How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Look for bunk beds that are flexible, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or trundles that are easily removed. There are also stacked twins which can be separated to make two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to consider size design, style, and security when choosing a bunkbed for your kids. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will are suitable for your space, and make sure that there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be spaced enough apart to allow kids to move up and down with ease and not bump into each other or smash into walls. Also, you'll need to find out whether the top bunk is able to support mattresses that is the same size as the bottom one so that you can avoid the need for a trundle, or an additional bed in the future.

You may also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape that is for your space. A bunk bed with an L shape can be ideal for small spaces or a guest room shared by two people. It can save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on the model you choose.

Many of the best portable bunk beds bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time to move to a normal double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance it has the classic farmhouse look with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom and leaves more floor space for children to play on.

A loft bed is a different option that maximizes the corner space in rooms that are tweens. It's ideal for smaller spaces as it occupies less vertical space and allows you to make use of the lower levels for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a good choice for older children since it eliminates the need to climb stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, test it out in your kids bedroom using blue painter's adhesive to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will let you know whether it's safe to climb up and down at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. It is also important to think about the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features that stop falls or entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all 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 stop children from falling or becoming trapped, and a mattress which doesn't raise up the mattress too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have a lower weight limit than others.

When selecting a bunk bed, check its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and they'll typically list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles to ensure security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your kids love to play on the ground, pick an un-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without being too far off the ground.

Pick an L-shaped mattress if you don't have a lot of space in the room of your child or if you don't want it to take up a lot of space. They require less space and are typically only as wide as one single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with small ceilings. They're also more suitable for kids who might be scared of a bunk that is higher.

If you have a little more space, you can opt for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. They are typically the safest and most elegant bunk beds available that are available, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that will grow with your child's development as they grow. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made of sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in multiple color options.

Style

It's for the shared room or one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek and 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. The twin-overfull design is popular with tweens because it permits the possibility of sleeping two children in the same room while still leaving space for a desk dresser or storage drawers at the bottom. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed since it takes up less space and gives them more room to spread out and work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and are the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.

If you want a cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more space for a dresser or desk. They're not as effective at saving space as a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens, and give them more room to move around in their rooms.

If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of safety and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are small and flexible which means you can move them around if your children wish to redesign their rooms in the near future. However they're not as sturdy like a metal or wood bunk bed and do not have guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, could be used as a seat by children who are younger. Some models are even able to convert into a desk and chair which allows your child to create the perfect bedroom space for study time and playtime.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to take into consideration your budget when buying. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you want a bunk bed to last through the teens and even into adulthood, it's worth spending more for a high-quality product that can be used for years.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs might be prior to shopping. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for families with multiple children and a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to make space and avoid the expense of buying a separate queen or king-sized mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom that is available between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you may want to choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.

The ideal bunk bed for teens is an affordable option and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Choose a design that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or choose something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be split into two separate twin beds in case you want to change the layout of your space down the road. This style features a modern elegant, clean-lined design, boucle upholstered guardrails and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

Another way to save money is to locate an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, such as drawers beneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also helpful for those with a smaller space. A majority of the bunks on our list feature this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories like a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.