Carmelo Beckman

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 to save space.

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

Size

When selecting bunk beds for your kids you should consider size, style and safety. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure the bunks fit into your space. Make sure there's enough room for your kids to move around them. The beds should be spaced enough apart to allow kids to climb and descend safely and not run into one another or fall into walls. It is also important to determine if the top bunk bed can be able to support a mattress of similar to that of the bottom. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.

You may also opt for an arrangement for your bunk that isn't conventional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed can be the perfect choice for a small room or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can help save floor space, and accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the upper and lower levels depending on the model you choose.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children's needs and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time for them to move to a normal double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom and leaves more floor space for children to play on.

A loft bed is an alternative option that can maximize the corner space in rooms that are tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces because it doesn't take up as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's a great option for older children because it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed bunk bed in your child's bedroom with blue painter tape. This will help you determine whether it's possible to climb up and down at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. You should also take into consideration the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features that stop falls or entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds can be an ideal option for families with children of all age groups. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features before purchasing. You'll need bunk beds with railings that are high enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped as well as a mattress that does not raise the mattress too much. Also, pay attention to the capacity for weight, as certain bunks are less able than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out what specifications are available on mattresses and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed and the bunk.

The best bunk beds will be sturdy and feature an stairway or ladder that is attached securely to the frame, and has side handles. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides, as they could be dangerous for children to climb up or down, especially in the case where the slats haven't been tightly fitted together. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, go for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to play and sit without being too high off the floor.

Consider an L-shaped bed if don't have a lot of space in your child's room or if you don't want it taking up much space. They are smaller in size and are typically only as wide as one single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with narrow ceilings. They're also more suitable for children who might be scared of a higher bunk.

If you have a little more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. 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's development as they grow. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made from sustainably sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will make teens happy regardless of whether it's in the shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more fun elements. Bunk beds are also available in a variety of sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with teens because it permits them to sleep two kids bunk beds in the same space, while leaving space for a desk dresser, or drawers for storage on the bottom. Some options come with Trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress.

Teens 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. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and are the most durable, adult bunk beds-sized bunk," Fenton adds.

Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the end that gives it a more sleek look and makes room for a desk or dresser under. They're not as efficient at conserving space like 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, think about a futon bunk. Futons are portable and compact and can be moved around in case you're planning to redesign your child's space in the near future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one isn't equipped with guardrails.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can be used as seats by children who are younger. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk to allow your child to have the ultimate bedroom set for both study and play.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's crucial to consider your budget when shopping. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if want a bunk bed to last through the teens and on into adulthood, it's worth paying a little more for a high-quality product that can be used indefinitely.

Before you begin shopping, consider who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, Bunk beds Beds and what their needs for sleep could be. For instance, a twin over a twin configuration is great for families with multiple children or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults looking to make space and avoid the expense of purchasing a separate queen or king mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom between the top bunk and 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 best bunk beds for teenagers are those that offer a good price and can adapt to the teen. Choose a style that will 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 divided into two beds, if needed. This design has a clean-lined contemporary bunk beds silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's simple for children to climb and descend, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is another way to save money. This can include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will allow you to make your bedroom less cluttered, and is especially beneficial when you have the space of a small one. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some come with additional storage options, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.