Winnie Zercho

How to Choose the best kids bunkbeds Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and utility to rooms for kids. They can also help save space.

Choose bunks that are built with flexibility, such as drawers that store items in the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to remove, and twins that stack and can be divided into two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You should take into consideration the size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Look at the ceiling height to make sure the bunks are able to fit in your space. Make sure there's enough room for children to move around them. The beds should be enough apart so that children can climb and descend safely and not collide with each other or crash into the walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress similar to the size of the bottom. This will allow you to avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the future.

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

Many of the best kids bunkbeds bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children's needs, 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 a classic farmhouse style with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed 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.

A loft bed is a different option that maximizes the space around corners in rooms that are tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical space and allows the lower levels to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children because it eliminates the use of a ladder or stairway, making it more accessible to adults and children of larger sizes.

Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, test it out in your kids bedroom using blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will help you determine whether it's possible to climb into and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. You'll also want to take into consideration the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features to protect against falls 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 prior to purchasing. You'll want to look for a bed with guard rails that are high enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped and an option that doesn't raise the bed's surface too high. Be sure to be aware of the capacity for weight, as some bunks have a lower limit than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to find out the specifications available for mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed and the bunk.

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

Pick an L-shaped mattress if you don't have much space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it taking up lots of space. They require less floor space and are typically only about the same width as a single bed, which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children of smaller age who may be scared of higher bunks.

If you have more space, consider an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used for full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will expand with kids as they age and even accommodates 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 sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.

Style

If it's the shared room or one child, the perfect bunk bed for teens will provide something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are also available in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular among teens, as it allows them to sleep two kids in the same room while leaving space for a desk dresser, or drawers for storage on the bottom. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Tweens also love a twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home, according to Fenton. A metal bunk bed with an extended guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last and it's the most sturdy, grown-up bunk," she adds.

If you want a cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are designed with a ladder at their end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a dresser or desk. They're not as efficient at conserving space as a traditional bunk, but they're an attractive option for teens that gives them more space to move around 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 compact and versatile and can be moved them around if your kids want to redecorate their rooms in the future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs on the other hand, could be used as seats by younger children. Some models are capable of converting into a desk and chair and allow your child to build the perfect bedroom set-up for play and study.

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's crucial that you consider your budget. While there are plenty of inexpensive options out there, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last into the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying a little extra for a quality design that will last for a long time.

Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs could be. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a room, while a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who wish to reduce space and avoid the expense of purchasing an additional queen or king size mattress. It is also important to determine the amount of headroom you'd like between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it may be better to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.

The best bunk beds for teens are those which are priced at a reasonable price and can grow with the teenager. Select a style that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds if needed. This design has a modern sleek, clean lines as well as boucle upholstered guardrails a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It's 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. It could be drawers underneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also useful if you have a small room. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories like bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.