How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can bring fun and function to rooms for kids. They can also help save space.
Find bunks designed with flexibility, like drawers for storage at the bottom and a trundle bed that's easily removed and stacked twins that can be separated into two beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll want to take into consideration size, style, and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Check the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks for children to move around. The beds should be enough apart to allow kids to climb and descend safely and not bump into one another or fall into the walls. Also, you'll want to determine whether the top bunk can support mattresses similar to the bottom one so you don't have to pay for a trundle, or an additional bed in the future.
You could also choose a different shape for your bunk, which may be better suited to your space. For instance an L-shaped bunk might be perfect for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can save the floor space and can fit a queen or twin over full mattress on each of the upper and lower levels, depending on which model you select.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens are built to adapt to your child's needs by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to transition to the size of a double bed. For example 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 an integrated, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This creates more space for children to play.
Another option is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in tween rooms. It's great for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a good choice for older children because it doesn't require you to use stairs or a ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will give you a sense of whether it can be easily climbed into and out at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds. They set standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds can be an ideal option for families with children of all ages. However, it is essential to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll need to choose bunk beds with railings that are high enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which doesn't raise up the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out the specifications available for mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed and the bunk bed.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles to ensure safety. Avoid bunks that have slatted sides as they could be dangerous for children to climb up or down, especially in the case where the slats haven't been tightly connected. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, opt for a lower-slung bunk to allow them to sit up and play without being too high off the floor.
Pick an L-shaped bed if you don't have much space in your child's bedroom or if you do not want it to take up a lot of space. They require less floor space and are usually about the same width as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for kids who might feel intimidated by a bunk that is higher.
If you have a little more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the safest and most elegant bunk beds available on the market, and they can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that can grow with kids as they grow older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemical. It is made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.
Style
Whether it's for a shared room or just one child, the perfect bunk bed can give teenagers something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular with teens since it allows them to sleep two kids in a single room, and still leave room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. Some designs come with a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.
Fenton says that tweens love a twin-over-king loft bed because it takes up less space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and is the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.
Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is essentially a raised platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at the end. This makes them more sleek and more room to set up a desk or dresser. They're not as good for saving space as a traditional bunk but they're an attractive option for teenagers that offers more space in their rooms.
If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are small and flexible, so you can move them around if your children want to redecorate their rooms in the future. They're not as sturdy as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.
Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders take up less space and are easier to climb, while stairs are safer and can double as a seat for younger kids. Some models can be converted into a desk or chair to allow your child to have the ideal bedroom set that can be used for play and study.
Budget
When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's crucial to consider your budget. Although there are plenty of affordable options If you're thinking of buying a bunk bed that is designed to last into the teens (or even into adulthood) it might be worth paying a bit more for a better design that will be used for many years to come.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs may be before you start shopping. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings who share the same bedroom, whereas full over full bunk is a great option for adults who are looking to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen bed. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.
The best bunk beds for teenagers are those that offer a good price and are able to grow with the teen. Choose a style that will work in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two beds if needed. This style has a sleek, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.
Another way to save money is to locate an area of the bunk that is built-in storage, for example drawers underneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free. It's also useful in the case of a small space. Many of the bunks in our list have this feature. Some even come with additional storage accessories like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.