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 also can help in reducing space.

Choose bunk beds that are able to be moved like ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that's easy to take off. You can also find twins that are stacked, which can be separated to make two beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.

Size

You should think about the size design, style, and security when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Examine the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be set apart enough that children are able to safely go up and down and not collide with one another or the walls. Also, you'll want 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 additional bed in the future.

You can also pick a bunk shape that isn't conventional and suited to your space better. A bunk bed with an L shape can be perfect for small spaces or an area that is shared by two people. It can help save space on the floor, and also allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on the model you choose.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs and can be converted into two separate beds when it's the right time to move to a normal double bed. For instance, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails along the top bunk beds children's. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This creates more space for kids to play.

A loft bed is an alternative option that can maximize the corner space in rooms with tweens. It's a great choice for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk, dressers or storage cabinets. It's a great choice for older children because it eliminates the use of stairs or ladders and makes it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.

Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, try it out in your kids bedroom using blue painter's tape to determine how high it will rise above the ground. This will give you a feel of whether it could be easily climbed into and out of at night, without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You'll also want to take into consideration the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features that protect against falls and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds can be an ideal option for families with children of all different ages. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features before purchasing. You'll need to find bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to keep children from falling off or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that does not raise the sleeping surface excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have a lower weight limit than others.

When you are choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and will typically list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

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 that have slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, particularly if they're not securely joined. If your kids bunk beds love playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to let them sit and play without being too high off the ground.

Choose an L-shaped bed if you don't have much space in your child's room or if you don't want it taking up lots of space. They take up less floor space and are typically only about the same width as a single bed, which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more suitable for kids who may be intimidated by a higher bunk.

If you require a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. They are the most stylish and safe bunk beds available. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that will grow with your child as they grow. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

If it's an entire room or just one kid, the right bunk bed will give teens something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist while others are more fun elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with teens because it allows them to sleep two kids in the same room while leaving enough space for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers at the bottom. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Tweens also love a twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and gives them more space to sprawl out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and is the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

For a truly cool adult bunk, consider a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the end that gives an elegant look and allows more room for a desk or dresser underneath. These beds aren't as space-saving as a bunk bed however they do allow teens to have more space in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you want a bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are portable and compact, so they can be moved around if you're looking to revamp your child's room in the near future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one has no guardrails.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders take up less space and are easier to climb, while stairs are safer and double as a seat for smaller children. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair to allow your child to have the ultimate bedroom set that can be used for play and study.

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's essential to think about your budget. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you need a bed that will endure through your teens and into adulthood, it's worth spending an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used indefinitely.

Before you begin shopping take into consideration who will be using the bunk bed, and what their needs for sleep could be. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings, while a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to save space and avoid the cost of purchasing a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll also need to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the top and bottom bunks--if kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it may be better to opt for a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The ideal bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that is able to grow with them. Select a style that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two beds if needed. This design features a contemporary elegant, clean-lined design with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

Another option to save money is to find a bunk that has built-in storage, such as drawers under the bed or shelving down below the top. This will help keep the bedroom clutter-free, and it's especially useful when you have a small space. Many of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories, such as a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.