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 save space.

Choose bunk beds that can be adapted like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that is easy to take off. There are also twins that can be stacked and separated to create two separate beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll need to consider the size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Make sure you check the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks to allow children to move around. The beds should be spaced apart enough that children can safely get up and down without having to crash into each other or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is similar to that of the lower one. 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. For instance, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It saves floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you choose.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will expand with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time for them to move to a normal double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance is a classic farmhouse style with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This leaves more space for children to play.

A loft bed is a different option that can maximize the space at the corner in rooms that are tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces because it doesn't take up the same amount of vertical space and allows the lower levels to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children since it eliminates the use of a ladder or stairway which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, try it out in your child's' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will be above the ground. This will give you a feel of whether it could be easily climbed into and out of 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 reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk bed for kids beds. These regulations include guardrails and features to stop falls or entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, however, it is important to think about security features when you shop. You'll need bunk beds with guardrails that are tall enough to stop children from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress which does not raise the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have smaller weight limits than others.

When you are choosing the bunk bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer to find specifications regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and typically list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides, because they are dangerous for children to climb up or down, especially in the case where the slats haven't been tightly connected. If your children like to play on the ground, choose a bunk with a low slung that allows them to play and sit without being too far off the ground.

Choose an L-shaped bed if don't have much space in your child's bedroom or if you do not want it to take up lots of space. These take up less floor space and are typically only about the same width as a single bed, so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for kids who might feel intimidated by a higher bunk.

If you require a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. They are typically the safest and most elegant bunk beds available on the market, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that will grow with your child as they grow. It can even accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made of sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in multiple color options.

Style

Whether it's for an entire room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed can give teenagers something to be happy about. Many designs are sleek and minimalist and some have more fun elements. Bunk beds are also available in different sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full and even queen. A twin-over-full design is a favorite among teens because it lets them accommodate two children in a single room, and still leaves space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

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

Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with the ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a desk or dresser. They're not as effective at saving space as a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teenagers that offers more space in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk If you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are small and flexible which means you can move them around if your children 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 don't have guardrails on the top bed.

Bunks that include stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can be used as a seating area by children who are younger. Some models can even be able to convert into a desk and chair and allow your child to build the perfect bedroom space for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive purchase, so it's essential to take into consideration your budget when buying. There are many inexpensive options out there, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last into the teens (or even adulthood) it might be worth paying a bit more for a better design that will be used for a long time.

Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their needs for sleep might be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a bedroom, while a full over full bunk is a great option for adults looking to save space or reduce the cost of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk and bottom bunk bed uk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you may want to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.

The ideal bunk bed for teens will be one that is affordable and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Select a style that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds if required. This style has a sleek, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

Another way to save money is to find a bunk that has built-in storage, such as drawers beneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also useful if you have a small room. Many of the bunks in our list feature this feature. Some even come with additional storage accessories, such as a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.