How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can be a great way to add fun and function in the kids' room. They also can help reduce space.

Look for bunk beds that can be adapted, such as those with bottom storage drawers or trundles that are easy to remove. You can also find twins that can be stacked and divided to create two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting bunk beds for your kids you should consider size, style and safety. Consider the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to are suitable for your space, and make sure there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be far enough apart to allow kids to get up and down safely and not run into each other or smash into the walls. Also, you'll need to find out whether the top bunk can 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 near future.

You can also choose an arrangement for your bunk that isn't conventional and suited to your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. It will 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 will expand with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time for them to transition into a regular double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed 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 leaves more space for children to play.

A loft bed is an alternative option that can maximize the space around corners in rooms with tweens. It's great for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you use the lower floor for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great choice for older kids because it eliminates the need to climb an elevator or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, test it out in your child's' bedroom with blue painter's adhesive to see how high it will be above the ground. This will allow you to determine whether it's safe to climb into and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Also, it is important to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds (Socdirectory website), which define standards for guardrails as well as other features to prevent entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with kids of all ages, however, it is important to think about safety features when buying. You'll need bunk bed uk beds with railings that are high 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 less weight limits than others.

When you are choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer for details regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladders 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 on, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to play and sit without being too high off the floor.

If you're in a tight space or do not want to take up too much room in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less space and are typically only about the same size as a single bed. This makes them ideal for small rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for younger children who may feel intimidated by high bunk beds.

If you have a little more space, consider a full-over-full bunk bed. These are usually the most secure and stylish bunk beds on the market, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that can grow with your child as they grow. It can even accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemical. It is made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.

Style

Whether it's for the shared room or one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be enthusiastic about. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in different sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. A twin over full design is a favorite among teens because it lets them sleep two children in the same space and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers in the bottom. Some options have trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

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

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with the ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a dresser or desk. These beds are not as space-saving as bunk beds however, they can allow teens to have more space in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk if you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are small and flexible, so you can move them around if your kids want to redecorate their rooms in the future. They're not as sturdy as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one isn't equipped with guardrails.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and can be more convenient to climb, while stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for younger children. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair to allow your child to have the ideal bedroom set-up for study and play.

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's important to consider your budget. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will last through the teens and even into adulthood, it's worth spending a little more for a high-quality product that can be used for years.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings sharing bedrooms, while a full over full bunk is a great option for adults who are looking to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen-sized mattress. It is also important to determine the amount of headroom you'd like between the bottom and top bunks. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to choose a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The most suitable bunk beds for teenagers are those that are affordable and can grow with the teenager. Find a design that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you need to reconfigure your space later on. This style features a modern 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 way to save money is to locate a bunk that has built-in storage options, like drawers under the bed or shelves below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also useful in the case of a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature, and a few have additional storage accessories available such as a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.