How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can bring fun and function to rooms for kids. They can also help reduce space.

Choose bunk beds that are flexible like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that's easy to take off. There are also stacked twins which can be divided to create two separate beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting a bunk bed for your kids You'll need to think about the size, style and security. Look at the ceiling height to ensure the bunks fit into your space, and make sure that there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be spaced apart enough that kids can safely move up and down without having to hit one another or the walls. Also, you'll need to find out whether the top bunk bed adults is able to support a mattress similar to the bottom one so you can avoid the need for a trundle or an extra bed in the near future.

You can also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape one that is more suitable for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be perfect for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It is a great way to save the floor space and can fit a twin over full or queen mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you choose.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time to move to a normal double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance, features a classic farmhouse style with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This gives more room for kids to play.

Another alternative is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in rooms that are tween. It's ideal for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a good choice for older kids because it doesn't require them to climb stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom using blue painter tape. This will give you a sense of whether it is easily climbed into and out of at night, without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You'll also want to consider the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds for kids beds. These standards include guardrails as well as features that protect against falls and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, but it's important to take into consideration the security features when you shop. You'll want to choose a bed with rails that are tall enough to stop kids from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleep surface too high. Pay attention to the weight limit of the buy bunk bed online bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.

When you are choosing the bunk bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer for details on the mattress sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide 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 ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for safety. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides as they can be unsafe for children to climb up or down, particularly if the slats aren't tightly joined. If your kids love to play on the ground, pick a bunk with a low slung that lets them sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.

If you're limited in space or do not want to occupy too much space in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. These require 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 more practical for kids who may be intimidated by a higher bunk.

If you're looking for a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. They are generally the most secure and fashionable bunk beds that are available and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will expand with kids as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made of sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

A good bunk bed can make teens happy regardless of whether it's the shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with teens, as it allows 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 come with an trundle bed that can be used on the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress.

Fenton says that tweens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it takes up less space and provides them with the space to spread out or work at home. A bunk bed made of metal with a full-length guardrail is another popular option for older children because it's "built to last and it's the most sturdy adult-sized 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 their end. This provides a more modern look and more room for a desk or dresser. They aren't as space-saving as bunk beds however, they can provide teens with more space in their rooms.

If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that can offer plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are portable and compact which means they can be moved around if you want to redecorate your child's room in the future. However, they're not as durable as a wood or metal bunk bed and don't come with guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, can also be used as a seat by younger children. Some models can even be capable of converting into a chair and desk, allowing your child to have the perfect bedroom set-up to study or play.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's important to take into consideration your budget when you shop. There are many inexpensive options available, but if need a bed that will last into the teens and on into adulthood, you should consider spending an extra amount for a high-quality product that can be used indefinitely.

Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs might be. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for families with multiple children, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who wish to make space and avoid the expense of purchasing an additional queen or king mattress. You'll also need to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the top and bottom bunks--if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to choose a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The most suitable bunk childrens beds bunk for teenagers are those that are affordable and can adapt to the teenager. Look for a style that is suitable for traditional and modern rooms, or opt for something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be divided into two freestanding twin beds should you're looking to alter your space in the future. This style has a sleek, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings, and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb and descend and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

Another option to save money is to locate an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, for example drawers under the bed or a shelf below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also helpful for those with a smaller space. Many of the bunks in our list feature this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.