How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft bed can be a great way to add fun and function in the kids' room. They can also help save space.

Choose bunks that are built with flexibility, such as drawers that store items in the bottom 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 should take into consideration the dimensions design, style, and security when selecting a bunk bed for your children. Make sure you check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks will fit in the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that children can safely get up and down and not hit each other or the walls. Also, you'll want to determine whether the top bunk is able to support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so that you don't have to pay for a trundle or another extra bed in the future.

You could also choose an alternative to the traditional bunk shape that is for your space. A bunk bed with an L shape can be perfect for a small space or a guest room shared by two people. It will save space on the floor, and also accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you select.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are built to adapt to your child's needs by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to move up to an adult bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails that run along 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 kids to play on.

Another option is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces since it doesn't require the same amount of vertical space and allows the lower levels to be used for desks as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's a great option for older children as it doesn't require a ladder or stairway which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will give you a sense of whether it is easily climbed into and out of at night, without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. These regulations set standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all ages. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll need a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling off or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that does not raise the mattress too much. Also, pay attention to the capacity for weight, as some bunks have a lower limit than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available regarding mattress sizes and weight limitations. 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 upper bunk bed and the bunk bed.

The best bunk bed brands bunk beds are sturdy constructed, and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles to ensure security. Avoid bunks that have slatted sides as they can be dangerous for children to climb up or down, particularly if the slats aren't tightly fitted together. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, you should opt for a low-slung bottom bunk so that they can sit and play without being too high off the floor.

Consider an L-shaped bed if don't have much space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it to take up lots of space. They require less space and are usually only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with small ceilings. They are also suitable for children of smaller age who might be intimidated by the higher bunks.

If you have more room, go for a full-over-full bunk bed. They are the most stylish 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 can grow with kids as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemical. It's made of sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.

Style

If it's an entire room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed will give teens something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full and even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular among teens because it allows them to sleep two kids in the same space, while leaving space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers at the bottom. Certain designs have trundle beds which allow the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Tweens also love the twin over king loft bed that occupies less floor space and gives them more space to sprawl out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and is the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is essentially a raised platform bed. They have a ladder at the end that gives the appearance of a sleeker design and makes room for a dresser or desk under. These beds aren't as space-saving as bunk beds however they do provide teens with more space in their rooms.

Think about a futon bunk bed if you want bunk beds that are affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable and can be moved them around if your children want to redecorate their rooms in the near future. However they're not as strong as a metal or wood bunk bed and do not have guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can be used as seats by children who are younger. Some models can even be able to convert into a chair and desk and allow your child to have the perfect bedroom space for play and study.

Budget

When shopping for a bunk bed, it's essential to consider your budget. There are many affordable options If you're thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that can last until the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying a little extra for a quality design that will be used for a long time.

Before you begin shopping think about who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs might be. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing the same bedroom, whereas the full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults looking to save space or avoid the cost of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll also need to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bunks at the top and bottom. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it may be better to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.

The best bunk bed for teens is an affordable option and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Look for a style that is suitable for traditional and modern rooms, or go with something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you're looking to alter your space down the road. This design features a contemporary, clean-lined silhouette as well as boucle upholstered guardrails an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

Another option to save money is to choose an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, for example drawers under the bed or shelves below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also a good option if you have a small room. Many of the bunks in our list come with this feature. Some even come with additional storage accessories, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.