Kit Gorham

How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Choose bunk beds that are flexible, such as ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easy to remove. There are also stacked twins which can be divided to create two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to take into consideration size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your kids. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, ensure that there is enough room around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be enough apart so that children can move up and down with ease and not bump into each other or smash into walls. Also, you'll need to determine whether the top bunk is able to support a mattress similar to the bottom one so you won't need for a trundle, or an extra bed in the near future.

You could also choose a different shape for your bunk that is suitable for your space. For example an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can save floor space and can accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on each of the upper and lower levels, based on the model you select.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are built to grow with your child by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to move up to the size of a best double bunk beds 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 a built-in stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for children to play.

A loft bed is a different option that can maximize the corner space in rooms that are tweens. It's a great choice for smaller spaces since it doesn't take up as much vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older children because it doesn't require them to use an elevator or ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room using blue painter tape. This will give you a sense of whether it could be easily climbed into and out at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Also, it is important to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. They set standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it is important to take into consideration the safety features before buying. You'll want to look for beds with rails that are tall enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped. Also, you need a mattress that doesn't elevate the bed's surface too high. 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 mattresses 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 capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.

The best low profile bunk beds bunk beds will be solid and sturdy, with stairs or ladders that is secured to the frame, and has side handles. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly fitted together. If your children like to play on the ground, select an un-slung bunk that allows them to play and sit without being too far from the floor.

If you're in a tight space or don't want to take up too much room in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less space and are typically only larger than a single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with small ceilings. They're also more suitable for children who might be scared of the higher bunk.

If you have a little more space, you can opt for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the safest and most stylish bunk beds that are available, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that grows with your child's development as they grow. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemicals. It's made of sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will keep teens content regardless of whether it's a shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. A twin over full design is popular with teens since it allows them to sleep two children in a single room, and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers on the lower level. There are some options with Trundle beds that permit the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also adore the twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and it's the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.

Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the top giving it a more sleek look and gives more space for a dresser or desk beneath. They're not as effective at conserving space as a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teenagers that offers more space in their rooms.

If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of safety and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are small and flexible and can be moved them around if your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. However they're not as sturdy like a metal or wood bunk bed and don't have guardrails on the top bed.

Bunks that include 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 be transformed into a chair or desk to let your child have the perfect bedroom set-up for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big purchase, so it's essential to take into consideration your budget when shopping. While there are plenty of cheap options available but if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that will last until the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying extra for a best quality childrens bunk beds design that can be used for years to come.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements could be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin over a twin configuration is great for rooms with siblings or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults looking to make space and avoid the expense of purchasing an additional queen or king-sized mattress. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to go with a lower-to ground arrangement.

The best detachable bunk beds bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option, and one that can adapt to their needs. 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 separated into two twin beds if needed. This design has a modern sleek, clean lines as well as boucle upholstered guardrails a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also 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. It could be drawers under the lower bed, or shelves beneath the top. This can help you make your bedroom less cluttered, and it's especially useful for those who have a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature, and a few come with additional storage options such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.