How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can add fun and utility to rooms for kids. They can also help reduce space.

Choose bunks that are built with flexibility, such as bottom storage drawers and a trundle bed that's easily removed and twins that stack and can be divided into two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing a bunk bed for your children, you'll want to consider size, style and safety. Examine the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks will fit in the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be spaced enough apart to allow kids bunk beds to move up and down with ease and not run into one another or fall into the walls. Also, you'll need to find out whether the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so that you can avoid the need for a trundle or another extra bed in the future.

You can also choose a bunk design that isn't conventional, if it suits your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. 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, depending on the model you pick.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time for them to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example is an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for kids to play.

A loft bed is a different option that maximizes the corner space in tween-rooms. It's ideal for smaller spaces since it requires less vertical space and allows you to use the lower level for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a good choice for older children since it doesn't require you to use an elevator or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed bunk bed in your child's room using blue painter tape. This will let you know if it is possible to climb in and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds, which establish standards for guardrails and other features that reduce entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, however, it's important to consider the safety features when buying. You should look for a bed with guard rails that are tall enough to prevent kids bunk beds for sale from falling off or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleeping surface too much. Be sure to be aware of the capacity for weight, as certain bunks are less able than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to see what specifications are available on mattresses and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum capacity for the weight of the upper bunk beds uk bed and the bunk.

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed, bunk bed for teens and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure security. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides as they can be dangerous for children to climb up and down, particularly when the slats aren't securely joined. If your kids love playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to let them play and sit without being too high off the ground.

Choose an L-shaped mattress if you don't have much space in the room of your child or if you do not want it to take up much space. They are smaller in size and are typically only larger than a single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with small ceilings. They're also ideal for kids who may be intimidated by a bunk that is higher.

If you require a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that can grow with your child as they grow. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

The right bunk bed can make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's a shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. A twin-over-full design is a favorite among teens because it gives them room to sleep two children in the same room and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers on the bottom. Some options come with Trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress.

Fenton says teens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it occupies less space and gives them more space to spread out or work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and it's the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.

Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at their end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a desk or dresser. They're not as effective at conserving space as a traditional bunk, but they're a stylish option for teens that gives them more space in their rooms.

If you're looking for an affordable bed that will offer plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and versatile which means you can move them around in case your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the future. They're not as sturdy as metal or wood bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.

Bunks that include stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, can be used as seats for children younger than. Some models can even be capable of being converted into a desk and chair, allowing your child to create the perfect bedroom set-up to study or play.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's important to factor in your budget when shopping. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if want a bunk bed to endure through your teens and into adulthood, it's worth spending more for a quality product that can be used for years.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be prior to shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings who share bedrooms, while a full over full bunk is a great option for adults who want to save space or reduce the cost of a separate queen bed. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom that is available between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you might want to choose a bed that is lower to the ground.

The best bunk bed for teens is a good value and one that will grow with them. Choose a style that will fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, Bunk Bed For Teens an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds if needed. This design features a contemporary sleek, clean lines with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. This can include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will help keep the bedroom clutter-free, and it's especially useful when you have a small space. Many of the bunks on our list feature this feature. Some come with additional storage accessories like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.