How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can add fun and functionality to children's rooms. They can also help save space.
Look for bunk beds that can be adapted, 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 divided to create two beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.
Size
You'll need to consider the dimensions as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Look at the ceiling height to ensure that the bunks will fit into your space. Also, make sure that there's enough space for children to move around them. The beds should be spaced enough apart to allow kids to climb and descend safely and not collide with each other or crash into walls. Also, you should determine if the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is similar to that of the bottom. This will allow you to avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle later on.
You could also choose an alternative to the traditional bunk shape one that is more suitable for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed could be perfect for a small space or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can save floor space, and allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the lower and upper levels depending on the model you pick.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children's needs and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time to transition to 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 constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This gives more room for kids to play.
A loft bed is another option that makes the most of the space around corners in tween-rooms. It's ideal for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and lets you use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's a great option for older children because it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder, making it more accessible to adults and children of larger sizes.
Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will give you a feel of whether it is easily climbed into and out at night without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You should also consider the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails as well as features that protect against falls and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to consider the safety features when buying. You'll need to choose bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to prevent children from falling off or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that doesn't raise up the mattress too much. Be sure to be aware of the weight capacity, as some bunks have lower limits than others.
When choosing a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications regarding the mattress's dimensions and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and will typically list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The most suitable bunk beds are solid and sturdy, with an stairway or ladder that is attached securely to the frame, and has side handles. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly fitted together. If your kids love to play on the ground, pick a low-slung bunk that lets them sit and play without being too far from the ground.
Pick an L-shaped bed if don't have much space in the room of your child or if you don't want it to take up a lot of space. They are smaller in size and are usually as wide as a single bed, which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also suitable for children who may feel intimidated by high bunk beds.
If you require a little more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best option. 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' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will grow with children as they get older and accommodates trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of harmful chemicals. It's made of sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.
Style
If it's a shared room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed will give teens something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek, minimalistic while others have more fun elements. Bunk beds are also available in various sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular among teens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same space, while still leaving space for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage in the lower part. Some options have trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Teens also adore an over-king twin loft bed, which takes up less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, according to Fenton. A bunk bed made of metal with an extended guardrail is a popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last, and is the most durable grown-up bunk available," she adds.
Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. These beds are designed with a ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more space for a desk or dresser. They aren't as spacious as bunk beds however they do give teens more room in their rooms.
If best small bunk beds looking for a more affordable bunk that will still offer plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are small and flexible and can be moved them around in case your kids want to redecorate their rooms in the future. They're not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds, and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.
Bunks that include ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and are easier to climb, while stairs are safer and can double as a seat for younger children. Some models can be converted into a chair or desk so that your child can have the ideal bedroom set-up for study and play.
Budget
When shopping for a bunk bed, it's essential to consider your budget. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if want a bunk bed to last into the teens and into adulthood, you should consider spending a little more for a high-quality product that can be used indefinitely.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements could be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for families with multiple children, while a full-over-full bunk is perfect for adults who want to reduce space and avoid the expense of buying a separate queen or king mattress. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bunks at the top and bottom. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to choose a lower-to-ground arrangement.
The ideal bunk bed for teens is a good value, and one that can adapt to their needs. Look for a style 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 in case you're looking to alter your space later on. This style features a modern elegant, clean-lined design as well as boucle upholstered guardrails a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.
A bunk bed with built-in storage is another option to save money. This can include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help you keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also helpful if you have a small space. Many of the bunks in our list come with this feature. Some even offer additional storage options, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.