How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft bed can bring fun and utility in the children's room. They can also help to save space.

Find bunk beds that are flexible like those with bottom storage drawers or a trundle that's easy to remove. You can also find stacked twins which can be separated to create two beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When you're choosing a bunk bed for your children you should consider size, style, and safety. Examine the height of the ceiling to make sure the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there is enough room around the bunks to allow the kids to move. The beds should be spaced sufficiently apart that kids can safely move up and down and not hit one another or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can accommodate a mattress that is similar to the size of the bottom. This will help you avoid needing an extra bed or trundle in the future.

You may also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape that is for your space. For example an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It will save the floor space and can allow for a queen-sized or twin-overfull mattress on both the lower and upper levels, based on the model you select.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will grow with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time for them to transition into a regular double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the bottom and top beds, leaving more floor space for children to play on.

Another option is a loft bed which optimizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's ideal for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and allows you to use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great option for older children because it eliminates the need to climb stairs or a ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom with blue painter tape. This will give you a feel of whether it is easily climbed into and out of at night without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Also, it is important to keep your family's safety in mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. They establish standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to consider the security features when you shop. You'll need to find bunk beds with railings that are high enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise up the mattress too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have smaller weight limits than others.

When you are choosing a bunk bed, check its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed and the bunk.

The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure safety. Avoid bunks with slatted sides because they are unsafe for children to climb up and down, particularly in the case where the slats haven't been tightly connected. If your children love playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to sit and play without being too high off the floor.

If you have a limited space or don't want to take up the entire space of your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less floor space and are usually only about the same width as a single bed so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for children who may be intimidated by a higher bunk.

If you need a bit more space, an overfull or full-overfull bunk is the best option. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds you can find. They can be used as full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will grow with children as they get older and can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for adults and older teens. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemicals. It is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.

Style

Whether it's for the shared room or one child, the ideal bunk bed will give teens something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek, minimalistic while others have more fun 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 for tweens because it lets them sleep two children in the same room and still leave room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers at the lower level. Some options come with an trundle bed that can be used on the upper level to accommodate an extra mattress.

Teens also adore a twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and gives them more space to sprawl out or work from home, according to Fenton. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is another popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last and it's the most sturdy, grown-up bunk," she adds.

Think about a l-shaped or T-shaped design, which is basically a raised platform bed. They're designed with the ladder at the end. This provides a more modern look and more space for a desk or dresser. They're not as efficient at conserving space as a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens, and give them more space in their rooms.

If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are portable and compact, so they can be moved around if you're looking to revamp your child's bedroom in the future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.

Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders require less space and are easier to climb, whereas stairs are safer and double as a seat for smaller kids. Some models are even capable of being converted into a chair and desk, allowing your child to have the ultimate bedroom suite for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is a major investment, so it's important to factor in your budget when you shop. While there are plenty of cheap options available, if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that can last into the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying a little more for a better design that will last for many years to come.

Before you shop think about who will be using the bunk bed, and what their needs for sleep might be. For instance, a twin-over-twin arrangement is ideal for rooms with siblings, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who wish to reduce space and avoid the cost of purchasing an additional queen or king size mattress. It is also important to determine how much headroom you want between the bottom and top bunks. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for instance it may be better to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.

The best bunk bed for teens will be one that is affordable and one that is able to adapt to their needs. Select a style that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two beds if required. This design has a modern elegant, clean-lined design, boucle upholstered guardrails and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is another way to save money. It could be drawers underneath the bed, or shelves beneath the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom neat and free of clutter. It's also helpful in the case of a small room. Many of the bunks on our list feature this feature. Some come with additional storage options like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.