How to Choose the Best bunk beds for kids Beds for Teens

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

Find bunk beds that can be adapted like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easy to take off. You can also find twins that can be stacked and separated to make two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll need to take into consideration the dimensions, style, and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your children. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough space around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be placed apart enough that children can safely get up and down and not hit each other or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress similar to the size of the bottom one. This will allow you to avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.

You can also pick an arrangement for your bunk that is not traditional and suited to your space better. For instance, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It is a great way to save the floor space and can fit a twin over full or queen mattress on the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you select.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time for them to transition to a regular double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the bottom and top beds with more space for kids to play on.

A loft bed is another option that makes the most of the corner space in tween-rooms. It's ideal for smaller spaces since it requires less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's an excellent choice for older children as it doesn't require stairs or ladders and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, try it out in your child's' bedroom with blue painter's tape to determine how high it will rise off the ground. This will help you determine whether it's safe to climb up and down at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. You'll also want to take into consideration the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails as well as features that protect against falls and entrapment.

Safety

deals bunk beds beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to consider the security features when you shop. You should look for a bed with rails that are high enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped. Also, you need an option that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have smaller weight limits than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to see the specifications available for mattresses and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed and the bunk bed for adults.

The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles to ensure security. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides, as they could be dangerous for children to climb up and down, especially when the slats aren't securely fitted together. If your kids love to play on the ground, pick a low-slung bunk that allows them to play and sit without being too far off the ground.

If you're limited in space or do not want to take up too much room in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less space and are typically only larger than a single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with narrow ceilings. They're also more suitable for younger kids, who might be scared of the higher bunk.

If you have more room, go for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. They are the most stylish and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that grows with your child's development 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. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.

Style

It's for the shared room or one child, the perfect bunk bed can give teenagers something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek, minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in different sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. A twin-over-full design is a favorite among teens because it lets them accommodate two children in a single room, and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the bottom. Some options come with Trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.

Teens also love a twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and gives them more space to sprawl out or work from home, says Fenton. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is another popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last, and is the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.

For a truly cool bunk, you should consider an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the top giving the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a desk or dresser beneath. They're not as good for conserving space as a traditional bunk, but they're an attractive option for teens, and give them more room to move around in their rooms.

If you're looking to find a more affordable bed that will provide plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and adaptable, so you can move them around in case your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the near future. They're not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top bed does not have guardrails.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, could be used as a seat by children who are younger. Some models can even be able to convert into a desk and chair and allow your child to create the ultimate bedroom suite for bunk beds for teens study time and playtime.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's crucial to take into consideration your budget when shopping. There are many affordable options but if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that is designed to last into the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying more for a better design that will last for a long time.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleep needs may be before you start shopping. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for families with multiple children, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults looking to reduce space and avoid the expense of buying an additional queen or king mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to choose a bed that is lower to the ground.

The best quality bunk beds bunk bed for teens is an affordable option and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Choose a design that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can separate into two freestanding twin beds in case you need to reconfigure your space in the future. This style has a sleek, 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.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is an additional way to save money. This can include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help you keep your bedroom tidy and clutter-free. It's also helpful if you have a small space. Many of the bunks listed on our list have this option, and a few have additional storage accessories available like a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.