How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and utility in the children's room. They can also help to save space.

Choose bunk beds that can be adapted, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that's easily removed. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be divided to create two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to consider the size design, style, and security when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Consider the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will are suitable for your space, and make sure that there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be set far enough apart so that kids bedroom furniture can safely move up and down without having to crash into one another or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress similar to the size of the bottom one. This will allow you to avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the future.

You can also pick a bunk shape that isn't conventional and suited to 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 is a great way to save floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you choose.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs by converting into two independent beds when it's time for them to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance is 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 inbuilt stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This gives more room for kids to play.

A loft bed is an alternative option that can maximize the space around corners in rooms with tweens. It's ideal for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and allows you to use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's an excellent choice for older children because it doesn't require a staircase or ladder which makes it more accessible to adults and children of larger sizes.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom using blue painter tape. This will give you an idea of whether it can be easily climbed into and out at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. In addition, you should keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds, which define standards for guardrails as well as other features that prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it is important to take into consideration the safety features before buying. You should look for a bed with rails that are tall enough to stop kids from falling off or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't raise the bed's surface too high. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have less weight limits than others.

When choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer for details regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and typically list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.

The most suitable bunk beds are sturdy and have a ladder or stair that is secured to the frame and comes with side handles. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're poorly connected. If your kids love playing on the ground, opt for a low-slung bottom bunk to let them play and sit without being too high off the ground.

If you're limited in space or don't want to take up too much room in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less space and are usually only larger than a single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with narrow ceilings. They are also suitable for children of smaller age who may feel intimidated by the higher bunks.

If you have more space, you can opt for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the safest and most stylish bunk beds on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will grow with children as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of harmful chemicals. It's made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.

Style

It's for the shared room or one child, the perfect bunk bed will give teens something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds also come in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with tweens because it permits the possibility of sleeping two children in the same room while leaving enough space for a desk dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. Some options have trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also adore the twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to sprawl out or work from home, according to Fenton. A bunk bed made of metal with a full-length guardrail is a popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last and it's the most sturdy, grown-up bunk Beds uk," she adds.

For a really cool bunk, think about an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's basically an elevated platform bed. They're designed with a ladder at their end. This gives them a sleeker look and more space to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as good for saving space as a traditional bunk, but they're an attractive option for teens that gives them more space in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk if you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable which means they can be moved around if you're looking to revamp your child's space in the future. However they're not as strong as a metal or wood bunk bed, and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and can be more convenient to climb, while stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for younger children. Some models are even capable of converting into a chair and desk, allowing your child to have the perfect bedroom space for play and study.

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's crucial to consider your budget. While there are plenty of affordable options but if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last through the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying a bit extra for a quality design that will last for years to come.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs could be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings and a full-over-full childrens bunk bed is perfect for adults looking to make space and avoid the expense of purchasing an additional queen or king-sized mattress. You'll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the bunks at the top and bottom. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance, it might be best bunk bed to opt for a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The most suitable bunk beds for teenagers are those that are affordable and can grow with the teenager. Find a design that works in traditional and modern rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you want to change the layout of your space later on. This design has a modern sleek, clean lines with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is another way to save money. It could be drawers under the lower bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free. It's also a good option for those with a smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list feature this feature. Some even offer additional storage options, such as headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.