How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft bed can be a great way to add fun and function in the kids' room. They also can help save space.

Look for bunks that are designed with flexibility, like drawers that store items in the bottom or a trundle bed which is easily removed, and twin beds that can be divided into two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to take into consideration the dimensions as well as style and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your children. Check the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be enough apart so that children can climb and descend safely and not run into each other or crash into the walls. Also, you'll need to find out whether the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so that you won't need for a trundle or an extra bed in the future.

You can also choose a bunk design that isn't conventional, if it suits your space better. For example an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. It saves floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on each of the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you pick.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's the right time to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance is an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom with more space for kids to play on.

Another alternative is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's great 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 great option for older children since it doesn't require them to use an elevator or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children and 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 be above the ground. This will let you know if it is possible to climb into and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the window sill. You'll also want to take into consideration the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features that prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages. However, it is important to take into consideration the safety features before purchasing. You'll want to look for beds with rails that are high enough to stop children from falling or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleep surface too high. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have a lower weight limit than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available on mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and typically provide the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.

The most suitable bunk beds are sturdy and feature an stairway or ladder that is secured to the frame, and has handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, particularly if they're not securely fitted together. If your children love to play on the ground, pick an un-slung bunk that allows them to play and sit without being too far from the ground.

Consider an L-shaped mattress if you don't have much space in your child's room or if you don't want it to take up much space. They are smaller in size and are typically only as wide as one single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with small ceilings. They are also suitable for children of smaller age who may be scared of high bunk beds.

If you have a little more space, consider a full-over-full bunk bed. They are generally the most secure and stylish bunk beds that are available, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that can grow with kids as they grow older and can accommodate 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 sourced Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's the shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds also come in various sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin over full style is a favorite among teens because it gives them room to sleep two children in a single room, and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the lower level. Some options have trundle beds which allow the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also adore an over-king twin loft bed that occupies less floor space and provides them with more room to stretch out or work from home, says Fenton. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is a popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most durable grown-up bunk available," she adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is basically a raised platform bed. They have a ladder at the top giving it a more sleek look and allows more room for a desk or dresser underneath. They're not as efficient at saving space like a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens, and give them more space to move around in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk beds uk If you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable which means they can be moved around when you want to redecorate your child's bedroom in the near future. However they're not as strong as a metal or wood bunk bed, and they don't have guardrails on the top bed.

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

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's crucial to consider your budget. Although there are plenty of cheap options available, if you're planning on buying a bunk beds for kids bed that can last into the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying a bit extra for a quality design that will last for many years to come.

Consider who will use the bunk bed Uk bed and what their sleeping requirements could be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings sharing bedrooms, while full over full bunk is perfect for adults who want to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen bed. It is also important to determine how much headroom you want between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to opt for a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The best bunk beds for teens are ones which are priced at a reasonable price and can adapt to the teen. Find a design that is suitable for traditional and modern rooms, or choose something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can separate into two freestanding twin beds if you want to change the layout of your space down the road. This style features a modern elegant, clean-lined design with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is a different option to save money. This could include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also helpful in the case of a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and some come with additional storage options like bookcase headboards for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.