20 Fun Infographics About Best Bunk Beds For Teens

How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Find bunk beds that are flexible, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that is easy to take off. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be separated to make two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll need to think about the size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be set far enough apart so that children can safely get up and down without having to hit one another or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can accommodate a mattress that is the same size as that of the bottom. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.

You can also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape one that is more for your space. A bunk bed with an L shape can be the perfect choice for small spaces or an area that is shared by two people. It can save floor space, and accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both upper and lower levels, based on the model you pick.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children's needs, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time for them to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance is the classic farmhouse look with curved headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper 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 ideal for smaller spaces as it occupies less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great option for older children since it doesn't require them to use a ladder or stairs which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room by using blue painter's tape. This will give you a sense of whether it can be easily climbed into and out at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. It is also important to think about the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for childrens bunk beds beds. These regulations include guardrails and features to protect against falls and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all ages. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll need to find a bunk bed with guardrails that are high enough to prevent children from falling off or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not elevate the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have a lower weight limit than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out what specifications are available regarding mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress can be, and they'll typically provide the total bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.

The best kids' bunk beds bunk beds are sturdy constructed, and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure security. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides, because they are unsafe for children to climb up and down, especially when the slats aren't securely fitted together. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, opt for a low-slung bottom bunk bed adults so that they can sit and play without being too high off the floor.

If you have a limited space or don't want to take up the entire space of your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. These are smaller in size and are typically only about the same width as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more 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. They are generally the safest and most stylish bunk beds on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that will expand with kids as they age and even can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemical. It's made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.

Style

A good bunk bed can keep teens content regardless of whether it's in the shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds also come in various sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular among teens because it permits the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space while leaving enough room for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers in the lower part. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper level to fit an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says teens love a twin-over-king loft bed since it occupies less space and gives them the space to spread out or work from 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 is the most sturdy, grown-up bunk," she adds.

Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the end that gives it a more sleek look and gives more space for a desk or dresser beneath. They're not as efficient at saving space as a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teenagers that offers more space in their rooms.

If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of safety and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are small and flexible and can be moved them around if your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. However they're not as sturdy as a wood or metal bunk bed, and they don't have guardrails on the top bed.

Bunks that include stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are smaller and are more convenient to climb, while stairs are safer and double as a seat for smaller children. Some models can be converted into a table or chair to let your child have the ultimate bedroom set for both play and study.

Budget

When shopping for a bunk bed, it's essential that you consider your budget. Although there are plenty of cheap options available If you're thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last into the teens (or even adulthood) it might be worth paying a bit more for a better design that will be used for a long time.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be prior to shopping. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a room or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults who wish to save space and avoid the expense of purchasing an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll also have to decide how much headroom you want between the bunks at the top and bottom. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it may be better to choose a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The ideal bunk bed for teens will be one that is affordable, and one that can grow with them. Choose a design that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or go with something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be divided into two freestanding twin beds in case you're looking to alter your space down the road. This style features a modern sleek, clean lines, boucle upholstered guardrails 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 another way to save money. This could include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help keep your bedroom clutter-free and is especially beneficial for those who have the space of a small one. A majority of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and a few offer additional storage options, such as an bookcase headboard for the top contemporary bunk beds and a desk for the bottom.