How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can bring fun bunk beds and function to kids' rooms. They also can help save space.
Look for bunk beds that are flexible, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or trundles that are easy to remove. You can also find twins that can be stacked and separated to create two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You should consider the size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Look at the ceiling height to ensure that the bunks will are suitable for your space, and make sure that there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be enough apart that kids bunk can climb and descend safely and not bump into each other or smash into walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress similar to that of the bottom one. This will allow you to avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the future.
You may also opt for an arrangement for your bunk that is not traditional and suited to your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be perfect for small spaces or an area that is shared by two people. It can save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the upper and lower levels depending on the model you pick.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time for them to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance, features an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on 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 at the corner in rooms that are tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces because it doesn't take up as much vertical room and allows the bottom level to be used as a desk, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a good choice for older children since it doesn't require you to climb stairs or a ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom using blue painter tape. This will help you determine if it is possible to climb in and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. In addition, you should ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds. These regulations establish standards for guardrails and other features to prevent entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to consider the safety features when shopping. You'll need to find bunk beds with guardrails that are high enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not elevate the sleeping surface excessively. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to see the specifications available for mattresses and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress can be, and will typically provide the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladders or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles to ensure safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're poorly connected. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to let them sit up and play without being too high off the floor.
If you have a limited space or do not want to take up too much room in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less space and are typically only as wide as one single bed. This makes them ideal for small rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for younger children who may be scared of the higher bunks.
If you have a little more space, consider a full-over-full-size bunk bed. These are the most fashionable and safe bunk beds available. They can be used for full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that can grow with kids beds bunk as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of harmful chemicals. It's made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.
Style
It's for a shared room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed can give teenagers something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek, minimalist while others are more playful elements. Bunk beds are also available in different sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular among teens because it permits them to sleep two kids in the same space, while still leaving room for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage on the bottom. Some options come with Trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress.
Teens also love an over-king twin loft bed that occupies less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the most durable, adult bunk-sized bunk," Fenton adds.
If you want a cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. These beds are designed with a ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more room to set up a desk or dresser. These beds are not as spacious as a bunk bed, but they allow teens to have more space in their rooms.
If you're looking for an affordable bunk that can provide plenty of safety and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are portable and compact and can be moved around when you're planning to redesign your child's space in the future. However they're not as sturdy as a metal or wood bunk bed and don't have guardrails on the top bed.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and are more convenient to climb, whereas stairs are safer and double as a seat for younger children. Some models can be transformed into a chair or desk to let your child have the perfect bedroom set for both play and study.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to factor in your budget when buying. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will last into the teens and into adulthood, it's worth paying more for a quality product that can be used indefinitely.
Before you shop, consider who will be using the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs could be. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a room and a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults looking to make space and avoid the cost of purchasing a separate queen or king-sized mattress. You'll also have to decide how much headroom you want between the bunks at the top and bottom. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it may be better to opt for a lower-to-ground arrangement.
The best bunk beds for teenagers are those that offer a good price and are able to grow with the teen. Pick a design that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch buy bunk bed Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds, if needed. This design features a clean, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb and descend, 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 beneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also helpful for those with a smaller space. Many of the bunks in our list come with this feature. Some even come with additional storage options, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.