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How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and functionality to children's rooms. They also can help save space.

Choose bunks that are designed with flexibility, like drawers that store items in the bottom or a trundle bed which is easy to remove and twins that stack and can be divided into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to think about the size design, style, and security when selecting a bunk bed for your kids. Examine the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, make sure that there is enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be spaced far enough apart so that children can safely get up and down without having to collide with each other or the walls. Also, you'll need to find out if the top bunk can support a mattress similar to the bottom one, so that you won't need for a trundle, or an extra bed in the near future.

You can also choose an arrangement for your bunk that isn't conventional and suited to your space better. A bunk bed with an L shape can be the perfect choice for small spaces or a guest room shared by two people. It can help save space on the floor, and also allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the upper and lower levels depending on the model you select.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children's needs and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time for them to transition into a regular double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This gives more room for kids to play.

Another alternative is a loft bed which maximizes corner space in rooms that are tween. It's a great choice for smaller spaces because it doesn't require as much vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used as a desk and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a great option for older kids because it eliminates the need to use stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom with blue painter tape. This will help you determine whether it's possible to climb up and down at night without hitting anyone or hitting the window sill. It is also important to take into consideration the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features to prevent entrapment or falls.

Safety

Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it's essential to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll need to choose bunk beds with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling off or becoming trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise up the mattress excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have smaller weight limits than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to see the specifications available for mattress dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and typically provide the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed capacity for weight.

The ideal bunk beds will be sturdy and have a ladder or stair that is secured to the frame and comes with side handles. It is also recommended to avoid bunks with slatted sides, as they could be unsafe for children to climb up or down, especially when the slats aren't securely joined. If your children love playing on the ground, go for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to play and sit without being too high off the ground.

Choose an L-shaped mattress if you don't have much space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it taking up a lot of space. They take up less floor space and are typically only about the same width as a single bed, which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for younger kids, who may be intimidated by the higher bunk.

If you require a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. These are the most fashionable and safe bunk beds available. They can be used for full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will expand with kids as they get older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

Whether it's for the shared room or one child, the ideal bunk bed can give teenagers something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds also come in various 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 a single room, and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. Some options come with an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress.

Teens also love a twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to spread out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are another popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.

For a really cool bunk, think about an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. They're designed with a ladder at their end. This gives them a sleeker look and more space to set up a desk or dresser. These beds aren't as spacious as bunk beds however, they can give teens more room in their rooms.

Think about a futon bunk bed if you want a bunk bed that is affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are portable and compact which means they can be moved around if you're planning to redesign your child's space in the future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one has no guardrails.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and are more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller kids. Some models can be transformed into a desk or chair so that your child can have the perfect bedroom set that can be used for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive purchase, so it's essential to factor in your budget when shopping. There are many cheap options available, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that can last until the teens (or even adulthood), it may be worth paying a bit more for a better design that can be used for a long time.

Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs may be before you start shopping. For instance, a twin over a twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults who wish to make space and avoid the expense of buying a separate queen or king mattress. It is also important to determine how much headroom you want between the bunks at the top and bottom. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to go with a lower-to ground configuration.

The ideal bunk bed for teens will be a good value, and one that can adapt to their needs. Find a design that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or opt for something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be split into two separate twin beds should you need to reconfigure your space later on. This design features a clean, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's simple for children to climb and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

Another way to save money is to find a bunk that has built-in storage, for example drawers beneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also a good option in the case of a small room. Many of the bunks in our list have this feature. Some come with additional storage options, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.