How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Look for bunk beds that are flexible like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easy to remove. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be separated to make two separate beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You'll need to think about size, style, and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your kids. Consider the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to fit into your space, and make sure there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be spaced far enough apart so that children can safely get up and down without having to collide with each other or the walls. Additionally, you should determine if the top bunk can support mattresses similar to the bottom one so that you can avoid the need for a trundle or another additional bed in the future.

You can also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape one that is more for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can save the floor space and can also accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, based on the model you choose.

Many of the best deals on bunk beds bunk beds for teens are designed to adapt to your child's needs and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to an adult bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curving headboards and 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 leaves more space for children to play.

Another alternative is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in tween rooms. It's a great choice for smaller spaces since it doesn't require the same amount of vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a good choice 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 purchasing any type of bunk bed, test it out in your child's' bedroom with blue painter's tape to determine how high it will be above the ground. This will give you a feel of whether it can be easily climbed in and out of at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds. These regulations establish standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

best triple bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, however, it's important to take into consideration the safety features when shopping. You'll need to find bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to prevent children from falling or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that doesn't raise up the sleeping surface excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have a lower weight limit than others.

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

The ideal bunk beds will be sturdy and have stairs or ladders that is secured to the frame and has handles on the sides. Avoid bunks with slatted sides, as they could be dangerous for kids to climb up and down, especially if the slats aren't tightly connected. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to play and sit without being too high off the floor.

Consider an L-shaped bed if do not have enough space in your child's room or if you do not want it to take up lots of space. These take up less floor space and are usually about the same width as a single bed, which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for younger children who may be scared of high bunk beds.

If you have a little more space, consider an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. They are the most stylish and safe bunk beds available. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that can grow with kids as they age and even accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemical. It's made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will make teens happy regardless of whether it's a shared bedroom or for just one child. A lot of designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are also available in various sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. A twin over full design is popular for tweens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same room and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the lower level. There are some options that include a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.

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

If you want a cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design that's basically an elevated platform bed. They're designed with the ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more space for a dresser or desk. They aren't as space-saving as a bunk bed, but they provide teens with more space in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk If you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are compact and versatile which means you can move them around in case your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. However they're not as strong as a wood or metal bunk bed and they don't come with guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders require less space and are easier to climb, while stairs are more secure and can serve as a seating area for younger kids. Some models can be transformed into a desk or chair to let your child have the ideal bedroom set that can be used for play and study.

best budget bunk beds

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's important that you consider your budget. While there are plenty of affordable options but if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that can last until the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying more for a better design that will be used for a long time.

Before you shop take into consideration who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs could be. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who wish to reduce space and avoid the expense of purchasing an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom between the top bunk and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.

The best twin over twin bunk beds bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option and one that will adapt to their needs. Find a design that works in 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 if you're looking to alter your space in the future. This design has a modern sleek, clean lines with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. It could be drawers beneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help you keep your bedroom tidy and clutter-free. It's also useful if you have a small room. Many of the bunks listed on our list have this feature, and a few have additional storage accessories available like an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.