How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can add fun and utility to kids' rooms. They can also help to save space.

Choose bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers that store items in the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to take down and twin beds that can be separated into two beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You'll need to take into consideration size design, style, and security when selecting a bunk bed for your children. Look at the ceiling height to ensure the bunks fit in your space. Also, make sure there's enough room for children to move around them. The beds should be set far enough apart so that kids can safely move up and down and not collide with each other or the walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is the same size as that of the bottom one. This will allow you to avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the future.

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

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will expand with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time to transition to a regular double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the top and bottom beds, leaving more floor space for children to play on.

Another alternative is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in rooms that are tween. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces as it doesn't require as much vertical room and allows the lower levels to be used as a desk and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children since it doesn't require a ladder or stairway, making it more accessible for large children and adults.

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

Safety

Bunk beds can be an ideal option for families with children of all ages. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features before buying. You'll need to find bunk beds with railings that are high enough to stop children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which doesn't raise up the sleeping surface too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.

When choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer for details regarding the mattress's dimensions 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 as well as the bunk.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. Avoid bunks with slatted sides as they can be unsafe for children to climb up and down, particularly when the slats aren't securely joined. If your children love to play on the ground, select a low-slung bunk that lets them play and sit without having to be too far off the ground.

If you're limited in space or do not want to take up too much space in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less space and are usually only about the same size as a single bed. https://www.bunkbedsstore.uk/ makes them suitable for rooms with narrow ceilings. These are also more suitable for children who may be scared of high bunk beds.

If you have a little more space, consider a full-over-full bunk bed. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that grows with your child's growth. It can even 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 multiple color options.

Style

If it's a shared room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed can give teenagers something to be enthusiastic about. Many designs are minimalist and sleek, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds 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 tweens because it allows them to sleep two kids in the same space, while leaving enough room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers in the lower part. Some designs come with a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.

Teens also adore an over-king twin loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to sprawl out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with an extended guardrail is a popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most durable adult-sized bunk," she adds.

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the top giving it a more sleek look and allows more room for a desk or dresser underneath. They're not as good for conserving space as a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teenagers that offers more space in their rooms.

If you're looking for an affordable bunk that will still offer plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and portable and can be moved around if you're looking to revamp your child's space in the future. They're not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and are easier to climb, while stairs are safer and can double as a seat for younger kids. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk to let your child have the ideal bedroom set that can be used for study and play.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's crucial to take into consideration your budget when buying. There are many inexpensive options out there but if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that is designed to last through the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying a bit more for a high-quality design that will be used for a long time.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs might be prior to shopping. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults looking to reduce space and avoid the expense of buying an additional queen or king-sized mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom between the top bunk and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, it may be better to select a layout that is lower to the ground.

The best bunk bed for teens will be one that is affordable and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Choose a design that is suitable for both modern and traditional rooms, or go with something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you're looking to alter your space in the future. This style features a modern elegant, clean-lined design, boucle upholstered guardrails and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

Another option to save money is to locate an area of the bunk that is built-in storage options, like drawers beneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also useful if you have a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature, and a few have additional storage accessories available such as a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.