How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can bring fun and function to kids' rooms. They can also help save space.
Find bunk beds that are flexible, such as those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that's easy to remove. You can also find twins that can be stacked and separated to make two separate beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
You should consider the dimensions, style, and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your kids. Check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be far enough apart so that children can move up and down with ease and not run into each other or smash into walls. Also, you'll want to find out whether the top bunk is able to support mattresses that is the same size as the bottom one, so that you won't need for a trundle or another extra bed in the near future.
You may 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 a guest room shared by two people. It can help save the floor space and can accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you choose.
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 transition into a regular double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom and leaves more floor space for children to play on.
Another option is a loft bed, which optimizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces because it doesn't require as much vertical room and allows the lower levels to be used as a desk and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children because it doesn't require stairs or ladders, making 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 tape to see how high it will be above the ground. This will allow you to determine if it is possible to climb up and down at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. These regulations establish standards for guardrails and other features that prevent entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it is important to take into consideration the safety features before buying. You'll want to choose a bed with rails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Be sure to pay attention to the capacity for weight, as certain bunks are less able than others.
Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available on mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers provide guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and they'll typically list the total bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.
The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladders or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. It is also recommended to avoid bunks that have slatted sides because they are dangerous for children to climb up or down, particularly in the case where the slats haven't been tightly connected. If your children love playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to let them sit up and play without being too high off the ground.
If you're limited in space or don't want to take up too much room in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less space and are usually only as wide as one single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with small ceilings. These are also more suitable for younger children who might be intimidated by higher bunks.
If you have more room, go for a full-over-full bunk beds adults bed. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used for full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that grows with your child's development as they grow. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made of sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in multiple color options.
Style
The ideal bunk bed will make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's a shared bedroom or for only one child. Many designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin over full design 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. There are some options that include a Trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress.
Tweens also love a twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and gives them more space to spread out or work from home, according to Fenton. A metal bunk bed with an extended guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last and it's the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.
For a really cool bunk, think about an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are designed with the ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more space for a dresser or desk. They're not as good for conserving space as a traditional bunk but they're an attractive option for teens that gives them more space to move around in their rooms.
Consider a futon bunk if you want bunk beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are small and flexible which means you can move them around in case your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the future. They are not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one does not have guardrails.
Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and are easier to climb, while stairs are safer and double as a seat for younger kids. Some models are even able to convert into a desk and chair which allows your child to have the ultimate bedroom suite to study or play.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's crucial to factor in your budget when buying. There are many cheap options available, if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that will last until the teens (or even adulthood) it might be worth paying a bit extra for a quality design that will be used for a long time.
Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs might be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings who share a bedroom, while a full over full bunk is a great option for adults who want to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk and bottom buy bunk beds. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you might want to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.
The ideal bunk bed for teens is an affordable option and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Choose a design that works in traditional and modern rooms, or go with something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can separate into two freestanding twin beds if you need to reconfigure your space down the road. This style features a modern bunk beds sleek, clean lines, boucle upholstered guardrails and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another option to save money is to find a bunk that has built-in storage, for example drawers underneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also a good option for those with a smaller space. Many of the bunks in our list have this feature. Some even come with additional storage options, such as headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.