How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft and bunk beds can be a great way to add fun and function in the kids' room. They can also help to save space.
Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers for storage at the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to remove, and twins that stack and can be split into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
You'll want to think about the size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Take a look at the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to are suitable for your space. Make sure that there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be spaced far enough apart so that children can safely get up and down without having to crash into one another or the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk can be able to support a mattress of similar to that of the bottom one. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the near future.
You can also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape that is suitable for your space. For example an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It will save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you pick.
A lot of the top bunk bed for teens are built to adapt to your child's needs by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to the size of a double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired style with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails that run 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 creates more space for children to play.
A loft bed is an alternative option that makes the most of the space around corners in rooms with tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces since it doesn't require as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used for desks as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children because it doesn't require a ladder or stairway, making it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.
Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, check it in your children bedroom using blue painter's tape to determine how high it will rise off the ground. This will give you a feel of whether it can be easily climbed in and out of at night without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You'll also want to take into consideration the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features that stop falls or entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, but it is important to think about safety features when shopping. You'll want to choose beds with rails that are tall enough to stop children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleep surface too high. Also, pay attention to the capacity for weight, as some bunks have a lower limit than others.
When you are choosing the bunk bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer for details on the mattress sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and typically provide the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladders or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles for safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb on, particularly if they're not securely fitted together. If your kids love to play on the ground, select a low-slung bunk that lets them play and sit without being too far off the ground.
Choose an L-shaped mattress if you don't have much space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it to take up much space. These take up less floor space and are usually only 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 children who may be intimidated by a bunk that is higher.
If you're looking for a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. They are the most stylish and safe bunk beds available. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that can grow with your child as they grow. It can even accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.
Style
Whether it's for a shared room or just one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek, minimalist while others are more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin over full style is popular with teens since it allows them to sleep two children in the same space and still has room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. Some options come with Trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.
Teens also love the twin over king loft bed that occupies less floor space and gives them more space to spread out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.
For a truly cool bunk, think about an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with the ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more space 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 space to move around in their rooms.
Consider a futon bunk if you want an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are small and flexible and can be moved them around if your kids want to redecorate their rooms in the future. However they're not as sturdy like a metal or wood bunk bed, and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders take up less space and can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and can double as a seat for younger kids. Some models can even be capable of converting into a desk and chair, allowing your child to have the perfect bedroom space for study time and playtime.
Budget
When shopping for a bunk bed, it's important that you consider your budget. While there are plenty of cheap options available but if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that is designed to last through the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying a little extra for a quality design that will be used for years to come.
Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their needs for sleep could be. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a room or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults who want to make space and avoid the cost of buying a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.
The best bunk bed for teens will be one that is affordable and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Choose a design that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or go with something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds in case you're looking to alter your space later on. This design features a clean, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's easy for kids to climb and descend and down, and 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, for example drawers under the bed or a shelf below the top. This can help you keep the bedroom clutter-free, and is especially beneficial for those who have the space of a small one. Many of the bunks in our list feature this feature. Some even come with additional storage options, such as a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.