Kit Gorham

How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft and bunk beds can be a great way to add fun and function in the kids' room. They can also help to save space.

Find bunks designed with flexibility, like drawers that store items in the bottom and a trundle bed that's easy to take down and stacked twins that can be separated into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting bunk beds for your children you should consider size, style and safety. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will fit into your space. Also, make sure there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that children are able to safely go up and down and not collide with each other or the walls. Additionally, you should determine if the top bunk can support a mattress that is the same size as the bottom one so you don't have to pay for a trundle or an additional bed in the future.

You can also pick a bunk shape that isn't conventional, if it suits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed can be perfect for a small space or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can help save floor space, and accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both upper and lower levels depending on the model you select.

Many of the best quality childrens bunk beds bunk beds for teens are built to grow with your child by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to a double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired style with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the bottom and top beds and leaves more floor space for kids to play on.

Another alternative is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space 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 and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's a great option for older children as it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder, making it more accessible for larger children and adults.

Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, test it out in your kids' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will be above the ground. This will help you determine whether it's safe to climb in and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. It is also important to take into consideration the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features to protect against falls and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds can be a great choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it is crucial to consider the safety features before buying. You'll need a bunk bed with guardrails that are high enough to stop children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not raise the mattress excessively. You should also pay attention to the weight capacity, as certain bunks have lower limits than others.

When selecting a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer for details on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and will typically list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.

The most suitable bunk beds are sturdy and feature a ladder or stair that is secured to the frame, and has handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly fitted together. If your kids love to play on the ground, choose an un-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without being too far from the ground.

Pick an L-shaped mattress if you don't have a lot of space in the room of your child or if you do not want it to take up much space. They take up less floor space and are usually only the same size as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more suitable for younger kids, who might be scared of the higher bunk.

If you require a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best bunk bed with desk choice. These are the most stylish and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used for full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that will grow with your child's growth. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of harmful chemicals. It's made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.

Style

If it's an entire room or just one kid, the right bunk bed for teens will provide something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more playful 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 design is popular with teens because it permits them to sleep two children in the same room while still leaving room for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers on the bottom. There are some options that include a Trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress.

Fenton says teens like a twin-over-king loft bed since it takes up less space and gives them more room to spread out and work from home. A bunk bed made of metal with an extended guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last, and is the most durable grown-up bunk available," she adds.

For a really cool bunk, think about an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder at the end giving it a more sleek look and allows more room for a desk or dresser underneath. They're not as good for saving space as a traditional bunk, however, they're a stylish choice for teens, and give them more room to move around in their rooms.

If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that will still 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. They're not as sturdy 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 efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can also be used as a seating area by children who are younger. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair to let your child have the ultimate bedroom set-up for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's crucial to consider your budget when shopping. While there are plenty of affordable options If you're thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that can last into the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying more for a better design that will be used for years to come.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs could be prior to shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings sharing a bedroom, while full over full bunk is perfect for adults looking to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll also have to decide how much headroom you want between the bottom and top bunks. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to opt for a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The best quality childrens bunk beds bunk beds for teenagers are those that are affordable and can adapt to the teenager. Select a style that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two beds, if needed. This style features a modern, clean-lined silhouette, boucle upholstered guardrails and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is a different way to save money. This could include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help you keep your bedroom clean and free of clutter. It's also helpful in the case of a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature, and some have additional storage accessories available, such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.