How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Choose bunks that are designed with flexibility, like drawers that store items in the bottom and a trundle bed that's easily removed, and stacked twins that can be divided into two separate beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing bunk beds for your children you should consider the size, style and security. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure the bunks fit into your space, and make sure there's enough room for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be enough apart to allow kids to get up and down safely and not collide with each other or smash into walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is the same size as that of the bottom. This will allow you to avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle later on.

You may also opt for a bunk design that isn't conventional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. A bunk bed with an L shape can be perfect for a small room or an area that is shared by two people. It will save floor space, and allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you pick.

A lot of the top bunk beds kids bed for teens are made to adapt to your child's needs and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to the size of a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance it has the classic farmhouse look with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. 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.

Another option is a loft bed, which optimizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces since it doesn't take up as much vertical room and allows the lower levels to be used for desks as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's a great bunk beds choice for older children since it doesn't require a ladder or stairway, making it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom 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 head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Also, it is important to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. These regulations set standards for guardrails and other features to prevent 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 shopping. You'll want to look for beds with rails that are high enough to prevent kids from falling off or getting trapped. Also, you need an option that doesn't raise the bed's surface too high. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have a lower weight limit than others.

When choosing a bunk bed bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer for details regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and often list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles for security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your children love playing on the ground, opt for a low-slung bottom bunk so that they can sit up and play without being too high off the floor.

If you're in a tight space or do not want to occupy too much room in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. These require less floor space and are usually about the same width as a single bed, so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for children of smaller age who might be intimidated by the higher bunks.

If you have more space, you can opt for a full-over-full bunk bed. They are generally the most secure and elegant bunk beds available that are available and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that can grow with kids as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. 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 for teens will provide something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with tweens because it permits the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space, while still leaving space for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage on the bottom. There are some options with trundle beds which allow the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says that tweens like a twin-over-king loft bed since it occupies less space and provides them with more space to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular option for older children because they're "built to last and it's the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the end, which gives the appearance of a sleeker design and allows more room for a desk or dresser beneath. They're not as efficient at saving space like a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teenagers that offers more room to move around in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk If you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are compact and portable which means they can be moved around when you're looking to revamp your child's space in the future. However they're not as strong like a metal or wood bunk bed, and they don't come with guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks that include stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, could be used as a seat for children younger than. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair so that your child can have the perfect bedroom set that can be used for study and play.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to take into consideration your budget when buying. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if need a bed that will last through the teens and into adulthood, it's worth paying more to get a top-quality bed that can be used for years.

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 arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults looking to make space and avoid the expense of buying a separate queen or king mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top and the 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 ideal bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option and one that will adapt to their needs. Choose a style that will fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two twin beds, if needed. This design has a clean-lined modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is another way to save money. This could include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will help you keep your bedroom tidy and clutter-free. It's also useful in the case of a small room. Many of the bunks on our list come with this feature, and some come with additional storage options, such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.