How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft bed can bring fun and utility in the children's room. They can also help to reduce space.

Look for bunk beds that can be adapted, such as ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easily removed. You can also find stacked twins which can be separated to create two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You should think about the dimensions as well as style and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Make sure you check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be far enough apart that kids can climb and descend safely and not bump into each other or smash into walls. Additionally, you should determine if the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the bottom one, so that you can avoid the need for a trundle or another additional bed in the future.

You may also opt for a bunk shape that isn't traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a smaller 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 pick.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's the right time to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features an old-fashioned farmhouse design 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 bottom and top beds and leaves more floor space for kids to play on.

A loft bed is a different option that maximizes the corner space in rooms with tweens. It's great for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and lets you use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's an excellent choice for older children as it doesn't require a ladder or stairway which makes it more accessible for large children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will give you an idea 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. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds, which establish standards for guardrails and other features that prevent entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages, but it is important to think about security features when you shop. You should look for beds with rails that are high enough to keep children from falling or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Also, be aware of the weight capacity, as certain bunks have a lower limit than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to see the specifications available for mattress sizes and weight limitations. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress can be, and typically list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.

The ideal bunk beds will be solid and sturdy, with an stairway or ladder that is secured to the frame and comes with side handles. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, particularly if they're not securely fitted together. If your kids love to play on the ground, choose a bunk with a low slung that allows them to play and sit without having to be too far off the ground.

Consider an L-shaped bed if don't have much space in the room of your child or if you do not want it to take up much space. These require less floor space and are usually the same size as a single bed, which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for children who might be intimidated by the higher bunks.

If you need a bit more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. They are typically the most secure and 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 can grow with kids as they get older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of harmful chemicals. It's made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.

Style

If it's a shared room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed will give teens something to be enthusiastic about. A lot of designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular for tweens because it gives them room to accommodate two children in the same room and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers on the bottom. Some designs come with a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.

Teens also love an over-king twin loft bed that takes up less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and is the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the end, which gives the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a dresser or desk underneath. They aren't as spacious as bunk beds however they do provide teens with more space in their rooms.

If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of security and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are compact and versatile, so you can move them around in case your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. However they're not as strong as a wood or metal bunk bed and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can be used as a seat by younger children. Some models are capable of being converted into a chair and desk and allow your child to build the perfect bedroom space for study time and playtime.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to factor in your budget when shopping. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if you need a bed that will last into the teens and even into adulthood, it's worth spending more for a high-quality product that can be used for a long time.

Before you start shopping think about who will be sleeping on the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who wish to make space and avoid the expense of buying an additional queen or king-sized mattress. You'll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the top and bottom bunks--if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance, it might be best to choose a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The best bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable, and one that can grow with them. Pick a design that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two twin beds, if needed. This design has a clean-lined contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's simple for children to climb and descend and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

Another option to save money is to choose an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, such as drawers under the bed or a shelf below the top. This will help keep the bedroom clutter-free, and is especially beneficial for those who have smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature, and a few come with additional storage options, such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.