How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft bed can bring fun and utility in the room for kids. They can also help to save space.

Look for bunk beds that are flexible like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that’s easy to take off. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be separated to create two separate beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting a bunk bed for your kids, you’ll want to consider the size, style and security. Examine the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks for children to move around. The beds should be set far enough apart so that kids can safely move up and down and not crash into one another or the walls. Also, you’ll need to determine whether the top bunk is able to support mattresses similar to the bottom one, so that you don’t have to pay for a trundle, or an extra bed in the future.

You can also choose a bunk shape that is not traditional, if it suits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be perfect for a small room or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can save floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you select.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children’s needs and can be converted into two separate beds when it’s the right time to move to a normal double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance it has an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It’s constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for kids to play.

Another option is a loft bed, that maximizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It’s ideal for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It’s a great 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 you purchase any type of bunk bed, test it out in your kids’ bedroom with blue painter’s tape to see how high it will be above the ground. This will allow you to determine if it is possible to climb in and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. Finally, you’ll want to ensure your family’s safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s rules for bunk beds, which set standards for guardrails and other features that reduce entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, but it’s important to take into consideration the safety features when shopping. You should look for a bed with rails that are high enough to keep children from falling or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn’t elevate the sleep surface too high. Be sure to be aware of the capacity for weight, as some bunks have lower limits than others.

Check the manufacturer’s website to find out the specifications available for mattresses and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and typically provide the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladders or stairs should attach to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles to ensure security. Avoid bunk beds uk beds with slatted sides panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they’re poorly connected. If your children like to play on the ground, pick a low-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.

If you’re in a tight space or do not want to occupy the entire space of the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less floor space and are typically only about the same width as a single bed so they’re ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children who might be intimidated by the higher bunks.

If you require a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used for twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids’ Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will expand with kids bedroom furniture as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It’s Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It’s made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it is available in a variety of color options.

Style

A good bunk bed can make teens happy regardless of whether it’s in the bedroom of a couple or just one child. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular among teens because it allows them to sleep two kids in the same room while leaving enough room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. Some designs come with a Trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.

Fenton says that teens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it takes up less space and gives them more room to spread out and work from home. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is another popular option for older kids because it’s “built to last, and it’s the most sturdy adult-sized bunk,” she adds.

If you want a cool bunk, consider a 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 room for a desk or dresser. These beds aren’t as spacious as bunk beds however, they can give teens more room in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk If you’re looking for bunk beds that are affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable and can be moved around when you’re looking to revamp your child’s room in the future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top bed does not have guardrails.

Bunks that include stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can be used as a seat for children younger than. Some models are capable of being converted into a desk and chair which allows your child to create the ultimate bedroom suite for study time and playtime.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it’s crucial to consider your budget when you shop. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if need a bed that will last through the teens and on into adulthood, it’s worth spending a little more for a quality product that can be used for a long time.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs might be prior to shopping. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings, while a full-over-full bunk beds uk is perfect for adults looking to make space and avoid the expense of purchasing a separate queen or king size mattress. You’ll need to decide on the amount of headroom between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you may want to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.

The best bunk bed, additional reading, for teens will be one that is affordable, and one that can expand with them. Find a design that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or choose something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk–an Editors’ Choice option for the Spruce. It can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you want to change the layout of your space later on. This design has a modern sleek, clean lines as well as boucle upholstered guardrails a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It’s also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

Another option to save money is to choose an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, for example drawers beneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free. It’s also helpful for those with a smaller room. A majority of the bunks on our list have this option, and a few come with additional storage options such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.