How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Find bunk beds that are flexible, such as those with bottom storage drawers or trundles that are easy to remove. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be divided to create two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to take into consideration the dimensions design, style, and security when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Look at the ceiling height to make sure the bunks are able to fit into your space. Make sure there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be spaced enough apart to allow kids to climb and descend safely and not bump into one another or fall into walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk can accommodate a mattress that is similar to the size of the bottom. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.

You could also choose a different shape for your bunk one that is more suited to your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be perfect for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It will save floor space, and accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the lower and upper levels depending on the model you pick.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens are made to grow with your child by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to an adult bed. For instance, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired style with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk beds kids. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower 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 ideal for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and allows you to make use of the lower levels for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great choice for older children since it doesn't require them to climb a ladder or stairs and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, test it out in your child's' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise off the ground. This will give you an idea of whether it can be easily climbed into and out at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. These regulations define standards for guardrails as well as other features that prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds can be an ideal option for families with children of all different ages. However, it is essential to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll want to look for beds with rails that are tall enough to stop children from falling or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleeping surface too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk beds adults bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.

When you are choosing a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and often list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladders or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for safety. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're poorly joined. If your kids love playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to sit up and play 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 kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. These are smaller in size and are usually only as wide as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for younger children who may feel intimidated by the higher bunks.

If you have more space, you can opt for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. They are generally the most secure and elegant bunk beds uk beds available on the market, and they 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 grow older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of harmful chemicals. It is made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.

Style

It's for the shared room or one child, the ideal bunk bed can give teenagers something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek, minimalist while others are more fun elements. Bunk beds also come in various sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin over full design is popular with teens since it lets them sleep two kids in a single room, and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the lower level. Some designs come with a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to fit an additional mattress.

Teens also love the twin over king loft bed that occupies less floor space and provides them with 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 most durable, adult-sized childrens bunk beds," Fenton adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is essentially a raised platform bed. They're designed with the ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more space for a dresser or desk. These beds are not as space-saving as bunk beds, but they give teens more room in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are compact and portable, so they can be moved around in case you're planning to redesign your child's bedroom in the future. They're not as sturdy as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.

Bunks that include ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, could be used as seats for children younger than. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair to allow your child to have the perfect bedroom set-up for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to consider your budget when buying. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will endure through your teens and into adulthood, it's worth paying more to get a top-quality bed that can be used indefinitely.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs might be prior to shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing the same bedroom, whereas full over full bunk is ideal for adults who are looking to save space or avoid the cost of a separate queen 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 instance it could be beneficial to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.

The ideal bunk bed for teens (visit link) is one that is affordable and one that is able to expand with them. Look for a style that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or opt for something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can separate into two freestanding twin beds in case you're looking to alter your space down the road. This design has a clean-lined contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb and down and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

Another way to save money is to choose a bunk that has built-in storage options, like drawers underneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This can help you keep your bedroom clutter-free and it's especially useful if you're working with smaller space. Many of the bunks listed on our list come with this option, and a few come with additional storage options, such as a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.