How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and utility to kids' rooms. They can also help to save space.

Find bunk beds that can be adapted, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or trundles that are easily removed. You can also find twins that are stacked, which can be divided to create two separate beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When you're choosing a bunk bed for your kids, you'll want to consider the size, style and security. Consider the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to are suitable for your space. Make sure there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be set far enough apart so that children can safely get up and down without having to collide with each other or the walls. Also, you'll want to determine whether the top bunk is able to support mattresses similar to the bottom one so you don't have to pay for a trundle or another additional bed in the future.

You can also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape that is suitable for your space. For example, an L-shaped bunk can be perfect for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can save the floor space and can allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the upper and lower levels depending on the model you select.

A lot of the top kid bunk beds beds for teens can grow with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time for them to move to a normal double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features the classic farmhouse look with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This creates more space for children to play.

Another option is a loft bed, that maximizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's ideal for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and allows you to make use of the lower levels for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's a great choice for older children since it eliminates the use of stairs or ladders, making it more accessible to large children and adults.

Before you buy bunk bed online any kind of bunk bed, try it out in your child's bedroom using blue painter's tape to see how high it will be off the ground. This will let you know if it is possible to climb into and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. These regulations set standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

buy bunk beds online beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it is important to take into consideration the safety features before buying. You'll want to choose beds with rails that are high enough to prevent children from falling or becoming trapped, and an option that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.

When selecting a bunk bed, make sure to check 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 give the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed and the bunk bed.

The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladders or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly fitted together. If your kids love to play on the ground, pick an un-slung bunk that allows them to play and sit without having to be too far off the ground.

Pick an L-shaped mattress if you don't have a lot of space in your child's bedroom or if you do not want it to take up lots of space. These take up less floor space and are typically only about the same width as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for younger kids, who might be scared of a bunk that is higher.

If you need a bit more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best choice. They are generally the safest and most fashionable bunk beds that are available and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that grows with your child's growth. 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 also made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

A good bunk bed can make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's in a shared bedroom or for only one child. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. A twin over full design is popular for tweens because it allows them to sleep two kids in a single room, and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the lower level. Some options have trundle beds which allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says teens like a twin-over-king loft bed since it occupies less space and provides them with 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 strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are designed with the ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more room to set up a desk or dresser. They 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, think about a futon bunk. Futons are compact and versatile, so you can move them around if your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the near future. However they're not as strong as a wood or metal bunk bed and they don't have guardrails on the top bed.

Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can be used as a seating area by younger children. Some models are able to convert into a chair and desk, allowing your child to create the perfect bedroom space for study time and playtime.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major purchase, so it's essential to consider your budget when buying. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will last into the teens and even into adulthood, it's worth spending an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used for years.

Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping on the bunk bed and what their needs for sleep could be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a bedroom, while the full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who are looking to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll also have to decide how much headroom you want between the top and bottom bunks--if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to go with a lower-to ground arrangement.

The ideal bunk bed for teens is a good value and one that will adapt to their needs. Choose a style that will work well in traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds if required. This style features a modern sleek, clean lines with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

Another way to save money is to find an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, such as drawers underneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom tidy and free of clutter. It's also useful for those with a smaller room. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even come with additional storage accessories, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.