How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and function to children's rooms. They can also help to save space.

Choose bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle bed which is easy to take down, and stacked twins that can be separated into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting bunk beds for your children You'll need to think about size, style, and safety. Check the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be spaced far enough apart so that children are able to safely go up and down without having to collide with each other or the walls. Also, you'll need to determine whether the top bunk can support mattresses that is the same size as the bottom one so you won't need for a trundle, or an extra bed in the future.

You can also pick an arrangement for your bunk that is not traditional, if it suits your space better. A bunk bed with an L shape can be perfect for a small room or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can save space on the floor, and also accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the lower and upper levels depending on the model you select.

A lot of the top bunk bed for teens are designed to grow with your child, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to the size of a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance is a classic farmhouse style with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top Bunk Beds Bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the bottom and top beds with more space for children to play on.

Another option is a loft bed, which optimizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's ideal for smaller spaces since it requires less vertical space and lets you use the lower floor for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great option for older kids because it eliminates the need to use an elevator or ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, try it out in your child's bedroom using blue painter's adhesive to see how high it will be off the ground. This will allow you to determine whether it's possible to climb into and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. Also, it is important to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds. These regulations define standards for guardrails as well as other features to prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all ages. However, it is important to take into consideration the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll need a bunk bed with guardrails that are high enough to keep children from falling off or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not elevate the mattress too much. Be sure to be aware of the weight capacity, since some bunks have lower limits than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available on mattress sizes and weight limitations. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed and the bunk.

The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladders or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, particularly if they're not securely joined. If your kids love to play on the ground, select a low-slung bunk that lets them play and sit without being too far from the ground.

If you're in a tight space or do not want to occupy the entire space of your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less floor space and are usually as wide as a single bed, so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for younger kids, who may be intimidated by the higher bunk.

If you need a bit more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best option. They are generally the safest and most elegant bunk beds available on the market, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that can grow with kids as they grow older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

If it's the shared room or one child, the ideal bunk bed can give teenagers something to be enthusiastic about. A lot of designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin-over-full design is a favorite among teens because it lets them sleep two children in a single room, and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the lower level. There are some options that include a trundle bed that allows the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress.

Teens also adore an over-king twin loft bed that takes up less floor space and gives them more space to sprawl out or work from home, says Fenton. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is another popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.

Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design, which is basically a raised platform bed. They have a ladder at the end, which gives it a more sleek look and allows more room for a dresser or desk beneath. They aren't as spacious as bunk beds, but they give teens more room in their rooms.

Think about a futon bunk bed if you want an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are compact and versatile, so you can move them around if your children are looking to revamp their rooms in the future. However they're not as strong 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 are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, could be used as a seat by younger children. Some models are even capable of being converted into a chair and desk and allow your child to have the ultimate bedroom suite to study or play.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's important to factor in your budget when buying. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if you want a bunk bed to last into the teens and even into adulthood, it's worth paying more to get a top-quality bed that can be used indefinitely.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements may be before you start shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a room, while a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to make space and avoid the expense of buying an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the top and bottom bunks--if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it may be better to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.

The most suitable bunk beds for teens are those which are priced at a reasonable price and are able to grow with the teen. Look for a style that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or go with something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you need to reconfigure your space later on. This design has a clean-lined contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's easy for kids to climb and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

Another option to save money is to locate a bunk that has built-in storage options, like drawers beneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also a good option if you have a small space. Many of the bunks in our list have this feature. Some come with additional storage accessories like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.