Lakeisha Bozeman

How to Choose the best bunk bed Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can add fun and utility to children's rooms. They can also help to save space.

Find bunks designed to be flexible, such as bottom storage drawers and a trundle bed that's easily removed and twins that stack and can be split into two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You should take into consideration the size design, style, and security when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Examine the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that kids can safely move up and down and not crash into one another or the walls. Also, you'll want to determine whether the top adult bunk can support mattresses that is the same size as the bottom one so that you don't have to pay for a trundle or an extra bed in the future.

You may also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape one that is more suitable for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. It saves the floor space and can fit a twin over full or queen mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you choose.

Many of the best bunk beds for adults uk bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's the right time to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance, features an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curving 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 leaves more space for kids to play.

Another option is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's a great option for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older children because it eliminates the need to climb stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, test it out in your kids' bedroom with blue painter's tape to determine how high it will be off the ground. This will give you an idea of whether it can be easily climbed in and out of at night without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You'll also want to take into consideration the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails as well as features that prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with kids of all ages, however, it is important to think about safety features when buying. You'll need to choose bunk beds with railings that are high enough to prevent children from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress which doesn't raise up the sleeping surface excessively. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have smaller weight limits than others.

When choosing the bunk bed you want, look on its manufacturer's website for specifications regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed and the bunk.

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladders or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly fitted together. If your children love playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom so that they can sit up and play without being too high off the ground.

If you have a limited 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 as wide as one single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with narrow ceilings. They are also suitable for children of smaller age who might be intimidated by high bunk beds.

If you have a little more space, you can opt for a full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the safest and most fashionable bunk beds that are available and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that will expand with best kids bunkbeds as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made of sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.

Style

The right bunk bed can keep teens content, whether it's in a shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalist while others are more fun elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, such as twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. A twin over full style is popular for tweens because it lets them sleep two kids in the same room and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers at the lower level. Certain designs have trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Tweens also love an over-king twin loft bed that 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 a full-length guardrail is another popular option for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most durable grown-up bunk available," she adds.

For a truly cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder on the end that gives it a more sleek look and gives more space for a desk or dresser beneath. They're not as efficient at saving 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 for an affordable bunk that will still offer plenty of security and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are portable and compact which means they can be moved around when you're looking to revamp your child's bedroom in the future. However, they're not as durable as a wood or metal bunk bed, and they don't come with guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with 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 a seating area for children younger than. Some models can even be capable of being converted into a chair and desk and allow your child to create the perfect bedroom set-up for study time and playtime.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to take into consideration your budget when buying. There are plenty of options for cheap bunk beds for kids beds available, but if need a bed that will endure through your teens and on into adulthood, it's worth spending more for a quality product that can be used for years.

Before you start shopping think about who will be sleeping in the bunk bed and what their sleep needs might be. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for rooms with siblings or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults who want to save space and avoid the cost of buying an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll also have to decide how much headroom you want between the bunks at the top and bottom. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.

The most suitable bunk beds for teens are those that are affordable and are able to grow with the teen. Find a design that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or opt for something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be divided into two freestanding twin beds in case you're looking to alter your space down the road. This design features a clean, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's simple for children to climb and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

Another way to save money is to choose a bunk with built-in storage, such as drawers under the bed or shelves below the top. This can help you keep your bedroom clutter-free and is particularly useful if you're working with smaller space. Many of the bunks in our list feature this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories like a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.