How to Choose the best rated bunk beds Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Find bunk beds that are flexible like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that's easily removed. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be divided to create two separate beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing bunk beds for your children you should consider the size, style and security. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks can fit in the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks to allow the kids to move. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that children are able to safely go up and down and not collide with one another or the walls. Also, you'll want to find out if the top bunk can support mattresses similar to the bottom one, so that you don't have to pay for a trundle, or an extra bed in the future.

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

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are designed to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to an adult bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This creates more space for children to play.

Another option is a loft bed, which optimizes corner spaces in rooms that are tween. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces since it doesn't require as much vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a great choice for older children since it eliminates the need to use stairs or a ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room by using blue painter's tape. This will give you an idea of whether it is easily climbed into and out at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Also, it is important to keep your family's safety in mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds adults beds, which define standards for guardrails as well as other features to prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to take into consideration the safety features when shopping. You'll want to choose beds with rails that are tall enough to prevent kids from falling off or getting trapped and an option that doesn't raise the sleep surface too high. You should also be aware of the capacity for weight, as certain bunks have lower limits than others.

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

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles for security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your children love to play on the ground, select a bunk with a low slung that lets them play and sit without being too far from the ground.

Choose an L-shaped bed if you don't have much space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it taking up a lot of space. They require less floor space and are typically only the same size as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for younger kids bunkbed, who might be scared of a bunk that is higher.

If you have more space, consider an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are usually the safest and most fashionable bunk beds that are available and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that will grow with your child's growth. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemicals. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.

Style

The right bunk bed can make teens happy, whether it's in the shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular with teens since it allows them to accommodate two children in the same space and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers on the bottom. There are some options with trundle beds which allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says that teens love a twin-over-king loft bed because it takes up less space and provides them with more room to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with a full-length 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.

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is basically a raised platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a desk or dresser. They aren't as spacious as a bunk bed however, they can give teens more room in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable, so they can be moved around if you're planning to redesign your child's bedroom in the near future. However they're not as sturdy as a metal or wood bunk bed, and they don't have guardrails on the top bed.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and are easier to climb. Stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for younger kids. Some models can be converted into a table or chair to let your child have the perfect bedroom set for both study and play.

Budget

When shopping for a bunk bed, it's essential that you consider your budget. There are many affordable options, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last until the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying a little more for a better design that can be used for many years to come.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs may be before you start shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for rooms with siblings or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults who wish to reduce space and avoid the expense of purchasing a separate queen or king mattress. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bunks at the top and bottom. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example, it might be best kids' bunk beds to choose a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The ideal bunk bed for teens is an affordable option and one that will grow with them. Choose a design that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be split into two separate twin beds should you're looking to alter your space down the road. This design features a clean, modern bunk beds silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

Another option to save money is to choose a bunk that has built-in storage, such as drawers beneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will allow you to make your bedroom less cluttered, and it's especially useful if you're working with smaller space. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some even come with additional storage options, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.