How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can add fun and utility to rooms for kids. They also can help in reducing space.

Find bunks built with flexibility, such as bottom storage drawers, a trundle bed that's easy to take down and twin beds that can be separated into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing bunk beds for your kids you should consider size, style and safety. Check the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, ensure that there is enough room around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that children can safely get up and down without having to collide with one another or the walls. Also, you'll need to find out whether the top bunk can support a mattress of the same size as the bottom one, so that you won't need for a trundle, or an additional bed in the future.

You may also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape that is for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It will save space on the floor, and also accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on the model you select.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children's needs 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 that run along the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the top and bottom beds, leaving more floor space for kids to play on.

Another option is a loft bed, that maximizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's a great option for smaller spaces because it doesn't require as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's a great choice for older children because it doesn't require a staircase or ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, try it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's tape to determine how high it will be above the ground. This will give you an idea 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. In addition, you should ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds, which set standards for guardrails and other features that reduce entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to take into consideration the safety features when buying. You'll want to choose a bed with guard rails that are high enough to keep children from falling or getting trapped and an option that doesn't raise the bed's surface too high. You should also pay attention to the weight capacity, as certain bunks are less able than others.

When selecting a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress can be, and typically list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for security. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides as they can be dangerous for children to climb up or down, especially if the slats aren't tightly fitted together. If your children love to play on the ground, choose an un-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 too much space in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less floor space and are typically only as wide as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children of smaller age who might be intimidated by higher bunks.

If you have more space, you can opt for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. They are generally the most secure and elegant bunk beds available on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that will grow with your child's development as they grow. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of harmful chemicals. It's made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.

Style

If it's an entire room or just one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with tweens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same space, while still leaving space for a desk dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. Certain designs have trundle beds which allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also love the twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, according to Fenton. https://www.bunkbedsstore.uk/ with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last, and is the most durable grown-up bunk available," she adds.

If you want a cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. They're designed with the ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more space to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as efficient at saving space as a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teens that gives them more space in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you want bunk beds that are affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are portable and compact and can be moved around when you're looking to revamp your child's bedroom in the future. They're not as sturdy as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed has no guardrails.

Bunks that include stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, could be used as seats by children who are younger. Some models are even capable of being converted into a desk and chair, allowing your child to build the perfect bedroom set-up for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to consider your budget when shopping. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if you want a bunk bed to endure through your teens and on into adulthood, it's worth paying an extra amount for a high-quality product that can be used for a long time.

Before you shop, consider who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs could be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing the same bedroom, whereas full over full bunk is ideal for adults looking to reduce space or the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the bottom and top bunks. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.

The ideal bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option, and one that can adapt to their needs. Find a design that is suitable for traditional and modern rooms, or opt for something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be split into two separate twin beds if you want to change the layout of your space later on. This style has a sleek, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's simple for children to climb up and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

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