How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and functionality in the children's room. They can also help save space.

Find bunk beds that are flexible like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that's easily removed. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be divided to create two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You'll need to take into consideration the dimensions design, style, and security when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks to allow children to move around. The beds should be far enough apart so that children can climb and descend safely and not bump into each other or smash into walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can be able to support a mattress of similar to the size of the bottom one. This will help you avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the future.

You could also choose a non-traditional bunk shape one that is more for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed could be ideal for a small room or an area that is shared by two people. It can save the floor space and can allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both upper and lower levels depending on the model you choose.

Many of the best bunk bed for teens are designed to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to move up to an adult bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance it has a classic farmhouse style with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the bottom and top beds with more space for kids to play on.

Another option is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces since it doesn't take up as much vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a good choice for older kids because it eliminates the need to use stairs or a ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room by using blue painter's tape. This will let you know if it is possible to climb into and out at night without hitting 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 rules for bunk beds, which set standards for guardrails and other features to prevent entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, but it's important to consider the safety features when shopping. You'll want to look for a bed with rails that are tall enough to prevent kids from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. You should also be aware of the weight capacity, as certain bunks are less able than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to see the specifications available for mattress sizes and weight limitations. 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 top bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.

The most suitable bunk beds are sturdy and feature a ladder or stair that is secured to the frame, and has handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb, particularly if they're not securely fitted together. If your kids love to play on the ground, choose a low-slung bunk that allows them to sit and play without having to be too far off the ground.

Choose an L-shaped mattress if you do not have enough space in your child's bedroom or if you do not want it to take up much space. They require less floor space and are usually only as wide as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for kids who might feel intimidated by the 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 stylish bunk beds on the market and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn kids bedroom furniture' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that will expand with kids as they age and even accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made of sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.

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, minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are also available in various sizes, ranging from twin over twin to full-over-full, and even queen. A twin over full design is a favorite among teens because it allows them to accommodate two children in a single room, and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers in the bottom. There are some options that include a trundle bed that allows the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.

Teens also adore a twin over king loft bed that occupies less floor space and gives them more space to spread out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal Bunk Bed Uk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and is the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.

If you want a cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at their end. This gives them a sleeker look and more room for a dresser or desk. They're not as efficient at conserving space as a traditional bunk but they're an attractive option for teenagers that offers more space to move around in their rooms.

Think about a futon bunk bed if you want bunk beds that are affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable which means they can be moved around when you're looking to revamp your child's room in the near future. However they're not as sturdy as a metal or wood bunk bed and don't have guardrails on the top bed.

Bunks that include ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and are easier to climb, whereas stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller kids. Some models can even be capable of being converted into a desk and chair which allows your child to build the perfect bedroom set-up for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive purchase, so it's essential to factor in your budget when you shop. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if want a bunk bed to last through the teens and into adulthood, it's worth paying more for a quality product that can be used indefinitely.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements could be prior to shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a bedroom, while full over full bunk is ideal for adults looking to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower than the ground.

The best bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option and one that will 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 choice for the Spruce, which can separate into two freestanding twin beds if 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 simple for children to climb and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

Another option to save money is to choose a bunk with built-in storage options, like drawers under the bed or shelving down below the top. This can help you keep your bedroom clutter-free and is especially beneficial when you have a small space. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even come with additional storage accessories like a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.