How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and function to children's rooms. They can also help in reducing space.

Look for bunk beds that are able to be moved, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or trundles that are easy to remove. You can also find stacked twins which can be separated to create two beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing a bunk bed for your children You'll need to think about the size, style and security. Look at the ceiling height to ensure the bunks fit in your space. Also, make sure that there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be enough apart so that children can move up and down with ease and not bump into one another or fall into the walls. Also, you'll want to find out if the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the bottom one so that you can avoid the need for a trundle or an extra bed in the future.

You can also opt for a different shape for your bunk, which may be better suited to your space. For example an L-shaped bunk could be perfect for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both upper and lower levels depending on the model you choose.

Many of the best twin over full bunk bed bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's the right time to transition to a regular double bed. For instance, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curved headboards and wagon-inspired 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 gives more room for children to play.

A loft bed is an alternative option that maximizes the corner space in rooms with tweens. It's ideal for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to make use of the lower levels for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great option for older children since it doesn't require them to climb a ladder or stairs which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, try it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's adhesive 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 any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. It is also important to think about the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails as well as features that prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds can be an ideal option for families with children of all different ages. However, it is essential to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll need to choose a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to keep children from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress which does not raise the sleeping surface excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have a lower weight limit than others.

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

The best selling bunk beds bunk beds will be sturdy and feature a ladder or stair that is securely attached to the frame, and has handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're poorly fitted together. If your kids love playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom so that they can sit and play without being too high off the floor.

If you're in a tight space or do not want to take up too much space in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. These take up less floor space and are usually about the same width as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for kids who might be scared of the higher bunk.

If you have a little more space, consider an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are the most fashionable and secure best bunk beds beds you can find. They can be used as twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that can 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 harmful chemicals. It is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.

Style

Whether it's for an entire room or just one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full, and even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular for tweens because it gives them room to sleep two kids in the same space and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers on the lower level. There are some options that include a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress.

Teens also love an over-king twin loft bed, which takes up less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, says Fenton. A bunk bed made of metal with an extended guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is basically a raised platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more room to set up a desk or dresser. 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.

Consider a futon bunk if you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are portable and compact and can be moved around when you want to redecorate your child's space in the near future. However they're not as sturdy as a wood or metal bunk bed and don't come with guardrails for the top bed.

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

Budget

A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to take into consideration your budget when shopping. While there are plenty of cheap options available If you're thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last into the teens (or even into adulthood) it might be worth paying a little more for a better design that can be used for years to come.

Before you begin shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs could be. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings who share bedrooms, while a full over full bunk is perfect for adults looking to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen bed. You'll also need to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the top and bottom bunks--if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to go with a lower-to ground arrangement.

The ideal bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Pick a design that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two beds, if needed. This design has a clean-lined modern design, boucle-upholstered railings, and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb and descend and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is another way to save money. This could include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This can help you keep your bedroom clutter-free and it's especially useful for those who have a small space. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even come with additional storage options, such as headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.