How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers that store items in the bottom or a trundle bed which is easy to take down, and twins that stack and can be split into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing bunk beds for your children you should consider size, style and safety. Examine the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks can fit in the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be placed far enough apart so that children are able to safely go up and down without having to crash into each other or the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk can support a mattress similar to that of the bottom one. This will allow you to avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the future.

You could also choose a non-traditional bunk shape one that is more suited to your space. For instance, an L-shaped bunk can be perfect for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It will 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 choose.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's the right time to move to a normal double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired style with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom with more space for children to play on.

A loft bed is an alternative option that can maximize the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's a great choice for smaller spaces because it doesn't require the same amount of vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's a great choice for older children because it doesn't require stairs or ladders, making it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.

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 an idea of whether it can be easily climbed into and out of at night, without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. It is also important to think about the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails as well as features that stop falls or entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all ages. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll need bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to prevent children from falling or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that doesn't raise up the mattress excessively. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have less weight limits than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out what specifications are available regarding mattresses and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly joined. If your children love to play on the ground, pick a bunk with a low slung that allows them to sit and play without being too far from the ground.

Choose an L-shaped bed if don't have a lot of space in the room of your child or if you don't want it to take up lots of space. They require less floor space and are usually about the same width as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for children who may be intimidated by the higher bunk.

If you have more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the most secure and 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 age and even accommodates trundle mattresses (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

A good bunk bed can make teens happy, whether it's in the shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalist while others are more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with teens because it allows them to sleep two kids in the same room while leaving enough space for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage on the bottom. Certain designs have Trundle beds that permit the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says that tweens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed because it takes up less space and gives them more space to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular option for older children because they're "built to last and it's the strongest, grown-up childrens bunk beds," Fenton adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is basically a raised platform bed. They have a ladder at the end, which gives it a more sleek look and makes room for a desk or dresser underneath. They're not as efficient at saving space as a traditional bunk, however, they're a stylish choice for teenagers that offers more room to move around in their rooms.

If you're looking for a more affordable bed that will provide plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and portable, so they can be moved around if you're looking to revamp your child's room in the future. However they're not as strong as a wood or metal bunk bed and don't come with guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and are more convenient to climb, whereas stairs are safer and double as a seating area for younger children. Some models are even capable of converting into a chair and desk which allows your child to build the perfect bedroom space for study time and playtime.

Budget

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

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements may be before you start shopping. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a bedroom, while the full-over-full bunk is a great option for adults looking to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll also need to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance, it might be best to opt for a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The best rated bunk beds bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option and one that will expand with them. Choose a design that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or go with something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be divided into two freestanding twin beds in case you need to reconfigure your space in the future. This design features a clean, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is another option to save money. This could include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will allow you to keep the bedroom clutter-free, and it's especially useful if you're working with a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some come with additional storage accessories like a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.