How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Find bunk beds that are able to be moved like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easily removed. There are also stacked twins which can be divided to create two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting a bunk bed for your kids, you'll want to consider size, style and safety. Take a look at the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to fit in your space. Also, make sure there's enough room for children to move around them. The beds should be placed apart enough that kids can safely move up and down and not crash into each other or the walls. Also, you should determine if the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is similar to the size of the bottom one. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the near future.

You can also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape one that is more for your space. An L-shaped bunk beds online bed can be perfect for small spaces or an area that is shared by two people. It will save space on the floor, and also 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 grow with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time to transition into a regular double bed. For instance, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails on 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 creates more space for children to play.

A loft bed is another option that can maximize the corner space 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 storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great option for older kids because it doesn't require them to climb an elevator or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Before you buy bunk beds any kind of bunk bed, try it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will be off the ground. This will let you know whether it's possible to climb in and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. In addition, you should ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds, which establish standards for guardrails and other features that prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, but it's important to take into consideration the safety features when shopping. You'll need to choose a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not raise the mattress excessively. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.

When choosing a bunk bed, check its manufacturer's website for specifications regarding the mattress's dimensions 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 should be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your kids love playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to play and sit without being too high off the floor.

If you're in a tight space or do not want to occupy too much room in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. These require less floor space and are usually only as wide as a single bed making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for younger children who might be intimidated by high bunk beds.

If you have more space, you can opt for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. They are typically the safest and most stylish bunk beds on the market and can be used as full or twin 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 also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it is available in a variety of color options.

Style

Whether it's for the shared room or one child, the ideal bunk bed will give teens something to be happy about. Many designs are sleek and minimalist and some have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with teens because it permits them to sleep two children in the same space, while leaving enough space for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage on the bottom. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says that teens love a twin-over-king loft bed because it occupies less space and provides them with more room to spread out and work at home. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is another popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most sturdy adult-sized kid bunk beds," she adds.

If you want a cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. These beds are constructed with a ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more space for a desk or dresser. These beds are not as space-saving as a bunk bed however they do allow teens to have more space in their rooms.

Think about a futon bunk bed If you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are small and flexible which means you can move them around in case your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the near future. However they're not as sturdy like 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 are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, could be used as seats by younger children. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair to let your child have the ultimate bedroom set-up for study and play.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive purchase, so it's essential to take into consideration your budget when you shop. While there are plenty of inexpensive options out there but if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that can last through the teens (or even adulthood), it may be worth paying more for a high-quality design that can be used for years to come.

Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs might be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a bedroom, while the full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.

The ideal bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option and one that will grow with them. Select a style that can work well in traditional and modern bunk beds rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds if required. This design features a clean, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's easy for kids to climb and down and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. This could include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom tidy and free of clutter. It's also a good option if you have a small space. Many of the bunks on our list have this option, and a few offer additional storage options like an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.