How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and functionality in the room for kids. They also can help in reducing space.

Choose bunks that are built with flexibility, such as drawers that store items in the bottom and a trundle bed that's easily removed and twins that stack and can be separated into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You'll need to think about size design, style, and security when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Examine the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks to allow children to move around. The beds should be spaced sufficiently apart that children are able to safely go up and down and not crash into one another or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress the same size as that of the lower one. This will allow you to avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the near future.

You can also choose a bunk design that isn't conventional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be the perfect choice for a small room or a guest room shared by two people. It saves the floor space and can also accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on each of the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you choose.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children's needs by converting into two independent beds when it's time for them to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance it has the classic farmhouse look with curving headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This gives more room for children to play.

Another option is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in tween rooms. It's great for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to make use of the lower levels for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's an excellent choice for older children as it eliminates the use of a ladder or stairway which makes it more accessible to large children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk beds uk bed in your child's room with blue painter tape. This will give you an idea of whether it is easily climbed in and out of at night, without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. In addition, you should keep your family's safety in mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. They define standards for guardrails as well as other features that prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, but it is important to think about security features when you shop. You'll need a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that does not raise the mattress excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.

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

The best bunk beds will be sturdy and feature an stairway or ladder that is secured to the frame and comes with side handles. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your children love playing on the ground, you should 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 occupy the entire space of your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are typically only about the same width as a single bed making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for kids who might feel intimidated by the higher bunk.

If you require a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. They are typically the safest and most elegant bunk beds available that are available and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that can grow with kids as they get older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made of sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in multiple color options.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will keep teens content regardless of whether it's the shared bedroom or for only one child. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in different sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with tweens because it allows them to sleep two kids in the same room while leaving space for a desk dresser, or drawers for storage on the bottom. Some options have trundle beds which allow the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Fenton says that teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed because it occupies less space and gives them the space to spread out or work at home. Metal bunk beds with an extended guardrail is a popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most sturdy grown-up bunk available," she adds.

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially a raised platform bed. The beds feature a ladder at the top, which gives the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a desk or dresser underneath. They're not as good for conserving space as a traditional bunk, but they're a stylish option for teenagers that offers more space to move around in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you want a bunk bed that is affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are small and flexible, so you can move them around in case your kids are looking to revamp their rooms 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 stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can also be used as a seating area by children who are younger. Some models can be converted into a table or chair so that your child can have the ultimate bedroom set-up for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's crucial to factor in your budget when you shop. While there are plenty of inexpensive options out there If you're thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last until the teens (or even adulthood), it may be worth paying a bit more for a high-quality design that will be used for a long time.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs could be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a room or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults who wish to reduce space and avoid the cost of purchasing an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you may want to select a layout that is lower to the ground.

The most suitable bunk beds for teens are those that offer a good price and can grow with the teenager. Select a style that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two beds if required. This style features a modern elegant, clean-lined design with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a sturdy, 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 choose a bunk that has built-in storage, such as drawers beneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also helpful in the case of a small room. Many of the bunks listed on our list have this option, and a few offer additional storage options, such as a bookcase headboard for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.