How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can add fun and functionality to kids' rooms. They can also help save space.
Look for bunks that are designed with flexibility, like drawers for storage at the bottom and a trundle bed that's easily removed, and twin beds that can be split into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing a bunk bed for your children You'll need to think about size, style and safety. Consider the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will fit in your space. Also, make sure there's enough room for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be far enough apart so that children can get up and down safely and not bump into each other or crash into walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress similar to that of the lower one. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.
You could also choose an alternative to the traditional bunk shape one that is more suited to your space. For instance, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can save space on the floor, and also accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both upper and lower levels, depending on the model you select.
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 it has a classic farmhouse style 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 adjustable ladder that connects the top and bottom beds with more space for children to play on.
A loft bed is an alternative option that can maximize the space at the corner in tween-rooms. It's ideal for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's a great option for older children since it doesn't require a ladder or stairway, making it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.
Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, try it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will allow you to determine whether it's safe to climb in and out 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 reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. These regulations define standards for guardrails as well as other features to prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are an ideal option for families with children of all age groups. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll need to find a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not elevate the sleeping surface too much. Also, be aware of the weight capacity, since certain bunks have a lower limit than others.
When selecting the bunk bed you want, look on 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 provide the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.
The best bunk beds will be solid and sturdy, with an stairway or ladder that is attached securely to the frame and comes with handles on the sides. You should also avoid any bunks that have slatted sides as they could be dangerous for kids to climb up or down, particularly if the slats aren't tightly fitted together. If your kids love playing on the ground, opt for a lower-slung bunk to let them sit up and play without being too high off the floor.
If you're in a tight space or don't want to take up too much space in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. These require less floor space and are usually as wide as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children of smaller age who might be intimidated by high bunk beds.
If you're looking for a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. They are generally the safest and most stylish bunk beds that are available and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will expand with kids as they age and even accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemical. It's made of sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.
Style
It's for an entire room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed will give teens something to be excited about. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin-over-full design is a favorite among teens because it lets them sleep two children in the same room and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers in the lower level. There are some options that include a Trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress.
Fenton says teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed because it occupies less space and gives them the space to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.
If you want a cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically a platform bed elevated. They're designed with the ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a dresser or desk. These beds aren't as spacious as a bunk bed however, they can give teens more room in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed if you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are portable and compact which means they can be moved around when you want to redecorate your child's bedroom in the future. They're not as sturdy as metal or wood bunk beds, and the top bed has no guardrails.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and can be more convenient to climb, whereas stairs are safer and can double as a seating area for younger children. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair so that your child can have the ultimate bedroom set for both study and play.
Budget
When choosing a bunk bed, it's essential to think about your budget. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if want a bunk bed to last into the teens and on into adulthood, it's worth paying an extra amount for a high-quality product that can be used for years.
Before you shop think about who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs might be. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults who want to save space and avoid the cost of buying a separate queen or king mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you may want to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.
The ideal bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Find a design that is suitable for traditional and modern rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can separate into two freestanding twin beds in case you need to reconfigure your space in the future. This design features a clean, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb and descend and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.
Another way to save money is to find a bunk with built-in storage, for example drawers underneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also useful if you have a small room. Many of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and a few offer additional storage options such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.