How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers for storage at the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to take down and twin beds that can be split into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting a bunk Beds uk bed for your children, you'll want to consider the size, style and security. Look at the ceiling height to ensure the bunks fit into your space. Make sure there's enough room for children to move around them. The beds should be far enough apart that kids can get up and down safely and not run into each other or smash into walls. Additionally, you should find out if the top bunk can support mattresses that is the same size as the bottom one so that you can avoid the need for a trundle, or an extra bed in the future.

You can also opt for a different shape for your bunk, which may be better for your space. For example an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can help save space on the floor, and also allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the lower and upper levels, depending on the model you pick.

A lot of the top bunk bed for teens are built to adapt to your child's needs 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 is a classic farmhouse-inspired style with curving headboards and wagon-themed 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 creates more space for children to play.

A loft bed is another option that makes the most of the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces because it doesn't require the same amount of vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk, dressers or storage cabinets. It's a great choice for older children since it doesn't require a staircase or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, try it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will be above the ground. This will let you know whether it's possible to climb into and out at night without hitting 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 rules for bunk beds. These regulations establish standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are the ideal choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll want to choose a bed with rails that are high enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped, and an option that doesn't raise the bed's surface too high. Also, be aware of the capacity for weight, as certain bunks are less able than others.

When choosing a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer for details on the mattress sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed and the bunk.

The best bunk beds will be sturdy and feature an stairway or ladder that is secured to the frame, and has handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly connected. If your children love playing on the ground, go for a lower-slung bunk so that they can play and sit without being too high off the ground.

Pick an L-shaped bed if you don't have much space in your child's room or if you do not want it to take up a lot of space. They are smaller in size and are typically only larger than a single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with small ceilings. These are also more suitable for children of smaller age who may be scared of high bunk beds.

If you're looking for a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. They are generally the most secure and fashionable bunk beds on the market, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that can grow with kids as they get older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made of sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

The right bunk bed can keep teens content regardless of whether it's a shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalist while others are more playful elements. Bunk beds also come in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin over full style is popular for tweens because it lets them sleep two children in the same room and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers in the lower level. Some designs come with a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress.

Tweens also love the twin over king loft bed that occupies 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 are a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and it's the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

If you want a cool bunk, consider a l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a desk or dresser. They aren't as space-saving as bunk beds however, they can give teens more room in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you want bunk beds that are affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are compact and portable which means they can be moved around when you want to redecorate your child's room in the near future. However they're not as strong as a metal or wood bunk bed and don't come with guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can be used as a seat for children younger than. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair so that your child can have the ideal bedroom set for both study and play.

Budget

When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's crucial to think about your budget. There are many inexpensive options out there If you're thinking of buying a bunk bed that can last through the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying a bit more for a better design that can be used for many years to come.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements might be prior to shopping. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for rooms with siblings and a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults looking to save space and avoid the cost of buying a separate queen or king-sized mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you may want to select a layout that is lower than the ground.

The best bunk bed for teens will be a good value, and one that can adapt to their needs. Choose a style that will fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds, if needed. This style features a modern sleek, clean lines, boucle upholstered guardrails and a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

Another option to save money is to find a bunk with built-in storage options, like drawers beneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will allow you to keep the bedroom clutter-free, and it's especially useful if you're working with smaller space. Many of the bunks in our list come with this feature. Some even come with additional storage accessories like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.