How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and utility to kids' rooms. They can also help to save space.
Find bunks designed to be flexible, such as drawers for storage at the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to take down, and twins that stack and can be split into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
You should think about the size design, style, and security when choosing a bunk bed for your kids. Make sure you check 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 the children to move. The beds should be placed far enough apart so that children are able to safely go up and down and not hit each other or the walls. Also, you'll want to find out whether the top bunk can support mattresses that is the same size as the bottom one so you can avoid the need for a trundle or another extra bed in the near future.
You may also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape that is for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed could be the perfect choice for a small space or a guest room shared by two people. It is a great way to save floor space and can accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you choose.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children's needs, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time for them to transition to a regular double bed. For instance, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired style with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for children to play.
A loft bed is another option that can maximize the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's ideal for smaller spaces since it requires less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great choice for older children because it doesn't require them to use stairs or a ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room with blue painter tape. This will help you determine whether it's safe to climb in and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. Also, it is important to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds. These regulations establish standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, but it's important to take into consideration the security features when you shop. You'll need to choose bunk beds with guardrails that are tall enough to keep children from falling off or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that doesn't raise up the mattress excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have a lower weight limit than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available regarding mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and typically list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladders or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles to ensure safety. You should also avoid any bunks with slatted sides as they could be unsafe for children to climb up and down, especially if the slats aren't tightly fitted together. If your children like to play on the ground, choose an un-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.
Pick an L-shaped mattress if you do not have enough space in the room of your child or if you do not want it to take up a lot of space. They require less space and are usually only as wide as one single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with narrow ceilings. These are also more suitable for younger children who may feel intimidated by the higher bunks.
If you require a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. They are generally the safest and most stylish bunk beds that are available and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that will grow with your child as they grow. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. best bunk beds for small spaces is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of harmful chemicals. It is made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.
Style
Whether it's for the shared room or one child, the ideal bunk bed will give teens something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek, minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular for tweens because it gives them room to accommodate two children in the same room and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers at the lower level. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Teens also adore the 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 a popular option for older children because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy, grown-up bunk," she adds.
If you want a cool bunk, consider a l-shaped or T-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the top, which gives it a more sleek look and makes room for a dresser or desk beneath. These beds are not as space-saving as a bunk bed however they do provide teens with more space in their rooms.
You should consider a futon bunk if you want a bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable and can be moved them around if your children wish to redesign their rooms in the near future. However they're not as sturdy as a metal or wood bunk bed and do not have guardrails for the top bed.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, could be used as a seat by children who are younger. Some models can be transformed into a desk or chair to allow your child to have the ultimate bedroom set for both play and study.
Budget
When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's crucial that you consider your budget. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you need a bed that will last into the teens and even into adulthood, it's worth paying a little more for a quality product that can be used for a long time.
Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be using the bunk bed and what their needs for sleep might be. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings who share the same bedroom, whereas full over full bunk is ideal for adults who are looking to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen bed. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to select a layout that is lower to the ground.
The most suitable bunk beds for teens are ones that are affordable and can grow with the teen. Choose a design that works in both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be split into two separate twin beds in case you're looking to alter your space in the future. This design has a modern elegant, clean-lined design as well as boucle upholstered guardrails a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another way to save money is to find an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, for example drawers underneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also useful in the case of a small space. Many of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and a few come with additional storage options such as an bookcase headboard for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.