How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft bed can add fun and functionality in the kids' room. They can also help to save space.
Choose bunk beds that are able to be moved like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easily removed. You can also find twins that are stacked, which can be divided to create two separate beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.
Size
When you're choosing bunk beds for your children You'll need to think about size, style, and safety. Consider the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to fit in your space, and make sure there's enough room for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be spaced sufficiently apart that children are able to safely go up and down without having to crash into each other or the walls. Also, you'll need 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 an additional bed in the future.
You can also opt for a different shape for your bunk, which may be better 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 can save the floor space and can also accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you select.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens can be adapted to your children's needs by converting into two independent beds when it's the right time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance is a classic farmhouse style 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 lower and upper bunk beds. This creates more space for kids to play.
Another option is a loft bed, which optimizes corner spaces in rooms that are tween. It's a great option for smaller spaces since it doesn't require as much vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older children because it eliminates the need to use stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, test it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's adhesive to see how high it will be off the ground. This will allow you to determine whether it's safe to climb into and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. They establish standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages, however, it is important to think about safety features when buying. You'll want to look for a bed with rails that are high enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped, and an option that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. You should also be aware of the weight capacity, as certain bunks have a lower limit than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out the specifications available for mattress dimensions and weight limits. 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 ladders or stairs should be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for security. You should also avoid any bunks that have slatted sides as they could be dangerous for kids to climb up and down, particularly in the case where the slats haven't been tightly connected. If your children love to play on the ground, select a bunk with a low slung that allows them to sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.
If you're limited in space or do not want to occupy the entire space of the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. These take up less floor space and are typically only the same size as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for younger children who might be intimidated by high bunk beds.
If you require a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best option. They are generally the safest and most fashionable bunk beds on the market, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will expand with kids as they age and even accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.
Style
Whether it's for a shared room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed can give teenagers something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek, minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds are also available in different sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full and even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular among teens because it allows them to sleep two kids in the same room while still leaving space for a desk dresser or storage drawers at the bottom. There are some options with trundle beds which allow the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Teens also love an over-king twin loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to sprawl out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and is the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.
Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. They have a ladder at the end giving it a more sleek look and allows more room for a desk or dresser beneath. These beds aren't as space-saving as bunk beds 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 safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable which means they can be moved around if you want to redecorate your child's room in the future. They are not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders require less space and can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for smaller children. Some models can even be capable of converting into a desk and chair, allowing your child to build the perfect bedroom space to study or play.
Budget
When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's essential to think about your budget. There are many cheap options available, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that can last until the teens (or even into adulthood) it might be worth paying a little extra for a quality design that can be used for years to come.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing bedrooms, while a full over full bunk is perfect for adults looking to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen-sized mattress. It is also important to determine how much headroom you want between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.
The ideal bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option and one that will grow with them. Choose a style that will work well in traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two twin beds if needed. This design features a clean, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed that has built-in storage is an additional way to save money. This can include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will help keep the bedroom clutter-free, and is particularly useful for those who have smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list come with this option, and a few offer additional storage options such as a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.