How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and function to rooms for kids. They can also help reduce space.
Choose bunks that are designed with flexibility, like drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle bed which is easy to remove, and twin beds that can be separated into two separate beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.
Size
When you're choosing bunk beds for your kids, you'll want to consider size, style and safety. Check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks to allow the kids to move. The beds should be spaced 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 find out whether the top bunk is able to support a mattress of the same size as the bottom one so you won't need for a trundle or another extra bed in the future.
You can also choose an arrangement for your bunk that isn't conventional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For example, an L-shaped bunk can be perfect for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It will save space on the floor, and also accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, based on the model you choose.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are designed to adapt to your child's needs and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to move up to a double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This gives more room for children to play.
A loft bed is another option that can maximize the space around corners in tween-rooms. It's ideal for smaller spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great option for older children because it doesn't require them to use an elevator or ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, check it out in your child's' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will be above the ground. This will allow you to determine whether it's safe to climb into and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. You'll also want to think about 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 stop falls or entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds can be an ideal option for families with children of all ages. However, it is important to take into consideration the safety features before purchasing. You'll need a bunk bed with guardrails that are high enough to prevent children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise up the mattress excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have less weight limits than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to see what specifications are available regarding mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and will often list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.
The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed, and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your kids love playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom so that they can sit up and play without being too high off the ground.
Pick an L-shaped bed if don't have much space in the room of your child or if you don't want it taking up much space. They are smaller in size and are typically only as wide as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for children who might be scared of a higher bunk.
If you require a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. They 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 bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that will grow with your child's development as they grow. It can even accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate 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 comes in a variety of colors.
Style
Whether it's for the shared room or one child, the ideal bunk bed for teens will provide something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek, minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds come in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with teens because it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same room while still leaving room for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers in the lower part. Certain designs have trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.
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, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and are the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.
Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the top, which gives an elegant look and gives more space for a dresser or desk beneath. They aren't as spacious as bunk beds however they do allow teens to have more space in their rooms.
If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that can offer plenty of security and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are portable and compact, so they can be moved around in case you want to redecorate your child's room in the future. However, they're not as durable 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 smaller and can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and double as a seat for smaller kids. Some models are even capable of being converted into a chair and desk, allowing your child to build the perfect bedroom space to study or play.
Budget
A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's important to factor in your budget when you shop. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if you want a bunk bed to endure through your teens and even into adulthood, it's worth paying a little more for a quality product that can be used indefinitely.
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 configuration is great for families with multiple children, while a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to reduce space and avoid the expense of buying a separate queen or king mattress. It is also important to determine the amount of headroom you'd like between the bunks at the top and bottom. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it may be better to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.
The best bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option and one that will expand with them. Choose a design that is suitable for traditional and modern rooms, or opt for something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can be divided into two freestanding twin beds if you're looking to alter your space down the road. This design features a clean, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's simple for children to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.
Another way to save money is to locate a bunk with built-in storage, for example drawers beneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom tidy and free of clutter. It's also a good option for those with a smaller space. Many of the bunks in our list feature this feature. Some come with additional storage accessories, such as headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.