How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and functionality to kids' rooms. They also can help save space.

Look for bunk beds that are able to be moved, such as those with bottom storage drawers or trundles that are easily removed. There are also stacked twins which can be separated to create two separate beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing bunk beds for your kids, you'll want to consider size, style, and safety. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks for children to move around. The beds should be far enough apart that kids can get up and down safely and not collide with one another or fall into walls. Also, you should determine if the top bunk bed can be able to support a mattress of similar to the size of the lower one. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the near future.

You may also opt for a bunk design that is not traditional and suited to your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It will save floor space, and allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both upper and lower levels, based on the model you choose.

A lot of the top bunk bed for teens are built 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 the size of a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance it has the classic farmhouse look with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the top and bottom beds, leaving more floor space for kids to play on.

Another alternative is a loft bed which optimizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces as it doesn't require as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older kids because it doesn't require them to use stairs or a ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room by using blue painter's tape. This will give you an idea of whether it is easily climbed into and out at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Also, it is important to keep your family's safety in mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. They set standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll need bunk beds with guardrails that are tall enough to keep children from falling off or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not raise the mattress excw with your child's growth. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.

Style

A good bunk bed can make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's a shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds also come in different sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. A twin over full style is popular with teens since it allows them to sleep two children in the same room and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers at the lower level. There are some options with trundle beds which allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also love the twin over king loft bed that occupies less floor space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and are the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is essentially a raised platform bed. These beds are designed with a ladder at their end. This gives them a sleeker look and more room to set up a desk or dresser. These beds are not as spacious as a bunk bed however, they can allow teens to have more space in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk if you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable which means they can be moved around when you want to redecorate your child's room in the near future. However they're not as sturdy like a metal or wood bunk bed and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders require less space and are easier to climb, whereas stairs are safer and double as a seat for smaller kids. Some models can be transformed into a desk or chair to let your child have the ultimate bedroom set that can be used for study and play.

Budget

When shopping for a bunk bed, it's crucial that you consider your budget. Although there are plenty of inexpensive options out there If you're thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last into the teens (or even adulthood), it may be worth paying a little more for a better design that can be used for years to come.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs may be before you start shopping. For instance, a twin over a twin configuration is great for families with multiple children or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults who wish to make space and avoid the expense of purchasing an additional queen or king-sized mattress. It is also important to determine how much headroom you want between the top and bottom bunks--if kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance, it might be best queen bunk beds to opt for a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The ideal bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that is able to grow with them. Look for a style that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can separate into two freestanding twin beds if you're looking to alter your space down the road. This design has a modern elegant, clean-lined design, boucle upholstered guardrails and a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is a different option to save money. It could be drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also useful if you have a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list feature this feature. Some even offer additional storage options like bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.