How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and utility in the kids' room. They can also help to reduce space.

Find bunks designed with flexibility, like drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle bed which is easy to take down, and stacked twins that can be separated into two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll need to take into consideration the dimensions design, style, and security when choosing a bunk bed for your kids. Look at the ceiling height to make sure the bunks are able to are suitable for your space, and make sure that there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be placed far enough apart so that children are able to safely go up and down without having to crash into one another or the walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk can be able to support a mattress of the same size as that of the lower one. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the near future.

You can also pick a bunk shape that isn't conventional, if it suits your space better. For example an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It is a great way to save the floor space and can fit a twin over full or queen mattress on both the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you select.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time for them 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 upper and lower bunk beds. This gives more room for kids to play.

A loft bed is another option that maximizes the space around corners in rooms that are tweens. It's great for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great option for older kids because it eliminates the need to use stairs or a ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will help you determine whether it's possible to climb up and down at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the bottom 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 as well as features that protect against falls and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are an ideal option for families with children of all ages. However, it is important to take into consideration the safety features before purchasing. You should look for a bed with rails that are tall enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Be sure to pay attention to the weight capacity, since certain bunks have a lower limit than others.

When selecting a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk.

The most suitable childrens bunk beds beds are sturdy and have stairs or ladders that is attached securely to the frame and comes with side handles. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your children love to play on the ground, choose a low-slung bunk that lets them play and sit without having to be too far off the ground.

Consider an L-shaped bed if don't have much space in your child's room or if you don't want it to take up a lot of space. These take up less floor space and are usually only about the same width as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for younger children who may be scared of high bunk beds.

If you require a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. They are the most stylish and safe bunk beds available. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn kids bunk beds for sale' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will expand with kids as they age and even 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. Additionally, it comes in multiple color options.

Style

Whether it's for the shared room or one child, the perfect bunk bed can give teenagers something to be excited about. Some designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds also come in different sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin over full design is popular with teens since it lets them sleep two children in the same space and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the lower level. There are some options with Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also adore a twin over king loft bed that occupies less floor space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular option for older children because they're "built to last and are the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.

For a truly cool bunk, think about an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. These beds are designed with the ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a desk or dresser. These beds aren't as spacious as bunk beds however they do allow teens to have more space in their rooms.

If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that will still offer plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and portable which means they can be moved around when you're planning to redesign your child's room in the future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top bed does not have guardrails.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are smaller and are more convenient to climb, while stairs are more secure and can serve as a seating area for younger children. Some models are capable of converting into a chair and desk, allowing your child to create the perfect bedroom set-up for study time and playtime.

Budget

When choosing a bunk bed, it's essential to think about your budget. There are many inexpensive options available, but if need a bed that will last into the teens and into adulthood, it's worth paying more to get a top-quality bed that can be used for years.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed for kids bed and what their sleeping needs may be before you start shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a bedroom, while full over full bunk is ideal for adults who want to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you may want to choose a bed that is lower to the ground.

The best bunk beds for adults uk bunk bed for teens is a good value, and one that can expand with them. Look for a style that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or opt for something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you need to reconfigure your space down the road. This style has a sleek, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb and descend, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

Another option to save money is to choose an area of the bunk that is built-in storage options, like drawers underneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom tidy and free of clutter. It's also useful in the case of a small room. Many of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and a few come with additional storage options such as a bookcase headboard for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.