How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft and bunk beds can be a great way to add fun bunk beds and function in the kids' room. They can also help to save space.

Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as bottom storage drawers, a trundle bed that's easily removed, and stacked twins that can be separated into two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting bunk beds for your children you should consider the size, style and security. Examine the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks for children to move around. The beds should be placed apart enough that children can safely get up and down and not hit one another or the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk can be able to support a mattress of similar to the size of the lower one. This will help you avoid having to buy bunk bed online an additional bed or trundle later on.

You could also choose a non-traditional bunk shape, which may be better for your space. A bunk bed with an L shape can be perfect for small spaces or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can help save the floor space and can allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both upper and lower levels, based on the model you choose.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens are built to grow with your child by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to transition to a double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired style with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This gives more room for children to play.

Another option is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's ideal for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great option for older children because it eliminates the need to use an elevator or ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, test it in your children bedroom using blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will give you a feel of whether it can be easily climbed in and out at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. 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 as well as features that prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, but it's important to consider the safety features when shopping. You'll need a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to keep children from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress which does not elevate the sleeping surface too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.

When selecting the bunk bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer for details on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed as well as the bunk.

The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed, and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. Avoid bunks with slatted sides, as they can be dangerous for kids to climb up and down, especially if the slats aren't tightly connected. If your kids love playing on the ground, opt for a low-slung bottom bunk so that they can play and sit without being too high off the floor.

If you have a limited space or do not want to take up too much room in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. These are smaller in size and are typically only about the same width as a single bed, which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.

If you require a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best bunk beds for adults uk choice. They are generally the most secure and elegant bunk beds available that are available, and they 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 as they grow. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate 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 comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

It's for a shared room or just one kid, the right bunk bed will give teens something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek, minimalist while others are more playful elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin over full style is a favorite among teens because it allows them to accommodate two children in a single room, and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers on the lower level. Certain designs have Trundle beds that permit the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed because it takes up less space and provides them with more space to spread out or work at home. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is another popular option for older children because it's "built to last and is the most durable, grown-up bunk," she adds.

Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. They're designed with the ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more room to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as efficient at saving space as a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens that gives them more space to move around in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk if you want a bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable and can be moved them around in case your kids want to redecorate their rooms in the future. However they're not as strong as a metal or wood bunk bed and don't come with guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are smaller and can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and can double as a seat for younger children. Some models can even be capable of converting into a desk and chair and allow your child to create the ultimate bedroom suite for study time and playtime.

Budget

When shopping for a bunk bed, it's important that you consider your budget. While there are plenty of affordable options but if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that can last until the teens (or even adulthood) it might be worth paying a little extra for a quality design that will last for years to come.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs may be before you start shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings sharing a bedroom, while a full over full bunk is perfect for adults who want to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen bed. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it may be better to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.

The ideal bunk bed for teens is a good value and one that will expand with them. Pick a design that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds, if needed. This style has a sleek, contemporary bunk beds silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's easy for kids to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is another option to save money. This can include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help make your bedroom less cluttered, and is especially beneficial for those who have the space of a small one. Many of the bunks listed on our list offer this feature, and some come with additional storage options like an bookcase headboard for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.