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 room for kids. They can also help save space.

Look for bunk beds children's beds that are flexible like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that is easily removed. You can also find stacked twins which can be separated to create two beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing bunk beds for your children You'll need to think about the size, style and security. Check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks to allow the kids to move. The beds should be enough apart so that children can climb and descend safely and not collide with one another or fall into walls. Additionally, you should determine whether the top buy bunk beds can support a mattress similar to the bottom one so that you don't have to pay for a trundle or another additional bed in the future.

You can also pick a bunk design that isn't conventional and suited to your space better. For example an L-shaped bunk could be perfect for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It will save space on the floor, and also allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you pick.

Many of the best bunk bed bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance, features the classic farmhouse look with curved headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This gives more room for kids to play.

Another alternative is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in rooms with tweens. It's a great choice for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up the same amount of vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used as a desk as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's a great option for older children because it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder which makes it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room by using blue painter's tape. This will give you a sense of whether it can be easily climbed into and out at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. These regulations establish standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to take into consideration the safety features when buying. You'll need a bunk bed with guardrails that are high enough to stop children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not raise the mattress too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have a lower weight limit than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available on mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer 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.

The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles for security. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides as they could be dangerous for kids to climb up and down, especially when the slats aren't securely fitted together. If your kids love playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to let them sit up and play without being too high off the ground.

Choose an L-shaped mattress if you don't have a lot of space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it taking up a lot of space. They are smaller in size and are generally as wide as one single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with small ceilings. They're also more suitable for children who may be intimidated by a higher bunk.

If you require a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best choice. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used as twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that can grow with your child's development as they grow. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate 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 a variety of colors options.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will make teens happy regardless of whether it's in the bedroom of a couple or only one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin over full design is popular for tweens because it lets them sleep two kids in the same space and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers on the lower level. There are some options that include a Trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress.

Teens also adore the twin over king loft bed that occupies less floor space and gives them more space to spread out or work from home, says 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 a raised platform bed. They're designed with a ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a dresser or desk. They aren't as spacious as bunk beds however, they can give teens more room in their rooms.

If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of safety and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are portable and compact which means they can be moved around if you want to redecorate your child's bedroom in the future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.

Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, could be used as a seating area by younger children. Some models are able to convert into a chair and desk, allowing your child to have the perfect bedroom set-up for study time and playtime.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's important to consider your budget when you shop. There are many affordable options, if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that will last into the teens (or even adulthood), it may be worth paying a little more for a better design that will be used for a long time.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be prior to shopping. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room and a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who wish to reduce space and avoid the cost of buying a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bottom and top bunks. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example, it might be best to opt for a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The best bunk beds for teens are ones that offer a good price and are able to grow with the teenager. Find a design that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or opt for something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, bunk beds for teens which can be split into two separate twin beds if you're looking to alter your space later on. This design has a modern, bunk beds for teens clean-lined silhouette as well as boucle upholstered guardrails an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. It could be drawers beneath the bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will help you keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also useful for those with a smaller room. A majority of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and some have additional storage accessories available such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.