How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can add fun and functionality to children's rooms. They can also help to save space.

Choose bunk beds that are able to be moved like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that's easy to remove. You can also find twins that can be stacked and separated to make two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to think about the size, style, and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks will fit in the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks to allow the kids to move. The beds should be spaced enough apart that kids can climb and descend safely and not collide with one another or fall into walls. Also, you should determine if the top bunk bed can be able to support a mattress of the same size as that of the bottom one. This will help you avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle later on.

You may also opt for an arrangement for your bunk that is not traditional and suited to your space better. For instance, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can save floor space, and accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both upper and lower levels, depending on the model you select.

Many of the best childrens bunk beds bunk beds for teens are made to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to move up to an adult bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance is a classic farmhouse style with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the bottom and top beds and leaves more floor space for kids to play on.

Another alternative is a loft bed, that maximizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's great for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's a great option for older children since it doesn't require a ladder or stairway and makes it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.

Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, test it out in your child's' bedroom with blue painter's tape to determine how high it will be above the ground. This will allow you to determine whether it's safe to climb into and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds, which establish standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with kids of all ages, however, it's important to consider the safety features when shopping. You'll want to look for a bed with guard rails that are high enough to keep kids from falling off or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't elevate the bed's surface too high. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to see the specifications available for mattresses and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress can be, and will typically list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.

The best bunk bed ideas bunk beds are sturdy constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles for security. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your children love playing on the ground, opt for a lower-slung bunk to let them play and sit without being too high off the floor.

Choose an L-shaped bed if do not have enough space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it taking up much space. They require less floor space and are usually as wide as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for children of smaller age who might be intimidated by high bunk beds.

If you have a little more space, consider an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. They are generally the most secure and fashionable bunk beds that are available and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will expand 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 also made from sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

If it's an entire room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed will give teens something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek, minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with teens because it permits the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space, while leaving enough room for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers on the bottom. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says that teens love a twin-over-king loft bed since it takes up less space and provides them with more space to spread out and work at home. A bunk bed made of metal with an extended guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy grown-up best convertible bunk beds available," she adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They're designed with a ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more room for a dresser or desk. They're not as efficient at saving space as a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens, and give them more room to move around in their rooms.

If you're looking for an affordable bed that will provide plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and versatile, so you can move them around if your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the future. They're not as sturdy as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.

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

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive purchase, so it's essential to consider your budget when buying. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if need a bed that will last into the teens and into adulthood, it's worth spending a little more for a quality product that can be used for years.

Before you begin shopping think about who will be using the bunk bed, and what their needs for sleep could be. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults looking to make space and avoid the expense 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 toddler beds, you may want to choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.

The best white bunk beds bunk beds for teenagers are those that are affordable and are able to grow with the teenager. Find a design that works in both modern and traditional rooms, or go with something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you're looking to alter your space down the road. This design features a clean, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's easy for children to climb and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

Another option to save money is to locate a bunk with built-in storage, for example drawers underneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will allow you to keep the bedroom clutter-free, and is especially beneficial for those who have a small space. Many of the bunks listed on our list come with this option, and a few come with additional storage options, such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.