How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and functionality to children's rooms. They also can help save space.

Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, 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 of the top bunk.

Size

You should think about the size design, style, and security when choosing a bunk bed for your kids. Check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks to allow children to move around. The beds should be spaced apart enough that kids can safely move up and down and not hit one another or the walls. Also, you'll want to determine if the top bunk can support mattresses similar to the bottom one, so that you can avoid the need for a trundle, or an extra bed in the near future.

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

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will expand with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time to transition to a regular double bed. For instance, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This creates more space for children to play.

A loft bed is a different option that makes the most of the space at the corner in rooms that are tweens. It's great for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's an excellent choice for older children because it doesn't require a ladder or stairway, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room using blue painter tape. This will let you know whether it's safe to climb in and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. You should also think about the safety of your family members by reading 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 different ages. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features before buying. You'll need to find bunk beds with guardrails that are high enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that does not elevate the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have less 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 for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed and the bunk.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for security. Avoid childrens bunk bed beds with slatted sides panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, particularly if they're not securely fitted together. If your children love playing on the ground, you should opt for a lower-slung bunk to allow them to sit and play without being too high off the ground.

Pick an L-shaped bed if do not have enough space in the room of your child or if you do not want it to take up a lot of space. These are smaller in size and are usually only as wide as a single bed so they're ideal 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 require a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best choice. They are the most stylish and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that can grow with your child's growth. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemical. It is made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.

Style

If it's an entire room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed can give teenagers something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek, minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. A twin over full design is popular with teens since it gives them room to sleep two children in the same space and still has room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the lower level. There are some options that include a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to fit an additional mattress.

Teens also love the twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more room to stretch out or work from home, says Fenton. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last, and is the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder on the end giving an elegant look and allows more room for a dresser or desk beneath. These beds aren't as space-saving as bunk beds, but they give teens more room in their rooms.

If you're looking for an affordable bunk that will still offer plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are small and flexible and can be moved them around if your kids wish to redesign their rooms 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 the other hand, could be used as a seating area by children who are younger. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair to let your child have the ultimate bedroom set for both study and play.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major purchase, so it's essential to consider your budget when shopping. Although there are plenty of affordable options but if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that can last into the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying a bit more for a better design that will be used for a long time.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements may be before you start shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who want to save space and avoid the expense of purchasing an additional queen or king-sized mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to choose a bed that is lower to the ground.

The best bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that will adapt to their needs. Find a design that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be split into two separate twin beds should you need to reconfigure your space later on. This design has a clean-lined 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 social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is an additional way to save money. It could be drawers beneath the bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will help you keep your bedroom tidy and free of clutter. It's also useful in the case of a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even come with additional storage accessories, such as headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk beds uk.