How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can bring fun and function to kids' rooms. They can also help save space.
Find bunk beds that can be adapted like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easy to take off. There are also twins that can be stacked and divided to create two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll need to take into consideration the size design, style, and security when selecting a bunk bed for your children. Examine the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be spaced sufficiently apart that children can safely get up and down without having to hit each other or the walls. It is also important to determine whether the top bunk can accommodate a mattress that is the same size as that of the lower one. This will allow you to avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the future.
You could also choose a different shape for your bunk that is for your space. A bunk bed with an L shape can be the perfect choice for a small space or an area that is shared by two people. It will save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both upper and lower levels, depending on the model you pick.
Many of the best bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time for them to move to a normal double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the top and bottom beds with more space for kids to play on.
Another alternative is a loft bed which optimizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces since it doesn't require the same amount of vertical space and allows the lower levels to be used for desks and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's an excellent choice for older children since it doesn't require stairs or ladders which makes 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 allow you to determine whether it's possible to climb in and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. You should also think about the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features that protect against falls and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features before purchasing. You'll want to look for beds with rails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling or becoming trapped, and an option that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have a lower weight limit than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to see what specifications are available on mattress sizes and weight limitations. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and they'll typically list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The best bunk beds will be sturdy and feature an stairway or ladder that is securely attached to the frame and has handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your children like to play on the ground, select a low-slung bunk that lets them play and sit without being too far off the ground.
Choose an L-shaped mattress if you do not have enough space in your child's room or if you don't want it to take up lots of space. They require less space and are usually only as wide as one single bed. This makes them ideal for small rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for Kids Bedroom Furniture who might feel intimidated by the higher bunk.
If you're looking for 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 twin or full-size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an elegant and sturdy choice that can grow with your child's growth. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and is made from sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.
Style
A good bunk bed can make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's the shared bedroom or for just one child. A lot of designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, such as twin-overtwin, full-overfull, and even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular for tweens because it lets them sleep two kids in the same room and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.
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, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and are the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.
For a really cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design that's basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are constructed with a ladder at their end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a desk or dresser. These beds aren't as space-saving as bunk beds however they do provide teens with more space in their rooms.
If you're looking for an affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of security and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are small and flexible, so you can move them around if your children wish to redesign their rooms in the future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top one does not have guardrails.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are smaller and can be more convenient to climb. Stairs are safer and double as a seating area for younger kids. Some models are even capable of being converted into a desk and chair and allow your child to have the perfect bedroom set-up to study or play.
Budget
When choosing a bunk bed, it's crucial that you consider your budget. There are many cheap options available If you're thinking of buying a bunk bed that is designed to last through the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying a little more for a high-quality design that will be used for a long time.
Before you shop, consider who will be using the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs might be. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for families with multiple children and a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults looking to make space and avoid the expense of buying a separate queen or king-sized mattress. You'll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the top and bottom bunks--if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it may be better to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.
The best bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable, and one that can grow with them. Find a design that can work in traditional and modern rooms, or opt for something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you're looking to alter your space down the road. This design has a modern elegant, clean-lined design, boucle upholstered guardrails and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another way to save money is to choose an area of the bunk that is built-in storage options, like drawers under the bed or shelves below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also a good option for those with a smaller room. Many of the bunks in our list feature this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories like a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.