How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Look for bunk beds that can be adapted like ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that is easy to remove. There are also stacked twins which can be separated to create two beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You should take into consideration size design, style, and security when selecting a bunk bed for your children. Check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be spaced sufficiently apart that children are able to safely go up and down without having to crash into each other or the walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk can be able to support a mattress of similar to that of the lower one. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.

You may also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape, which may be better suitable for your space. For example an L-shaped bunk could be perfect 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 the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you select.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs by converting into two independent beds when it's the right time to transition to a regular double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the top and bottom beds, leaving more floor space for children to play on.

Another option is a loft bed which maximizes corner space in tween rooms. It's ideal for smaller spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you make use of the lower levels for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's a great option for older children since it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder, making it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will give you a feel of whether it can be easily climbed into and out of at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You should also consider the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails as well as features that stop falls or entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with kids of all ages, however, it's important to consider the safety features when buying. You'll need bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which does not elevate the sleeping surface too much. You should also pay attention to the capacity for weight, as some bunks have lower limits than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out the specifications available for mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and will typically list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for security. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your kids love playing on the ground, you should opt for a low-slung bottom bunk to let them sit and play without being too high off the floor.

If you're in a tight space or do not want to take up the entire space of the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. These require less floor space and are typically only about the same width as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children who might be intimidated by 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 secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that can grow with kids as they get older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's the bedroom of a couple or only one child. Many designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more fun elements. Bunk beds also come in various sizes, ranging 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 accommodate two children in the same space and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the bottom. Some designs come with a trundle bed that allows the upper level to fit an additional mattress.

Fenton says that tweens love a twin-over-king loft bed since it occupies less space and gives them more space to spread out and work from home. A metal bunk bed with an extended guardrail is a popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.

For a truly cool bunk, think about an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically a platform bed elevated. They're designed with the ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more room for a dresser or desk. They're not as good for conserving space like a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teens that gives them more space to move around in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk If you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are small and flexible and can be moved them around in case your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed has no guardrails.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can also be used as a seating area for children younger than. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair so that your child can have the ideal bedroom set for both play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to take into consideration your budget when buying. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if you need a bed that will endure through your teens and on into adulthood, it's worth paying more for a quality product that can be used indefinitely.

Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs might be. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults who wish to save space and avoid the cost of buying an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to select a layout that is lower to the ground.

The best bunk bed for teens is an affordable option, and one that can grow with them. Select a style that can work well in traditional and bunkbedsstore.uk modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds if needed. This style has a sleek, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is an additional option to save money. This can include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will help keep the bedroom clutter-free, and is especially beneficial when you have smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories like a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.