How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and utility in the room for kids. They also can help in reducing space.

Look for bunk beds that are able to be moved like ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that's easy to take off. There are also twins that can be stacked and divided to create two separate beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting bunk beds for your children you should consider size, style, and safety. Examine the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks will fit in the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks for children to move around. The beds should be spaced enough apart so that children can climb and descend safely and not collide with each other or smash into walls. Also, you'll want to find out whether the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so that you can avoid the 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 example, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It is a great way to save the floor space and can also accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you select.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time for them to transition into a regular double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired style with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This gives more room for children to play.

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

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom with blue painter tape. This will allow you to determine if it is possible to climb up and down at night without hitting 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 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 are a great option for families with kids of all ages, however, it's important to take into consideration the safety features when shopping. You'll need to choose 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 mattress excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have smaller weight limits than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available regarding mattress sizes and weight limitations. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and typically provide the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles for security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly joined. If your children like to play on the ground, pick a bunk with a low slung that lets them play and sit without being too far off the ground.

Choose an L-shaped bed if don't have a lot of space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it taking up a lot of space. These are smaller in size and are typically only about the same width 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 may feel intimidated by high bunk beds.

If you have a little more space, consider a full-over-full-size bunk bed. They are typically the most secure and stylish bunk beds on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will grow with children as they get older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of harmful chemicals. It is made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.

Style

It's for a shared room or just one kid, the right bunk bed for teens will provide something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist and some have more playful elements. bunk beds uk beds also come in a variety of sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular among teens because it permits them to sleep two kids in the same room while leaving enough space for a desk dresser, or drawers for storage on the bottom. Certain designs have Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says teens love a twin-over-king loft bed because it occupies less space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home. Metal bunk beds with an extended guardrail is a popular choice for older kids bedroom furniture because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.

If you want a cool buy bunk bed, you should consider an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. They have a ladder on the end giving it a more sleek look and allows more room for a desk or dresser under. These beds are not as space-saving as bunk beds however, they can provide teens with more space in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk If you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable which means you can move them around if your children are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top bed has no guardrails.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, can be used as a seating area by children who are younger. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair to allow your child to have the ultimate bedroom set for both play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to take into consideration your budget when buying. There are many affordable options, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last until the teens (or even into adulthood) it might be worth paying a bit extra for a quality design that can be used for years to come.

Before you shop, consider who will be sleeping in the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be. For instance, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for families with multiple children, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who want to save space and avoid the expense of purchasing a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you might want to choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.

The most suitable bunk beds for teens are those that offer a good price and are able to grow with the teen. Find 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 if you're looking to alter your space later on. This style has a sleek, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

Another option to save money is to find an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, for example drawers underneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom tidy and clutter-free. It's also helpful if you have a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some come with additional storage options like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.