How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

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

Size

When you're choosing a bunk bed for your children You'll need to think about size, style and safety. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will are suitable for your space, and make sure that there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be far enough apart so that children can get up and down safely and not collide with each other or crash into the walls. Also, you'll want to find out whether the top bunk can support a mattress that is the same size as the bottom one, so that you can avoid the need for a trundle, or an extra bed in the near future.

You can also pick an arrangement for your bunk that isn't traditional and suited to your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed can be perfect for a small space or an area that is shared by two people. It can help save the floor space and can allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the upper and lower levels, based on the model you pick.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens will expand with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features the classic farmhouse look with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This creates more space for kids to play.

A loft bed is another option that maximizes the space at the corner in rooms that are tweens. It's ideal for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and lets you use the lower floor for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's a great choice for older children since it doesn't require a ladder or stairway, making it more accessible for larger children and adults.

Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, test it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise off the ground. This will give you a sense of whether it can be easily climbed into and out of at night without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. In addition, you should keep your family's safety in mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds, which establish standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages. However, it is crucial to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll need to choose bunk beds with guardrails that are tall enough to stop children from falling or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that doesn't raise up the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have less weight limits than others.

When choosing the bunk bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer for details regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide 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 triple bunk bunk beds are sturdy constructed, and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure safety. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides, because they are dangerous for kids to climb up and down, particularly if the slats aren't tightly fitted together. If your children like to play on the ground, pick a bunk with a low slung that lets them play and sit without being too far from the floor.

If you're in a tight space or don't want to take up too much room 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 making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children who may be scared of higher bunks.

If you're looking for a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best triple bunk beds choice. They are generally the safest and most fashionable bunk beds that are available and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that can grow with your child's growth. It can even accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. 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

Whether it's for a shared room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed will give teens something to be enthusiastic about. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds also come in different sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full and even queen. A twin over full design is popular for tweens because it gives them room to sleep two kids in a single room, and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the bottom. Some options come with trundle bed that allows the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress.

Fenton says that teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed since it takes up less space and gives them more space to spread out and work at home. A metal bunk bed with an extended guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last, and is the most durable grown-up bunk available," she adds.

For a truly cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder on the end that gives the appearance of a sleeker design and makes room for a desk or dresser underneath. These beds are not as space-saving as a bunk bed, but they provide teens with more space in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are portable and compact and can be moved around if you're planning to redesign your child's space in the near future. However, they're not as durable like a metal or wood bunk bed and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.

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

Budget

When shopping for a bunk bed, it's important that you consider your budget. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if want a bunk bed to last into the teens and on into adulthood, you should consider spending an extra amount for a quality product that can be used indefinitely.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs could be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin over a twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a room or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults who want to reduce space and avoid the cost of buying a separate queen or king-sized mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you might want to choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.

The best bunk beds for teens are those which are priced at a reasonable price and are able to grow with the teen. Look for a style that is suitable for traditional and modern rooms, or opt for something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can separate into two freestanding twin beds if you want to change the layout of your space later on. This style has a sleek, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, 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 an additional way to save money. This can include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also helpful in the case of a small room. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories, such as a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.