How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and functionality to rooms for kids. They can also help to reduce space.

Choose bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as bottom storage drawers or a trundle bed which is easy to take down and twin beds that can be split into two separate beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You'll need to consider size, style, and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Check the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be spaced far enough apart so that children can safely get up and down and not collide with each other or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the size of the bottom. This will help you avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the future.

You can also pick an arrangement for your bunk that isn't conventional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be the perfect choice for a small space or an area that is shared by two people. It will save floor space, and accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on the model you choose.

Many of the best low bunk beds bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time for them to move to a normal 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 along the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the bottom and top beds with more space for kids to play on.

A loft bed is another option that makes the most of the space at the corner in rooms that are tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces because it doesn't take up as much vertical room and allows the bottom level to be used for desks and dressers, best bunk beds for teens or storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children as it eliminates the use of stairs or ladders and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room using blue painter tape. This will give you a feel of whether it could be easily climbed in and out at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You'll also want to take into consideration the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features that protect against falls and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to consider the safety features when buying. You should look for beds 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 pay attention to the weight capacity, as some bunks have lower limits than others.

When you are choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and often list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The most suitable bunk beds are solid and sturdy, with stairs or ladders that is securely attached 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, particularly if they're not securely fitted together. If your children enjoy playing on the best bunk beds ground, opt for a low-slung bottom bunk to allow them to sit up and play without being too high off the ground.

If you're limited in space or do not want to take up too much room in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are typically only as wide as one single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with small ceilings. They're also ideal for younger kids, who might feel intimidated by a bunk that is higher.

If you're looking for a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best bunk beds for low ceilings option. They are generally the safest and most fashionable bunk beds on the market, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that can grow with kids as they get older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made of sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

The right bunk bed can make teens happy regardless of whether it's in a shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. A twin over full style is popular with teens since it gives them room to sleep two children in the same space and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers best deals on bunk beds the bottom. 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 a twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to sprawl out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and is the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. They have a ladder at the end giving it a more sleek look and gives more space for a desk or dresser underneath. They're not as effective at conserving space like a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens that gives them more space 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 compact and versatile which bunk bed is the best means you can move them around if your children want to redecorate their rooms in the future. They're not as sturdy as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one does not have guardrails.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and are more convenient to climb, while stairs are safer and double as a seat for younger kids. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair so that your child can have the ideal bedroom set that can be used for study and play.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to take into consideration your budget when shopping. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will endure through your teens and on into adulthood, it's worth paying more for a high-quality product that can be used indefinitely.

Before you start shopping, consider who will be sleeping in the bunk bed and what their needs for sleep could be. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for rooms with siblings, while a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who wish to save space and avoid the expense of purchasing a separate queen or king-sized mattress. It is also important to determine the amount of headroom you'd like between the bunks at the top and bottom. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to choose a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The most suitable bunk beds for teens are ones that are affordable and can adapt to the teen. Look for a style that is suitable for traditional and modern rooms, or choose something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be split into two separate twin beds in case you want to change the layout of your space down the road. This style features a modern sleek, clean lines as well as boucle upholstered guardrails a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

Another way to save money is to find a bunk that has built-in storage, such as drawers underneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This can help you keep your bedroom clutter-free and is especially beneficial if you're working with a small space. Many of the bunks listed on our list come with this feature, and some come with additional storage options such as a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.