How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft bed can bring fun and utility in the room for kids. They also can help save space.

Look for bunk beds that are flexible like those with bottom storage drawers or trundles that are easy to remove. There are also twins that can be stacked and separated to make two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk beds for kids.

Size

You'll want to take into consideration the size design, style, and security when choosing a bunkbed for your kids. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be spaced sufficiently apart that children can safely get up and down and not collide with each other or the walls. Also, you'll need to determine if the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so you don't have to pay for a trundle or another additional bed in the future.

You may also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape that is suited to your space. 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 accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both upper and lower levels, depending on the model you choose.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are made to adapt to your child's needs by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to an adult bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the top and bottom beds and leaves more floor space for children to play on.

Another option is a loft bed which optimizes corner spaces in rooms that are tween. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces since 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 large children and adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room by using blue painter's tape. This will give you a feel of whether it is easily climbed in and out of at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. In addition, you should ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. These regulations define standards for guardrails as well as other features that reduce entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with kids of all ages, but it is important to think about security features when you shop. You'll need to find bunk beds with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which doesn't raise up the mattress too much. Also, be aware of the weight capacity, since certain bunks have lower limits than others.

When you are choosing the bunk bed you want, look on its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress's sizes 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 as well as the bunk bed.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your children love 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.

Pick an L-shaped bed if you don't have much space in your child's room or if you don't want it to take up a lot of space. They take up less space and are usually only as wide as one single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with narrow ceilings. They're also ideal for children who may be intimidated by the higher bunk.

If you're looking for a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that grows with your child as they grow. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemicals. It is made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.

Style

The right bunk bed can make teens happy, whether it's in the bedroom of a couple or just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds are also available in different sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with tweens, as it allows them to sleep two children in the same space while still leaving room for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage in the lower part. Some options come with an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress.

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. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last and is the most sturdy, grown-up bunk," she adds.

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They're designed with a ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more room for a desk or dresser. They're not as effective at conserving space as a traditional bunk, but they're a stylish option for teenagers that offers more room to move around in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you want bunk beds that are affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable, so you can move them around if your children wish to redesign their rooms in the future. However, they're not as durable as a metal or wood bunk bed, and they don't have guardrails on the top bed.

Bunks that include ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, can be used as a seat for children younger than. Some models are capable of being converted into a chair and desk and allow your child to create the perfect bedroom space to study or play.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major purchase, so it's essential to take into consideration your budget when you shop. There are many cheap options available If you're thinking of buying a bunk bed that can last through the teens (or even into adulthood) it might be worth paying a little extra for a quality design that will last for a long time.

Before you shop take into consideration who will be using the bunk bed usa bed and what their sleep needs might be. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults who wish 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 bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.

The best bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option, and one that can adapt to their needs. Find a design that works in traditional and modern rooms, or opt for something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be split into two separate twin beds if you need to reconfigure your space later on. This design features a clean, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings, and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

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