Mahalia Eldredge

How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can add fun and functionality to kids' rooms. They can also help to 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 twin beds that can be split into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top adult bunk.

Size

When you're choosing a bunk bed for your children You'll need to think about size, style, and safety. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure the bunks are suitable for your space. Also, make sure there's enough room for your kids to move around them. The beds should be spaced apart enough that kids can safely move up and down without having to hit one another or the walls. It is also important to determine if the top bunk bed can be able to support a mattress of the same size as that of the bottom one. This will help you avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the near future.

You may also opt for an arrangement for your bunk that isn't conventional, if it suits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed can be the perfect choice for a small space or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can save the floor space and can 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 grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time for them to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the bottom and top beds with more space for kids to play on.

Another alternative is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in rooms that are tween. It's a great choice for smaller spaces since it doesn't require as much vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's also a good choice for older children because it eliminates the need to use a ladder or stairs, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, try it in your children bedroom using blue painter's tape to determine how high it will be off the ground. This will let you know whether it's possible to climb into and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds, which define standards for guardrails as well as other features that reduce the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's essential to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll want to look for beds with rails that are tall enough to prevent kids from falling off or getting trapped and an option that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. You should also pay attention to the weight capacity, since certain bunks have a lower limit than others.

When you are choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed and the bunk bed.

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladders or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure safety. Avoid bunk for adults beds that have slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your children like to play on the ground, select a low-slung bunk that allows them to sit and play without having to be too far off the ground.

If you're limited in space or do not want to occupy too much space in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less space and are typically only larger than a single bed. This makes them suitable for small rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for younger kids, who might feel intimidated by a bunk that is higher.

If you have more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These 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 and durable option that will expand with kids as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemical. It's made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.

Style

Whether it's for an entire room or just one kid, the right bunk bed for teens will provide something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist while others are more fun elements. Bunk beds come in many sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with tweens, as it allows them to sleep two kids in the same space, while still leaving room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers in the lower part. Some options have trundle beds which allow the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also adore a twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and gives them more space to sprawl out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

For a truly cool bunk, you should consider an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the end, which gives the appearance of a sleeker design and makes room for a desk or dresser beneath. They're not as efficient at conserving space like a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens that gives them more room to move around in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk if you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are portable and compact and can be moved around in case you want to redecorate your child's space in the future. They're not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one isn't equipped with 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 also be used as seats by younger children. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair so that your child can have the perfect bedroom set that can be used for study and play.

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's important to consider your budget. There are many inexpensive options available, but if you need a bed that will last through the teens and into adulthood, it's worth spending an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used for a long time.

Before you begin shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping in the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings sharing the same bedroom, whereas full over full bunk is a great option for adults who are looking to reduce space or the expense of a separate queen bed. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top and bottom deals bunk beds. If your children are still in toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.

The best bunk beds for teens are those that offer a good price and are able to grow with the teen. Select a style that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two twin beds if needed. This design has a clean-lined modern design, boucle-upholstered railings, and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb and descend and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk beds online bed that has built-in storage is a different option to save money. This could include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom tidy and free of clutter. It's also useful if you have a small room. Many of the bunks on our list offer this option, and a few offer additional storage options like bookcase headboards for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.