How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and function to rooms for kids. They also can help save space.
Choose bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers that store items in the bottom or a trundle bed which is easily removed, and twins that stack and can be divided into two separate beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top best bunk bed for teens.
Size
You'll need to think about size design, style, and security when selecting a bunk bed for your kids. Take a look at the ceiling's height to ensure the bunks are suitable for your space. Also, make sure there's enough room for your kids to move around them. The beds should be placed far enough apart so that kids can safely move up and down without having to hit each other or the walls. Also, you'll want to determine whether the top bunk can support a mattress that is the same size as the bottom one so you won't need for a trundle or another additional bed in the future.
You may also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape one that is more suited to your space. An L-shaped bunk bed can be the perfect choice for a small space or a guest room shared by two people. It saves the floor space and can fit a twin over full or queen mattress on each of the upper and lower levels, based on the model you pick.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time to move to a normal double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the top and bottom beds with more space for children to play on.
A loft bed is a different option that can maximize the space at the corner in rooms that are tweens. It's a great choice for smaller spaces since it doesn't require the same amount of vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used as a desk and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a great choice for older kids because it doesn't require them to climb stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom with blue painter tape. This will give you a sense of whether it could be easily climbed in and out of at night without bumping heads or hitting the best bunk beds bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Also, it is important to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds, which establish standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are an ideal option for families with children of all age groups. However, it's essential to consider the safety features before purchasing. You should look for a bed with guard rails that are high enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't elevate the sleeping surface too much. Also, pay attention to the capacity for weight, as some bunks are less able than others.
When choosing a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer for details regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and they'll typically provide the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best Twin bunk Beds bunk beds will be sturdy and have a ladder or stair that is attached securely to the frame and comes with handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb on, particularly if they're not securely connected. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom so that they can sit and play without being too high off the floor.
If you have a limited space or do not want to take up too much space in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. These are smaller in size and are usually as wide as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for younger kids, who may be intimidated by a higher bunk.
If you have a little more space, consider an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. These are usually the safest and most fashionable bunk beds on the market and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will grow with children as they grow older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in a variety of colors options.
Style
Whether it's for the shared room or one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek and minimalist while others are more playful elements. Bunk beds also come in different sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. A twin over full style is a favorite among teens because it lets them sleep two kids in the same space and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the lower level. Certain designs have Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Teens also love an over-king twin loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more room to stretch out or work from home, according to Fenton. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last and is the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.
For a really cool bunk, think about an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are designed with the ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more room to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as effective at saving space like a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens, and give them more room to move around in their rooms.
If you're looking for an affordable bed that will provide plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and versatile and can be moved them around in case your kids want to redecorate their rooms in the near future. They are not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top one isn't equipped with guardrails.
Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for smaller children. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair to let your child have the ideal bedroom set-up for play and study.
Budget
When choosing a bunk bed, it's important that you consider your budget. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will last into the teens and into adulthood, it's worth spending more to get a top-quality bed that can be used indefinitely.
Before you shop, consider who will be sleeping in the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs could be. For example, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for families with multiple children, while a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who wish to make space and avoid the cost of purchasing an additional queen or king-sized mattress. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, it may be better to select a layout that is lower to the ground.
The best space saving bunk beds bunk bed for teens is a good value and one that is able to 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 twin beds if required. This style has a sleek, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings, and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed that has built-in storage is an additional option to save money. This can include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This can help you make your bedroom less cluttered, and is particularly useful if you're working with a small space. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even offer additional storage options, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.