while others are more playful elements. Bunk beds also come in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with teens, as it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space, while still leaving room for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers at the bottom. Some options have trundle beds which allow the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Tweens also love a twin over king loft bed that occupies less floor space and gives them more space to sprawl out or work from home, according to Fenton. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last and it's the most sturdy grown-up bunk available," she adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the end giving it a more sleek look and makes room for a desk or dresser underneath. They aren't as space-saving as a bunk bed, but they allow teens to have more space in their rooms.

Think about a futon bunk bed if you want a bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are compact and portable, so they can be moved around when you want to redecorate your child's bedroom in the future. However they're not as strong as a metal or wood bunk bed and don't have guardrails on the top bed.

Bunks that include ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and are more convenient to climb, whereas stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for smaller children. Some models can be transformed into a desk or chair to let your child have the perfect bedroom set that can be used for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's crucial to factor in your budget when shopping. There are many inexpensive options out there, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that will last until the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying more for a better design that will last for a long time.

Before you start shopping think about who will be using the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs might be. For instance, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for families with multiple children or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults who wish to save space and avoid the expense of buying a separate queen or king size mattress. It is also important to determine the amount of headroom you'd like between the top and bottom bunks--if kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance, it might be best to go with a lower-to ground arrangement.

The ideal bunk bed for teens will be a good value, and one that can expand with them. Pick a design that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two twin beds if required. This design has a modern sleek, clean lines, boucle upholstered guardrails and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is another way to save money. This could include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This can help you keep your bedroom clutter-free and is especially beneficial when you have a small space. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.