How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and functionality to rooms for kids. They also can help save space.
Choose bunks that are built with flexibility, such as bottom storage drawers or a trundle bed which is easy to remove, and twin beds that can be separated into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll want to consider the size, style, and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your kids. Make sure you check the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough room around the bunks to allow the children to move. The beds should be far enough apart that kids can get up and down safely and not bump into each other or crash into the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can support a mattress similar to that of the bottom one. This will allow you to avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle later on.
You may also opt for a non-traditional bunk shape that is for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed can be ideal for a small space or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can help save floor space, and allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both upper and lower levels, based on the model you pick.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's the right time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example it has the classic farmhouse look with curved headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for children to play.
Another option is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in tween rooms. It's ideal for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's an excellent choice for older children as it eliminates the use of stairs or ladders which makes it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.
Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, try it out in your kids bedroom using blue painter's adhesive to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will give you an idea of whether it could be easily climbed in and out of at night, without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds, which establish standards for guardrails and other features to prevent entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are an ideal option for families with children of all different ages. However, it is crucial to consider the safety features before buying. You'll want to choose a bed with rails that are tall enough to stop kids from falling off or getting trapped and an option that doesn't raise the sleep surface too high. Also, be aware of the weight capacity, as certain bunks have lower limits than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available on mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed as well as the bunk.
The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles for safety. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're poorly connected. If your kids love to play on the ground, select a bunk with a low slung that allows them to sit and play without being too far from the ground.
If you're limited in space or do not want to take up too much space in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are generally about the same size as a single bed. This makes them suitable for rooms with small ceilings. They're also more practical for kids who may be intimidated by a higher bunk.
If you have more space, consider a full-over-full bunk bed. They are generally the most secure and stylish bunk beds that are available, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that can grow with your child's growth. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemical. It's made of sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.
Style
If it's a shared room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed will give teens something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist while others are more fun elements. Bunk Beds Store come in different sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with teens because it allows them to sleep two kids in the same space, while still leaving room for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers in the lower part. There are some options with trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says that tweens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed because it occupies less space and provides them with more space to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and are the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.
Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are designed with the ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more space to set up a desk or dresser. These beds are not as space-saving as bunk beds however, they can provide teens with more space in their rooms.
You should consider a futon bunk if you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable and can be moved around in case you're looking to revamp your child's space in the future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one isn't equipped with guardrails.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can also be used as seats by younger children. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair so that your child can have the ideal bedroom set-up for play and study.
Budget
When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's essential that you consider your budget. While there are plenty of affordable options, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that will last until the teens (or even adulthood), it may be worth paying a bit more for a high-quality design that will last for a long time.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleep needs might be prior to shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing bedrooms, while a full over full bunk is a great option for adults who want to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen bed. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to choose a bed that is lower to the ground.
The best bunk beds for teenagers are those that are affordable and can grow with the teen. Choose a design that works in traditional and modern rooms, or opt for something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds should you want to change the layout of your space in the future. This design features a clean, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a 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.
Another way to save money is to find a bunk that has built-in storage options, like drawers beneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will help make your bedroom less cluttered, and is especially beneficial for those who have smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even offer additional storage options like a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.