How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft and bunk beds can bring fun and utility in the children's room. They can also help to reduce space.
Find bunk beds that are flexible, such as ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or a trundle that's easy to remove. There are also twins that are stacked, which can be separated to create two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
You'll want to think about size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunkbed for your kids. Look at the ceiling height to ensure the bunks fit into your space. Also, make sure there's enough room for your kids to move around them. The beds should be far enough apart that kids can climb and descend safely and not collide with each other or crash into walls. Additionally, you should determine if the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one so that you don't have to pay for a trundle, or an extra bed in the future.
You may also opt for a bunk design that is not traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. For example an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can save the floor space and can also accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you pick.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's time to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance it has the classic farmhouse look with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the bottom and top beds and leaves more floor space for children to play on.
A loft bed is an alternative option that makes the most of the space at the corner in tween-rooms. It's ideal for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to use the lower level for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a good choice for older children since it doesn't require them to climb an elevator or ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, check it in your children bedroom using blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will give you an idea of whether it could be easily climbed into and out at night without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. In addition, you should ensure your family's safety is on your mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. They establish standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the risk of falling and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with kids of all ages, however, it's important to consider the security features when you shop. You'll need bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to prevent children from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress which does not raise the mattress too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have less weight limits than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available regarding mattress dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and they'll often list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles for security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, particularly if they're not securely connected. If your kids love playing on the ground, you should opt for a low-slung bottom bunk so that they can sit up and play without being too high off the ground.
Pick an L-shaped mattress 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 typically only as wide as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for younger children who may be scared of higher bunks.
If you have a little more space, you can opt for a full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the most secure and stylish bunk beds that are available, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish sturdy and durable option that can grow with kids as they grow older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of chemicals. It's made of sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.
Style
Whether it's for the shared room or one kid, the right bunk bed can give teenagers something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek and minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are also available in a variety of sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. A twin over full design is popular with teens since it lets them sleep two children in a single room, and still has room for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. Some designs come with a Trundle beds that allow the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress.
Fenton says that tweens love a twin-over-king loft bed since it occupies less space and provides them with more space to spread out and work at home. Metal bunk beds with an extended guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last, and is the most durable adult-sized bunk," she adds.
For a truly cool bunk, you should consider an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the top giving the appearance of a sleeker design and allows more room for a dresser or desk beneath. They aren't as spacious as a bunk bed however they do give teens more room in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed If you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are compact and versatile which means you can move them around in case your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the near future. They're not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.
Bunks that include ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and are more convenient to climb, while stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller children. Some models are capable of being converted into a chair and desk and allow your child to build the perfect bedroom set-up for study time and playtime.
Budget
A bunk bed is an expensive investment, so it's crucial to factor in your budget when you shop. Although there are plenty of cheap options available but if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that will last until the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying more for a better design that can be used for a long time.
Before you begin shopping, consider who will be sleeping in the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be. For example, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for families with multiple children and a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to save space and avoid the expense of purchasing an additional queen or king size mattress. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the top and bottom bunks--if kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it could be beneficial to go with a lower-to ground configuration.
The best bunk bed for teens will be a good value and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Choose a design that is suitable for both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you're looking to alter your space later on. This design has a clean-lined modern design, boucle-upholstered railings, and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.
Another option to save money is to locate a bunk that has built-in storage, such as drawers under the bed or a shelf below the top. This can help you make your bedroom less cluttered, and it's especially useful if you're working with smaller space. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature. Some come with additional storage accessories like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.