How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and best rated bunk beds beds can bring fun and utility in the children's room. They can also help save space.

Choose bunks that are designed with flexibility, like drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle bed which is easy to take down, and stacked twins that can be split into two separate beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing a bunk bed for your children you should consider size, style, and safety. Take a look at the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to are suitable for your space. Also, make sure there's enough room for your kids to move around them. The beds should be spaced far enough apart so that kids can safely move up and down and not crash into each other or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can be able to support a mattress of similar to the size of the bottom. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the near future.

You can also opt for a different shape for your bunk that is for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be perfect for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can help save floor space, and accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based 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 the right time to move to a normal double bed. For instance, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired style with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the top and bottom beds with more space for children to play on.

A loft bed is another option that can maximize the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children since it eliminates the use of a ladder or stairway and makes it more accessible to adults and children of larger sizes.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room using blue painter tape. This will let you know whether it's possible to climb in and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. It is also important to consider the safety of your family by reviewing 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 choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it's essential to consider the safety features before buying. You should look for a bed with rails that are tall enough to stop children from falling or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleeping surface too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available on mattress dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed as well as the bunk.

The best space saving bunk beds bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladders or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb on, particularly if they're not securely fitted together. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, opt for a lower-slung bunk to allow them to play and sit without being too high off the floor.

Consider an L-shaped mattress 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 are smaller in size and are usually only as wide as a single bed making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for kids who may be intimidated by the higher bunk.

If you have a little more space, you can opt for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. They are the most stylish and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will expand with kids as they get older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemical. It's made of sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will keep teens content regardless of whether it's the shared bedroom or for just one child. Many designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. A twin over full style is a favorite among teens because it allows them to accommodate two children in the same room and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the lower level. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper level to fit an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also adore an over-king twin loft bed that occupies 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 a popular choice 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 basically an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the end, which gives the appearance of a sleeker design and allows more room for a dresser or desk underneath. They're not as effective at saving space like a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens that gives them more space to move around in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are compact and portable which means they can be moved around if you want to redecorate your child's space in the future. However, they're not as durable as a metal or wood bunk bed and do not have guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders take up less space and are easier to climb, whereas stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for smaller children. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk so that your child can have the ideal bedroom set-up for play and study.

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's crucial to consider your budget. While there are plenty of inexpensive options out there but if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that can last through the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying more for a high-quality design that will last for a long time.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs may be before you start shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings sharing bedrooms, while a full over full bunk is perfect for adults looking to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.

The best deals on bunk beds bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Pick a design that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds if required. This design has a modern elegant, clean-lined design, boucle upholstered guardrails and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

Another option to save money is to find a bunk that has built-in storage options, like drawers beneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also helpful in the case of a small space. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature, and a few come with additional storage options like a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.