How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft and bunk beds can bring fun and utility in the room for kids. They can also help save space.

Find bunks designed to be flexible, such as drawers that store items in the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to remove and twin beds that can be split into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You should take into consideration the dimensions design, style, and security when selecting a bunk bed for your kids. Examine the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be set far enough apart so that kids can safely move up and down and not hit each other or the walls. You'll also want to check if the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is similar to the size of the lower one. This will help you avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the near future.

You could also choose a non-traditional bunk shape one that is more suited to your space. For example, an L-shaped bunk can be perfect for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can save the floor space and can fit a queen or twin over full mattress on each of the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you select.

Many of the best bunk bed for teens are designed to grow with your child, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to an adult bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the top and bottom beds, leaving more floor space for children to play on.

A loft bed is an alternative option that makes the most of the corner space in tween-rooms. It's great for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great choice for older children since it eliminates the need to climb an elevator or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room using blue painter tape. This will allow you to determine if it is possible to climb in and out at night without bumping into anyone or hitting the window sill. In addition, you should keep your family's safety in mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. These regulations establish standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great option for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to take into consideration the safety features when shopping. You'll need to choose bunk beds with railings that are high enough to keep children from falling off or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that doesn't raise up the mattress excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have a lower weight limit 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 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 bed.

The ideal bunk beds will be sturdy and feature an stairway or ladder that is secured to the frame and comes with handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your children like to play on the ground, choose an un-slung bunk that allows them to sit and play without having to be too far off the floor.

If you're in a tight space or don't want to take up the entire space of your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are typically only larger than a single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with narrow ceilings. These are also more suitable for children who might be intimidated by high bunk beds.

If you need a bit more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best trundle bunk beds option. These are the most fashionable and secure bunk beds that are available. They can be used for full-size or twin-sized beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that grows 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 of sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

The right bunk bed can make teens feel happy regardless of whether it's a shared bedroom or for only one child. Some designs are sleek, minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular with tweens, as it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space while leaving space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. Some designs come with a trundle bed that allows the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress.

Fenton says teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed because it occupies less space and provides them with more room to spread out and work at home. A bunk bed made of metal with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most sturdy grown-up bunk available," she adds.

For a really cool bunk, consider a l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. They're designed with a ladder at their end. This provides a more modern look and more space to set up a desk or dresser. These beds are not as space-saving as a bunk bed however they do give teens more room in their rooms.

If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that will still provide plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are compact and portable and can be moved around in case you're looking to revamp your child's bedroom in the near future. They're not as sturdy as metal or wood bunk beds, and the top bed has no guardrails.

Bunks that have stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders require less space and are more convenient to climb, while stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller children. Some models are even capable of being converted into a chair and desk which bunk bed is the best cheap bunk beds, www.diggerslist.com, allows your child to create the perfect bedroom set-up to study or play.

Budget

When shopping for a bunk bed, it's crucial to consider your budget. There are many affordable options but if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that will last through the teens (or even adulthood) it might be worth paying extra for a quality design that will last for many years to come.

Before you start shopping think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs might be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing bedrooms, while full over full bunk is perfect for adults looking to reduce space or the cost of a separate queen bed. You'll have to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top bunk and the bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, you might want to select a layout that is lower to the ground.

The best selling bunk beds bunk bed for teens will be an affordable option and one that is able to expand with them. Select a style that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two twin beds if required. This design features a contemporary, clean-lined silhouette with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and an easy-to-climb, stationary ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

Another way to save money is to locate a bunk with built-in storage, for example drawers underneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will allow you to keep the bedroom clutter-free, and is particularly useful for those who have a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature, and some have additional storage accessories available like a bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.