How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and function to rooms for kids. They can also help to save space.

Look for bunks that are designed with flexibility, like bottom storage drawers or a trundle bed which is easy to take down and twin beds that can be split into two beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When you're choosing bunk beds for your kids You'll need to think about size, style, and safety. Consider the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to fit into your space. Also, make sure there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be placed sufficiently apart that children can safely get up and down and not hit one another or the walls. Also, you'll want to determine whether the top bunk is able to support a mattress that is the same size as the bottom one so that you don't have to pay for a trundle or another extra bed in the future.

You could also choose a non-traditional bunk shape that is for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be perfect for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It saves the floor space and can fit a twin over full or queen mattress on each of the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you select.

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

A loft bed is another option that makes the most of the corner space in tween-rooms. It's a great option for smaller spaces as it doesn't require as much vertical space and allows the lower levels to be used for desks as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children because it doesn't require stairs or ladders and makes it more accessible for large children and adults.

Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, check it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's adhesive to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will help you determine if it is possible to climb into and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. It is also important to consider the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features to prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it's essential to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll want to look for a bed with rails that are tall enough to stop children from falling or becoming trapped, and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Be sure to be aware of the weight capacity, since certain bunks have lower limits than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out the specifications available for mattress dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed and the bunk.

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 safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, particularly if they're not securely connected. If your children like to play on the ground, choose a bunk with a low slung that lets them sit and play without having to be too far off the ground.

If you're limited in space or do not want to occupy too much space in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. These require less floor space 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 high bunk beds.

If you require a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. They are typically the safest and most elegant bunk beds available that are available and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn kids bunk beds' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that can grow with kids as they age and even accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of harmful chemicals. It's made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.

Style

If it's an entire room or just one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be enthusiastic about. A lot of designs are sleek and minimalist and some have more fun elements. Bunk beds also come in a variety of sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. A twin over full design is a favorite among teens because it allows them to sleep two kids in the same space and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers in the lower level. There are some options that include a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.

Tweens also love the twin over king loft bed that occupies less floor space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and it's the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the top, which gives the appearance of a sleeker design and allows more room for a dresser or desk underneath. They aren't as spacious as bunk beds, but they give teens more room in their rooms.

If you're looking for an affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of safety and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are small and flexible, so 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 bed isn't equipped with guardrails.

Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can be used as a seat by younger children. Some models can be converted into a table or chair to allow your child to have the perfect bedroom set-up for play and study.

Budget

When choosing a bunk bed, it's essential that you consider your budget. Although there are plenty of affordable options, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that will last through the teens (or even adulthood) it might be worth paying more for a high-quality design that will be used for a long time.

Before you shop think about who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their needs for sleep could be. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings who share a bedroom, while full over full bunk is perfect for adults looking to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen 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 choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.

The ideal bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that is able to grow with them. Look for a style that is suitable for both modern and traditional rooms, or go with something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds should you want to change the layout of your space later on. This design features a clean, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings, and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is a different option to save money. It could be drawers under the lower bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free. It's also helpful if you have a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.