How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can add fun and utility to rooms for kids. They also can help save space.

Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers that store items in the bottom, a trundle bed that's easily removed and twin beds that can be split into two separate beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing a bunk bed for your kids you should consider the size, style and security. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be spaced enough apart so that children can get up and down safely and not bump into one another or fall into walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can be able to support a mattress of the same size as that of the bottom. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the near future.

You can also pick an arrangement for your bunk that isn't traditional, if it suits your space better. A bunk bed with an L shape can be perfect for small spaces or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can help save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on the model you choose.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are made to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to the size of a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance is the classic farmhouse look 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 adjustable ladder that connects the bottom and top beds with more space for children to play on.

A loft bed is a different option that can maximize the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's great for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's a great choice for older children because it eliminates the use of a ladder or stairway and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room by using blue painter's tape. This will allow you to determine whether it's safe to climb into and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. It is also important to take into consideration the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails as well as features that stop falls or entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all ages. However, it's essential to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll want to choose beds with rails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleep surface too high. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available regarding mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.

The ideal bunk beds will be sturdy and feature a ladder or stair that is attached securely to the frame and comes with handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly joined. If your children love to play on the ground, choose a low-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without being too far off the ground.

If you have a limited space or do not want to occupy the entire space of 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 making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children of smaller age who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.

If you're looking for a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. They are generally the most secure and fashionable bunk beds on the market and can be used as twin or full 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 also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will keep teens content regardless of whether it's in the bedroom of a couple or only one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. bunk beds uk beds are also available in different sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. A twin over full design is popular with teens since it gives them room to accommodate two children in the same space 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 love an over-king twin loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more room to stretch out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is a popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy grown-up bunk available," she adds.

For a really cool bunk, think about an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. These beds are constructed with a ladder at their end. This gives them a sleeker look and more room to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as effective at saving space as a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens, and give them more room to move around in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk if you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are compact and portable and can be moved around in case you're planning to redesign your child's room in the near future. However they're not as strong as a wood or metal bunk bed and don't have guardrails on the top bed.

Bunks that include ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can also be used as seats by younger children. Some models can even be able to convert into a chair and desk which allows your child to have the perfect bedroom set-up for study time and playtime.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to take into consideration your budget when you shop. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if need a bed that will last into the teens and on into adulthood, it's worth spending an extra amount for a quality product that can be used indefinitely.

Before you begin shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs could be. For instance, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings and a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults looking to reduce space and avoid the cost of purchasing an additional queen or king mattress. It is also important to determine the amount of headroom you'd like between the top and bottom bunks--if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example, it might be best to choose a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The best bunk bed for teens is an affordable option, and one that can expand with them. Select a style that can work well in 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 beds, if needed. This design features a clean, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb and down and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

Another option to save money is to find a bunk that has built-in storage options, like drawers beneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom tidy and clutter-free. It's also a good option if you have a small space. Many of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and a few have additional storage accessories available like an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.