How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Find bunks designed with flexibility, like drawers for storage at the bottom and a trundle bed that's easy to remove, and twin beds that can be separated into two separate beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to consider size, style, and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Consider the height of the ceiling to ensure the bunks fit in your space, and make sure there's enough room for children to move around them. The beds should be far enough apart to allow kids to get up and down safely and not collide with each other or crash into walls. Also, you'll need to determine whether the top bunk can support mattresses similar to the bottom one so you won't need for a trundle, or an extra bed in the near future.

You could also choose a non-traditional bunk shape, which may be better suited to your space. For example, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can save floor space, and accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the upper and lower levels, based on the model you pick.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are made 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 best solid wood bunk beds Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed 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 kids to play on.

A loft bed is another option that maximizes the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a great choice for older kids because it doesn't require them to use an elevator or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room with blue painter tape. This will help you determine if it is possible to climb in and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the window sill. You should also consider 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 option for families with children of all ages, but it's important to take into consideration the security features when you shop. You'll need bunk beds with railings that are high enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that does not elevate the sleeping surface too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have a lower weight limit than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available on mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed and the bunk.

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladders or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure safety. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides, as they can be dangerous for kids to climb up and down, especially when the slats aren't securely joined. If your children love playing on the ground, go for a lower-slung bunk to allow them to sit and play without being too high off the ground.

If you're in a tight space or do not want to take up too much space in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less space and are usually only larger than a single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with narrow ceilings. They are also suitable for children who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.

If you have a little more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used for full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that will grow with your child's growth. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made of sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.

Style

A good bunk bed can make teens happy, whether it's in the bedroom of a couple or just one child. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more playful elements. best triple sleeper bunk beds beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with teens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same space, while leaving enough space for a desk dresser, or storage drawers at the bottom. Some options have trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Tweens also love an over-king twin loft bed that occupies less floor space and provides them with more space to sprawl out or work from home, says Fenton. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is essentially 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 desk or dresser. They aren't as space-saving as bunk beds however they do allow teens to have more space in their rooms.

If you're looking for an affordable bunk that can provide plenty of safety and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and portable, so they can be moved around if you're looking to revamp your child's space in the near future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed has no guardrails.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can also be used as a seating area by children who are younger. Some models are even capable of being converted into a chair and desk and allow your child to have the ultimate bedroom suite for study time and playtime.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's important to factor in your budget when you shop. Although there are plenty of affordable options but if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that can last into the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying a little more for a better design that will last for many years to come.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing the same bedroom, whereas a full over full bunk is perfect for adults looking to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.

The ideal bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that is able to grow with them. Choose a design that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or go with something similar to the Oeuf Perch best bunk bed for teens--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you're looking to alter your space down the road. This design has a clean-lined modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb and descend, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. This can include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and it's especially useful when you have the space of a small one. A majority of the bunks on our list have this option, and a few offer additional storage options like a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.