How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Choose bunk beds that are able to be moved, such as ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that where is the best place to buy bunk beds easily removed. There are also stacked twins which can be separated to make two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting a bunk bed for your children, you'll want to consider size, style, and safety. Check the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks to allow the kids to move. The beds should be far enough apart so that children can get up and down safely and not run into each other or crash into the walls. Additionally, you should find out whether the top bunk is able to support a mattress that is the same size as the bottom one so that you won't need for a trundle, or an extra bed in the future.

You may also opt for an arrangement for your best bunk beds on amazon that isn't conventional and suited to your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed can be the perfect choice for a small room or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can help save the floor space and can accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the lower and upper levels, depending on the model you pick.

A lot of the top bunk bed for teens are designed to adapt to your child's needs, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to an adult bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the bottom and top beds with more space for kids to play on.

A loft bed is a different option that makes the most of the corner space in rooms with tweens. It's great for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's a great option for older children as it doesn't require a ladder or stairway, making it more accessible to adults and children of larger sizes.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom using blue painter tape. This will let you know whether it's possible to climb up and down at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. In addition, you should keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. They establish standards for guardrails and other features that prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll need to find bunk beds with railings that are high enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which does not raise the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to see the specifications available for mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and often list the total bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.

The best bunk beds on amazon bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladders or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure safety. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides, as they can be unsafe for children to climb up and down, particularly if the slats aren't tightly joined. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to sit and play without being too high off the ground.

If you're limited in space or do not want to occupy too much space in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less floor space and are typically only the same size as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for children of smaller age who may be scared of higher bunks.

If you have a little more room, go for a full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the safest and most fashionable bunk beds on the market and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that can grow with kids as they get older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemical. It is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will keep teens content, whether it's in a shared bedroom or for only one child. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are also available in various sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full, and even queen. A twin over full style is a favorite among teens because it allows them to sleep two children in a single room, and still leave room 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.

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

For a really cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at their end. This gives them a sleeker look and more space to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as good for saving space as a traditional bunk, however, they're a stylish choice for teens, and give them more space in their rooms.

If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are small and flexible and can be moved them around in case your kids want to redecorate their rooms in the near future. However they're not as sturdy like 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 efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can be used as a seat by younger children. Some models can be transformed into a desk or chair to let your child have the ideal bedroom set for both play and study.

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's essential that you consider your budget. While there are plenty of affordable options If you're thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last into the teens (or even into adulthood) it might be worth paying a bit extra for a quality design that will be used for many years to come.

Before you shop think about who will be sleeping in the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs could be. For instance, a twin over a twin configuration is great for rooms with siblings and a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults looking to reduce space and avoid the cost of purchasing a separate queen or king size mattress. It is also important to determine how much headroom you want between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance, it might be Best Sturdy bunk Beds to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.

The most suitable bunk beds for teenagers are those that are affordable and can grow with the teen. Find a design that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds in case you want to change the layout of your space later on. This design features a clean, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb and down and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

Another way to save money is to choose a bunk with built-in storage options, like drawers beneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom tidy and clutter-free. It's also useful if you have a small room. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature, and some come with additional storage options like a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.