How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

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

Size

When you're choosing a bunk bed for your kids, you'll want to consider size, style and safety. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure the bunks fit into your space. Also, make sure there's enough room for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be enough apart to allow kids to climb and descend safely and not bump into each other or crash into walls. Also, you'll want to determine whether the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so that you don't have to pay for a trundle, or an extra bed in the near future.

You can also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape one that is more for your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It is a great way to save the floor space and can also accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you choose.

Many of the best bunk bed for teens are built to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example it has an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the top and bottom beds with more space for children to play on.

Another alternative is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in tween rooms. It's a great choice for smaller spaces because it doesn't take up as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk, dressers or storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children because it doesn't require stairs or ladders and makes it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom using blue painter tape. This will give you an idea of whether it could be easily climbed into and out of at night, without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. These regulations set standards for guardrails and other features that reduce entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are an ideal option for families with children of all age groups. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You should look for a bed with guard rails that are high enough to keep children from falling or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleep surface too high. Also, pay attention to the capacity for weight, as certain bunks have lower limits than others.

When choosing the bunk bed you want, look on its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed and the bunk bed.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladders or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. Avoid bunks with slatted sides, as they can be dangerous for children to climb up and down, especially in the case where the slats haven't been tightly joined. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, go for a low-slung bottom bunk so that they can play and sit without being too high off the ground.

If you're in a tight space or do not want to occupy too much room in the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. These take up less floor space and are usually only as wide as a single bed, which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for younger children who might be intimidated by higher bunks.

If you need a bit more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best choice. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that will grow with children as they age and even can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemicals. It's made of sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.

Style

The right bunk bed can make teens happy regardless of whether it's in the shared bedroom or for only one child. A lot of designs are sleek and minimalist and some have more fun elements. Bunk beds are also available in various sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular among teens, as it allows them to sleep two children in the same space while leaving space for a desk dresser, or drawers for storage in the lower part. Some options come with an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to fit an extra mattress.

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

For a truly cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. These beds are constructed with the ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more room for a desk or dresser. These beds are not as space-saving as bunk beds however, they can provide teens with more space in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you want an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable and can be moved them around if your children 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 with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and are more convenient to climb, while stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for smaller kids. Some models are even capable of being converted into a chair and desk which allows your child to build the perfect bedroom space for 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 cheap options available but if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last through the teens (or even adulthood) it might be worth paying a little more for a better design that will be used for a long time.

Before you begin shopping think about who will be sleeping on the bunk bed and what their sleep needs might be. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for families with multiple children and a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to save space and avoid the expense of purchasing a separate queen or king mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, it may be better to choose a bed that is lower to the ground.

The ideal bunk bed for teens is an affordable option, and one that can grow with them. Choose a design that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or opt for 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're looking to alter your space in the future. This design features a contemporary elegant, clean-lined design with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is a different option to save money. This could include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and it's especially useful for those who have the space of a small one. Many of the bunks listed on our list come with this option, and a few offer additional storage options like a bookcase headboard for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.