How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and utility in the kids' room. They also can help reduce space.

Choose bunk beds that are able to be moved like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that is easy to take off. You can also find twins that can be stacked and separated to create two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing a bunk bed for your children you should consider size, style and safety. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be spaced enough apart so that children can move up and down with ease and not bump into each other or smash into the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress similar to the size of the bottom. This will allow you to avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the near future.

You can also pick a bunk shape that is not traditional, if it suits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be the perfect choice for a small space or an area that is shared by two people. It will save space on the floor, and also accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the upper and lower levels depending on the model you select.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are made to grow with your child, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to a double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This gives more room for children to play.

Another alternative is a loft bed which maximizes corner space in rooms that are tween. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces because it doesn't take up as much vertical space and allows the lower levels to be used for desks as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older children because it eliminates the need to climb an elevator or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

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 off the ground. This will allow you to determine if it is possible to climb up and down at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. You'll also want to consider the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails as well as features that prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it is important to take into consideration the safety features before purchasing. You'll need to find bunk beds with railings that are high enough to stop children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which does not elevate the sleeping surface excessively. You should also be aware of the weight capacity, since certain bunks have lower limits than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to see the specifications available for mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed as well as the bunk bed uk.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly fitted together. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, you should opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to play and sit without being too high off the floor.

If you have a limited space or do not want to take up too much space in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are usually the same size as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children who might be intimidated by higher bunks.

If you require a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best choice. They are generally the most secure and fashionable bunk beds that are available, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that will grow with your child's development as they grow. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemicals. It's made of sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.

Style

Whether it's for an entire room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed for teens will provide something to be happy about. Some designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more fun elements. Bunk beds also come in different sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with tweens because it permits the possibility of sleeping two children in the same room while still leaving space for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage on the bottom. Some options come with an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to fit an extra mattress.

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

For a really cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are designed with the ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more room to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as good for conserving space as a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens, and give them more space in their rooms.

If you're looking to find a more affordable bed that will provide plenty of safety and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and versatile which means you can move them around if your children want to redecorate their rooms in the near future. However they're not as strong as a metal or wood bunk bed and do not have guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders require less space and are more convenient to climb, whereas stairs are safer and double as a seat for smaller children. Some models are capable of being converted into a desk and chair which allows your child to have the perfect bedroom space for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to consider your budget when shopping. There are many inexpensive options available, but if are looking for a bunk bed that will endure through your teens and even into adulthood, it's worth paying more for a quality product that can be used for years.

Before you begin shopping think about who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their needs for sleep could be. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings who share the same bedroom, whereas a full over full bunk is perfect for adults who are looking to save space or reduce the cost of a separate queen bed. It is also important to determine how much headroom you want between the bunks at the top and bottom. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.

The most suitable bunk beds for teens are those which are priced at a reasonable price and can grow with the teen. Look for a style that works in both modern and traditional rooms, or opt for something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can separate into two freestanding twin beds if you need to reconfigure your space later on. This style features a modern sleek, clean lines with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

Another way to save money is to locate an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, such as drawers under the bed or a shelf below the top. This can help you keep the bedroom clutter-free, and is particularly useful for those who have the space of a small one. Many of the bunks listed on our list offer this feature, and some offer additional storage options like a bookcase headboard for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.