Frederic Hollingsworth

How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft bed can add fun and functionality in the kids' room. They can also help save space.

Choose bunk beds that are flexible like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that is easy to remove. You can also find stacked twins which can be separated to create two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting a bunk bed for your children you should consider the size, style and security. Examine the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that children can safely get up and down without having to crash into each other or the walls. Also, you'll want to find out if the top bunk can support a mattress of the same size as the bottom one so that you can avoid the need for a best trundle bunk beds or an extra bed in the near future.

You can also pick a bunk shape that isn't traditional, if it suits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could 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 allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on the model you pick.

Many of the best bunk bed ideas bunk beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs, converting into two free-standing beds when it's the right time to transition to a regular double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom with more space for children to play on.

A loft bed is an alternative option that maximizes the corner space in rooms that are tweens. It's ideal for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and allows you to make use of the lower levels for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's a great option for older children since it eliminates the use of stairs or ladders, making it more accessible for large children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room with blue painter tape. This will allow you to determine if it is 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 reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds, which define standards for guardrails as well as other features to prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages. However, it is crucial to consider the safety features before purchasing. You should look for beds with rails that are tall enough to stop children from falling or becoming trapped, and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleep surface too high. Be sure to be aware of the weight capacity, since certain bunks have lower limits than others.

When choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and they'll typically 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 can be dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly connected. If your children like to play on the ground, select a low-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without being too far off the floor.

If you're limited in space or do not want to take up the entire space of your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. These are smaller in size and are usually about the same width as a single bed, which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for younger kids, who might feel intimidated by a bunk that is higher.

If you need a bit more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best bunk beds with storage option. They are generally the safest and most fashionable bunk beds on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that will grow with your child as they grow. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemicals. It's made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.

Style

It's for the shared room or one child, the perfect bunk bed will give teens something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist while others are more fun elements. Bunk beds are also available in different sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full, and even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular with teens since it lets them accommodate two children in the same room and still leaves space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. Some designs come with a Trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress.

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

For a truly cool bunk, you should consider an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the top, which gives the appearance of a sleeker design and makes room for a desk or dresser under. These beds aren't as space-saving as a bunk bed however, they can allow teens to have more space in their rooms.

If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of security and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and portable, so they can be moved around if you're looking to revamp your child's space in the near future. They're not as sturdy as metal or wood bunk beds, and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and are more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and double as a seat for younger children. Some models can be converted into a table or chair to let your child have the ideal bedroom set for both play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive purchase, so it's essential to consider your budget when you shop. There are many inexpensive options out there If you're thinking of buying a bunk bed that is designed to last into the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying extra for a best quality bunk beds design that will be used for many years to come.

Before you shop, consider who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs might be. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for families with multiple children and a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to make space and avoid the cost of buying a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to select a layout that is lower to the ground.

The most suitable bunk beds for teenagers are those that are affordable and are able to grow with the teen. Select a style that can work in both traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds if needed. This design features a clean, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's easy for kids to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is a different way to save money. This can include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and it's especially useful for those who have smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature, and a few offer additional storage options such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.