How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can bring fun and function to kids' rooms. They can also help to save space.

Look for bunk beds that are able to be moved like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that's easy to take off. You can also find twins that can be stacked and separated to make two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting bunk beds for your children You'll need to think about size, style, and safety. Look at the ceiling height to ensure the bunks are suitable for your space. Make sure there's enough room for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that kids can safely move up and down and not hit one another or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the size of the bottom one. This will allow you to avoid having to buy bunk bed an additional bed or trundle in the near future.

You can also pick a bunk design that is not traditional, if it suits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed can be the perfect choice for a small room or a guest room shared by two people. It can help save the floor space and can allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the lower and upper levels depending on the model you pick.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time for them to move to a normal double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is 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 attached ladder that connects the bottom and top beds with more space for children to play on.

A loft bed is another option that maximizes the corner space in rooms that are tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces since it doesn't take up the same amount of vertical space and allows the lower levels to be used for desks as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children as it doesn't require a ladder or stairway which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, check it out in your child's' bedroom with blue painter's tape to determine how high it will rise off the ground. This will give you a feel of whether it could be easily climbed in and out at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You'll also want to think about the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features that stop falls or entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, but it's important to consider the security features when you shop. You'll want to choose a bed with guard rails that are tall enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have smaller 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 on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure security. Avoid bunks with slatted sides because they are dangerous for kids to climb up and down, especially in the case where the slats haven't been tightly fitted together. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, go for a low-slung bottom bunk so that they can sit and play without being too high off the floor.

If you're in a tight space or do not want to occupy too much space in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less space and are usually only as wide as one single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with narrow ceilings. They are also suitable for younger children who may be scared of high bunk beds.

If you're looking for a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds that are available. They 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 older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made from sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in multiple color options.

Style

It's for the shared room or one kid, the right bunk bed for teens will provide something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in different sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular among teens because it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same room while still leaving space for a desk dresser or storage drawers at the bottom. Some designs come with a trundle bed that allows the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress.

Fenton says teens love a twin-over-king loft bed since it occupies less space and gives them the space to spread out and work from home. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is another popular option for older children because it's "built to last, and is the most sturdy grown-up bunk available," she adds.

For a truly cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the end giving an elegant look and allows more room for a dresser or desk beneath. These beds are not as spacious as a bunk bed however, they can give teens more room in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk if you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable, so you can move them around if your children are looking to revamp their rooms in the future. They are not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top bed does not have guardrails.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and are more convenient to climb, while stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller kids. Some models are even capable of being converted into a chair and desk, allowing your child to create the perfect bedroom set-up for study time and playtime.

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's crucial to think about your budget. There are many affordable options but if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that can last into the teens (or even into adulthood) it might be worth paying a bit more for a better design that will last for a long time.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements might be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a bedroom, while the full-over-full bunk is a great option for adults who are looking to save space or reduce the cost of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.

The best bunk bed for kids beds for teens are those that are affordable and can adapt to the teen. Pick a design that can work in both traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two beds if needed. This design has a clean-lined contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb and descend and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is another option to save money. This can include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will help keep your bedroom clutter-free and is especially beneficial if you're working with a small space. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.