How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft bed can add fun and functionality in the kids' room. They can also help save space.

Find bunks designed to be flexible, such as bottom storage drawers or a trundle bed which is easy to take down and stacked twins that can be separated into two beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting a bunk bed for your kids bunk you should consider size, style, and safety. Look at the ceiling height to ensure the bunks fit in your space. Make sure there's enough room for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that children can safely get up and down and not hit each other or the walls. Also, you'll want to find out whether the top bunk is able to support a mattress of the same size as the bottom one, so that you can avoid the need for a trundle or an extra bed in the future.

You can also choose a bunk shape that isn't traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be ideal for small spaces or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the lower and upper levels depending on the model you select.

A lot of the top bunk beds bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance is the classic farmhouse look with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This leaves more space for kids to play.

A loft bed is an alternative option that maximizes the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's ideal for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and lets you use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a good choice for older kids because it doesn't require them to climb a ladder or stairs and makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room using blue painter tape. This will help you determine if it is possible to climb in and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. It is also important 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 prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to consider the safety features when buying. You'll need to find a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress which does not raise the mattress excessively. Also, be aware of the weight capacity, since certain bunks have lower limits than others.

When choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.

The most suitable bunk beds bunk beds are solid and sturdy, with a ladder or stair that is securely attached to the frame and has side handles. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your children like to play on the ground, select an un-slung bunk that allows them to play and sit without being too far off the floor.

Choose an L-shaped bed if you do not have enough space in the room of your child or if you don't want it taking up lots of space. These 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 suitable for children who might be intimidated by higher bunks.

If you're looking for a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best kids bunkbeds choice. These are usually the safest and most elegant bunk beds available on the market, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will expand with kids as they get older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of harmful chemicals. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.

Style

The right bunk bed can make teens happy regardless of whether it's a shared bedroom or for only one child. A lot of designs are sleek and minimalist and some have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with tweens because it permits them to sleep two kids in the same room while leaving space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. Some options come with trundle bed that allows the upper level to fit an additional mattress.

Teens also adore a twin over king loft bed that occupies less floor space and provides them with more space to sprawl out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and it's the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

If you want a cool bunk, think about an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. They're designed with a ladder at their end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a desk or dresser. They're not as good for conserving space as a traditional bunk, however, they're a stylish choice for teens that gives them more room to move around in their rooms.

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

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can be used as a seat by children who are younger. Some models are even able to convert into a desk and chair, allowing your child to have the ultimate bedroom suite for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's important to take into consideration your budget when shopping. There are many cheap options available but if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that is designed to last through the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying a bit more for a better design that will be used for years to come.

Before you shop take into consideration who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs might be. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings and a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults looking to reduce space and avoid the expense of purchasing a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll also need to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bunks at the top and bottom. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it may be better to opt for a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The best bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that is able to grow with them. Find a design that works in traditional and modern rooms, or go with something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds in case you're looking to alter your space down the road. This design features a contemporary, clean-lined silhouette 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 social and environmental responsibility.

Another way to save money is to locate an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, for example drawers beneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also a good option for those with a smaller room. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some come with additional storage options, such as a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.