How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and functionality in the kids' room. They also can help save space.

Choose bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle bed which is easy to remove and twin beds that can be separated into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing 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 fit in your space. Make sure there's enough room for your kids bunk beds to move around them. The beds should be spaced apart enough that children are able to safely go up and down and not crash into each other or the walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is similar to that of the bottom one. This will allow you to avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the future.

You may also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape, which may be better for your space. For example, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can save floor space, and accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the upper and lower levels depending on the model you choose.

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

Another option is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in rooms with tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces because it doesn't require as much vertical room and allows the bottom level to be used for desks as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's also a great choice for older kids because it doesn't require them to climb an elevator or ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room by using blue painter's tape. This will give you an idea of whether it is easily climbed into and out of at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You should also 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 are a great option for families with children of all ages, however, it is important to think about safety features when shopping. You'll want to look for beds with rails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling over or getting trapped. Also, you need an option that doesn't raise the sleep surface too high. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.

When selecting a bunk bed, check its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide 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 beds uk.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach 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 on, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your children like to play on the ground, choose a low-slung bunk that lets them play and sit without having to be too far off the ground.

Consider an L-shaped bed if you do not have enough space in the room of your child or if you do not want it to take up a lot of space. They require less space and are typically only larger than a single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with narrow ceilings. They're also ideal for children who may be intimidated by a higher bunk.

If you have a little more space, consider a full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the safest and most elegant bunk beds available that are available and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable 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 releases low levels of chemical. It's made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will make teens feel happy, whether it's in the shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more fun elements. Bunk beds also come in various sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. A twin over full design is popular for tweens because it gives them room to accommodate two children in the same room and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. There are some options that include a trundle bed that allows the upper level to fit an extra mattress.

Teens also love the twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and are the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder on the end that gives it a more sleek look and gives more space for a desk or dresser underneath. They're not as efficient at conserving space like a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teenagers that offers more space to move around in their rooms.

If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of safety and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and portable and can be moved around when you're looking to revamp your child's room in the future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed has no guardrails.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and are more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller children. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair to let your child have the ultimate bedroom set for both play and study.

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's important to think about your budget. There are many affordable options but if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last through the teens (or even adulthood), it may be worth paying a bit more for a high-quality design that can be used for years to come.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs may be before you start shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a bedroom, while full over full bunk is a great option for adults who are looking to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the bunks at the top and bottom. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.

The best bunk beds for teens are those which are priced at a reasonable price and can grow with the teen. Look for a style that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or choose something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be split into two separate twin beds in case you're looking to alter your space later on. This design has a clean-lined contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

Another way to save money is to choose an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, for example drawers beneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This can help you keep the bedroom clutter-free, and it's especially useful when you have smaller space. Many of the bunks listed on our list have this feature, and some have additional storage accessories available such as an bookcase headboard for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.