How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and function to kids’ rooms. They can also help save space.

Find bunks designed to be flexible, such as bottom storage drawers and a trundle bed that’s easily removed and twins that stack and can be separated into two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When you’re choosing bunk beds for your children, you’ll want to consider size, style, and safety. Take a look at the ceiling’s height to ensure that the bunks will fit in your space, and make sure that there’s enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be set far enough apart so that kids can safely move up and down without having to crash into each other or the walls. Also, you should determine if the top bunk bed can be able to support a mattress of the same size as that of the bottom one. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.

You may also opt for a bunk design that isn’t traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For example, an L-shaped bunk can be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can help save floor space, and accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the lower and upper levels depending on the model you choose.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids, converting into two free-standing 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 an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style 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 gives more room for kids to play.

A loft bed is another option that maximizes the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It’s great for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you use the lower floor for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It’s a great option for older children as it doesn’t require a staircase or ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child’s bedroom by using blue painter’s tape. This will help you determine whether it’s safe to climb in and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. Finally, you’ll want to ensure your family’s safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s rules for bunk beds. These regulations set standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are an ideal option for families with children of all age groups. However, it’s important to take into consideration the safety features prior to purchasing. You’ll need to choose bunk beds with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress which does not elevate the mattress excessively. Also, pay attention to the weight capacity, as certain bunks have lower limits than others.

When choosing a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress’s sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They’ll also give the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed, and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles for safety. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they’re poorly connected. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, go for a bunk with a low-slung bottom so that they can sit up and play without being too high off the ground.

If you’re in a tight space or do not want to take up the entire space of your kid’s bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less space and are typically only larger than a single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with small ceilings. They are also suitable for children who may be scared of the higher bunks.

If you require a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. These are the most stylish and safe bunk beds 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 can grow with your child’s growth. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemicals. It’s made of sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood and comes in a range of colors.

Style

A good bunk bed can keep teens content, whether it’s in the shared bedroom or for only one child. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with tweens because it permits them to sleep two kids in the same space, while leaving enough room for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers on the bottom. Some designs come with a Trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.

Fenton says teens love a twin-over-king loft bed because it occupies less space and gives them the space to spread out and work from home. Metal Bunk Beds Bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular option for older children because they’re “built to last and it’s the strongest, grown-up bunk,” Fenton adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are designed with the ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more room for a dresser or desk. They aren’t as space-saving as a bunk bed however they do give teens more room in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk If you’re looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are portable and compact which means they can be moved around in case you’re planning to redesign your child’s bedroom in the future. They’re not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top bed isn’t equipped with guardrails.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more space-efficient and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, could be used as a seat by younger children. Some models can even be able to convert into a chair and desk which allows your child to create the perfect bedroom set-up to study or play.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it’s important to factor in your budget when shopping. While there are plenty of affordable options but if you’re planning on buying a bunk bed that will last through the teens (or even into adulthood) it might be worth paying more for a high-quality design that can be used for a long time.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements may be before you start shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings who share the same bedroom, whereas full over full bunk is ideal for adults who are looking to save space or avoid the cost of a separate queen-sized mattress. You’ll need to determine the amount of headroom between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you may want to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.

The best bunk beds for teens are those that are affordable and can adapt to the teen. 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 split into two beds, if needed. This style has a sleek, modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails, and a stationary ladder that’s easy for kids to climb up and down, and it’s Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is another option to save money. This could include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom tidy and free of clutter. It’s also useful for those with a smaller room. Many of the bunks listed on our list offer this feature, and a few have additional storage accessories available, such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.