How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can add fun and utility to children's rooms. They also can help save space.
Choose bunk beds that are able to be moved, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that's easy to take off. You can also find twins that can be stacked and separated to create two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
You'll want to take into consideration size, style, and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your kids. Consider the height of the ceiling to ensure the bunks fit into your space, and make sure there's enough room for children to move around them. The beds should be set far enough apart so that children are able to safely go up and down and not hit each other or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can be able to support a mattress of similar to that of the lower one. This will help you avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle later on.
You can also pick a bunk design that isn't conventional, if it suits your space better. A bunk bed with an L shape can be the perfect choice for small spaces or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can save the floor space and can also accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on each of the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you choose.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens are made to adapt to your child's needs, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to an adult bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance is a classic farmhouse style 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 attached ladder that connects the top and bottom beds, leaving more floor space for kids to play on.
A loft bed is a different option that can maximize the corner space in rooms that are tweens. It's ideal for smaller spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great choice for older children since it doesn't require you to climb a ladder or stairs and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, check it out in your kids' bedroom with blue painter's tape to determine 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 bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. It is also important to consider the safety of your family by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails as well as features that stop falls or entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds can be an ideal option for families with children of all different ages. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features before purchasing. You'll want to look for a bed with guard rails that are high enough to prevent children from falling or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have less weight limits than others.
When choosing the bunk bed you want, look on its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.
The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for safety. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your kids love playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to play and sit without being too high off the ground.
Consider an L-shaped mattress if you do not have enough space in your child's room or if you do not want it to take up a lot of space. They take up less floor space and are usually only about the same width as a single bed, which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low 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 a full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the most secure and fashionable bunk beds on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that can grow with your child as they grow. It can also accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemical. It is made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.
Style
Whether it's for the shared room or one child, the perfect bunk bed will give teens something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. A twin over full design is popular for tweens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same space and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers on the lower level. Some options come with Trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress.
Teens also adore a twin over king loft bed, which takes up 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 make a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.
Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more space to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as effective at saving space as a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teens that gives them more space in their rooms.
If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that can offer plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and portable and can be moved around if you're looking to revamp your child's bedroom in the future. They're not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one has no guardrails.
Bunks with 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 younger children. Some models can be transformed into a chair or desk to let your child have the perfect bedroom set for both play and study.
Budget
When choosing a bunk bed, it's essential that you consider your budget. Although there are plenty of cheap options available If you're thinking of buying a bunk bed that will last into the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying extra for a quality design that can be used for years to come.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements may be before you start shopping. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing bedrooms, while full over full bunk is perfect for adults who are looking to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom between the top bunk and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to choose a bed that is lower to the ground.
The ideal bunk bed for teens will be a good value, and one that can adapt to their needs. Find a design that is suitable for both modern and traditional rooms, or go with something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be divided into two freestanding twin beds in case you need to reconfigure your space in the future. This style has a sleek, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's easy for kids to climb up and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.
Another way to save money is to locate a bunk with built-in storage, such as drawers under the bed or a shelf below the top. This will help make your bedroom less cluttered, and is particularly useful for those who have smaller space. Many of the bunks in our list come with this feature. Some even offer additional storage options, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.