How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and utility in the children's room. They can also help save space.
Look for bunk beds that can be adapted, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or trundles that are easy to remove. You can also find twins that can be stacked and separated to create two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
When choosing bunk beds for your kids, you'll want to consider the size, style and security. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks to allow children to move around. The beds should be spaced enough apart that kids can climb and descend safely and not collide with each other or smash into the walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is the same size as that of the bottom one. This will help you avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the future.
You can also choose an arrangement for your bunk that isn't traditional and suited to your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can save the floor space and can also accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on the lower and upper levels, based on the model you choose.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time to transition into a regular double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This gives more room for children to play.
A loft bed is a different option that maximizes the space at the corner in rooms with tweens. It's a great option for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used as a desk and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's a great choice for older children since it doesn't require a staircase or ladder, making it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.
Before you buy any kind of bunk bed, check it out in your child's bedroom using blue painter's tape to see how high it will rise above the ground. This will give you a feel of whether it could be easily climbed into and out at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. In addition, you should keep your family's safety in mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. They define standards for guardrails as well as other features that reduce the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with kids of all ages, however, it's important to consider the safety features when shopping. You'll need to choose bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped, and a mattress which does not elevate the mattress too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have less weight limits than others.
When choosing the bunk bed you want, look on the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk.
The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed, and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're poorly joined. If your children love playing on the ground, go for a lower-slung bunk to let them play and sit without being too high off the floor.
Pick an L-shaped mattress if you don't have much space in the room of your child or if you don't want it taking up much space. They require less space and are generally larger than a single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with narrow ceilings. They are also suitable for children of smaller age who may feel intimidated by high bunk beds.
If you're looking for a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best option. They are generally the safest and most stylish bunk beds on the market, 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 get older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemicals. It is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.
Style
A good bunk bed can make teens feel happy, whether it's in a shared bedroom or for just one child. A lot of designs are sleek and minimalist and some have more playful elements. Bunk beds are also available in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular among teens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same space, while leaving enough space for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage at the bottom. Certain designs have Trundle beds that permit the upper level to fit an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Fenton says teens like a twin-over-king loft bed because it occupies less space and provides them with more room to spread out or work from home. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy, grown-up bunk," she adds.
Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design, which is basically a raised platform bed. They're designed with a ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more room for a desk or dresser. These beds aren't as spacious as bunk beds, but they allow teens to have more space in their rooms.
Think about a futon bunk bed if you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and provides safety and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable and can be moved around if you want to redecorate your child's space in the near future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top bed does not have guardrails.
Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are smaller and are easier to climb, while stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller children. Some models can even be capable of converting into a desk and chair, allowing your child to create the ultimate bedroom suite to study or play.
Budget
When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's crucial to think about your budget. While there are plenty of affordable options, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that can last into the teens (or even into adulthood) it could be worth paying a bit extra for a quality design that will be used for years to come.
Before you shop take into consideration who will be sleeping on the bunk bed and what their needs for sleep could be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings who share bedrooms, while the full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen-sized mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom between the top bunk and bottom bunk. If your children are still in their toddler beds, you may want to choose a bed that is lower to the ground.
The most suitable bunk beds for teenagers are those that are affordable and are able to grow with the teenager. Pick a design that can work in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two beds if needed. This design has a clean-lined contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.
Another way to save money is to choose a bunk with built-in storage, such as drawers beneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will help keep the bedroom clutter-free, and is particularly useful if you're working with the space of a small one. Many of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even come with additional storage options, such as a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.