How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can add fun and functionality to kids' rooms. They also can help save space.
Find bunks designed to be flexible, such as drawers for storage at the bottom and a trundle bed that's easy to take down, and twin beds that can be separated into two beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing bunk beds for your kids you should consider size, style, and safety. Take a look at the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to fit into your space. Also, make sure there's enough space for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be spaced enough apart that kids can get up and down safely and not collide with each other or smash into the walls. You'll also want to check if the top bunk bed can support a mattress the same size as that of the lower one. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the future.
You can also pick a bunk shape that isn't traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be ideal for a small space or an area that is shared by two people. It can save space on the floor, and also accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the upper and lower levels depending on the model you select.
A lot of the top bunk bed for teens are made to grow with your child, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to move up to an adult bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired style with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This gives more room for kids to play.
Another alternative is a loft bed, that maximizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's a great choice for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a great choice for older children because it doesn't require them to use stairs or a ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, try it out in your child's' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will help you determine whether it's possible to climb in and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. You should also consider the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails and features to stop falls or entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to take into consideration the security features when you shop. You'll need to find a bunk bed with guardrails that are high enough to prevent children from falling or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that does not raise the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of 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 mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress can be, and will often list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladder or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for security. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your children love to play on the ground, pick an un-slung bunk that allows them to sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.
If you have a limited space or do not want to take up too much space in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less floor space and are usually the same size as a single bed making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children who may feel intimidated by the higher bunks.
If you require a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used as twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that will expand with kids as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made of sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it is available in a variety of color options.
Style
A good bunk bed can make teens happy regardless of whether it's in the shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist and some have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with teens because it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space, while leaving enough room for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers on the bottom. Certain designs have trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says that tweens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed since it takes up less space and provides them with more space to spread out or work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and are the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.
Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at their end. This makes them more sleek and more room to set up a desk or dresser. These beds aren't as space-saving as a bunk bed however they do give teens more room in their rooms.
If you're looking for an affordable bed that will offer plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and adaptable which means you can move them around in case your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the future. They're not as sturdy as metal or wood bunk beds and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, can be used as a seating area by children who are younger. Some models are able to convert into a desk and chair which allows your child to have the ultimate bedroom suite for study time and playtime.
Budget
When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's essential to consider your budget. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if are looking for a bunk bed that will last into the teens and on into adulthood, you should consider spending more for a quality product that can be used for a long time.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be prior to shopping. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing a room and a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who want to save space and avoid the cost of buying an additional queen or king mattress. You'll also have to decide how much headroom you want between the bunks at the top and bottom. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.
The best bunk beds for teenagers are those which are priced at a reasonable price and can adapt to the teenager. Pick a design that can work in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds if required. This style features a modern, clean-lined silhouette with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is another way to save money. This can include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will help keep your bedroom clutter-free and is especially beneficial if you're working with a small space. Many of the bunks on our list come with this option, and a few have additional storage accessories available such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.