How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can add fun and functionality to kids' rooms. They can also help save space.

Find bunks designed with flexibility, like bottom storage drawers and a trundle bed that's easy to take down, and twin beds that can be separated into two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to consider size, style, and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your children. Examine the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, ensure that there's enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be spaced enough apart to allow kids to get up and down safely and not collide with each other or crash into the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top best bunk beds with stairs can be able to support a mattress of similar to that of the bottom. This will allow you to avoid needing an extra bed or trundle later on.

You could also choose a different shape for your bunk that is for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed could be perfect for a small space or an area that is shared by two people. It is a great way to 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 built to grow with your child, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to the size of a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance is an old-fashioned farmhouse design 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 beds at the top and bottom with more space for children to play on.

A loft bed is an alternative option that maximizes the corner space in rooms with tweens. It's ideal for smaller spaces because it takes up less vertical space and lets you use the lower floor for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great option for older children since it eliminates the need to climb a ladder or stairs and makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom using blue painter tape. This will help you determine if it is possible to climb into and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for best childrens bunk beds beds, which set standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with kids of all ages, however, it's important to take into consideration the safety features when shopping. You'll need to choose a bunk bed with guardrails that are high enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped, and a mattress which doesn't raise up the mattress excessively. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have smaller weight limits than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out the specifications available for mattress dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and often list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The ideal bunk beds will be sturdy and have a ladder or stair that is securely attached to the frame and comes with side handles. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly fitted together. If your kids love to play on the ground, select a low-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without being too far off the floor.

Consider an L-shaped bed if you do not have enough space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it taking up lots of space. These are smaller in size and are usually only about the same width as a single bed making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for children of smaller age who might be intimidated by high bunk beds.

If you have a little more space, consider a full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the most secure and elegant bunk beds available 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 will grow with your child as they grow. It can also accommodate best trundle bunk beds beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of harmful chemicals. It's made of sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.

Style

If it's an entire room or just one child, the perfect best bunk beds with storage bed will give teens something to be excited about. Some designs are minimalist and sleek and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. A twin over full style is popular with teens since it allows them to sleep two kids in a single room, and still has room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the lower level. Some designs come with a an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to fit an extra mattress.

Fenton says that teens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it takes up less space and provides them with more room to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and are the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the end giving it a more sleek look and makes room for a desk or dresser underneath. They aren't as spacious as bunk beds, but they provide teens with more space in their rooms.

If you're looking to find a more affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are small and flexible and can be moved them around in case your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. However they're not as strong as a metal or wood bunk bed and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and can be more convenient to climb, whereas stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller kids. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk to let your child have the ideal bedroom set-up for study and play.

Budget

When choosing a bunk bed, it's essential to consider your budget. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you want a bunk bed to last into the teens and into adulthood, it's worth paying a little more for a quality product that can be used for a long time.

Before you begin shopping think about who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs could be. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for families with multiple children or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults looking to save space and avoid the expense of purchasing a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom between the top bunk and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you may want to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.

The ideal bunk bed for teens will be a good value, and one that can expand with them. Look for a style that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something similar to the Oeuf Perch best bunk beds with stairs--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be split into two separate twin beds in case you're looking to alter your space down the road. This design has a clean-lined modern silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a ladder that's simple for children to climb and descend and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is a different way to save money. This can include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. 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 options like bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.