How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and functionality to rooms for kids. They can also help save space.
Choose bunk beds that are able to be moved like those with bottom storage drawers or trundles that are easy to take off. You can also find stacked twins which can be separated to create two beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
You'll need to take into consideration size design, style, and security when choosing a bunkbed for your children. Make sure you check the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks can fit in the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks for children to move around. The beds should be enough apart so that children can move up and down with ease and not run into each other or crash into the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk bed can support a mattress the same size as that of the bottom. This will allow you to avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the future.
You may also opt for a bunk design that isn't conventional, if it suits your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It saves the floor space and can also accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on both the upper and lower levels, based on the model you pick.
Many of the best bunk bed for teens are built to adapt to your child's needs by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to move up to a double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is a classic farmhouse-inspired style with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's made from knot-free New Zealand pine and has an attached ladder that connects the top and bottom beds and leaves more floor space for children to play on.
Another option is a loft bed, which optimizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's ideal for smaller spaces since it requires less vertical space and allows you to use the lower floor for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great choice for older kids because it doesn't require them to climb stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room using blue painter tape. This will allow you to determine whether it's possible to climb into and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. You should also think about the safety of your family by examining the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These standards include guardrails as well as features that protect against falls and entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all different ages. However, it's important to take into consideration the safety features before buying. You should look for beds with rails that are high enough to keep children from falling or getting trapped. Also, you need an option that doesn't raise the sleep surface too high. Also, pay attention to the weight capacity, since certain bunks have a lower limit than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to see what specifications are available on mattresses 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 best bunk beds are sturdy constructed, and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles to ensure security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly fitted together. If your children love to play on the ground, choose a low-slung bunk that allows them to play and sit without being too far from the floor.
If best bunk bed with desk in a tight space or don't want to take up too much space in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less space and are usually only larger than a single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with narrow ceilings. They are also suitable for younger children who may be scared of high bunk beds.
If you have more space, consider a full-over-full-size bunk bed. They are generally the most secure and fashionable bunk beds on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish, sturdy choice that will grow with children as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of chemical. It's made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.
Style
A good bunk bed can keep teens content, whether it's in the bedroom of a couple or just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist and some have more fun elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with teens, as it allows them to sleep two kids in the same room while still leaving room for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers in the lower part. Some options have trundle beds that allow the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Tweens also love the twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more room to stretch out or work from home, says Fenton. A metal bunk bed with a full-length guardrail is another popular choice for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most sturdy, grown-up 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 end that gives the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a desk or dresser underneath. They're not as effective at conserving space as a traditional bunk however, they're a stylish choice for teenagers that offers more room to move around in their rooms.
Consider a futon bunk if you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are compact and versatile, so you can move them around if your children wish to redesign their rooms in the future. They're not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds and the top bed has no guardrails.
Bunks with stairs or ladders are also available. Ladders are smaller and are easier to climb. Stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for smaller kids. Some models are able to convert into a desk and chair and allow your child to build the perfect bedroom set-up to study or play.
Budget
When you're looking for a bunk bed, it's crucial to think about your budget. There are many inexpensive options available, but if are looking for a bunk bed that will last through the teens and even into adulthood, it's worth paying a little more for a high-quality product that can be used indefinitely.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs may be before you start shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing bedrooms, while full over full bunk is a great option for adults who are looking to save space or avoid the cost of a separate queen bed. You'll also need to decide 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 a good value and one that is able to grow with them. Find a design that is suitable for both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice choice for the Spruce, which can be split into two separate twin beds if you need to reconfigure your space later on. This style has a sleek, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's simple for children to climb and descend and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.
Another way to save money is to locate a bunk with built-in storage options, like drawers beneath the lower bed or shelving down below the top. This will allow you to make your bedroom less cluttered, and is particularly useful for those who have smaller space. Many of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and some have additional storage accessories available like bookcase headboards for the top bunk and a desk for the bottom.
