How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft bed can add fun and functionality in the room for kids. They can also help in reducing space.
Choose bunk beds that can be adapted like ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or trundles that are easy to take off. There are also twins that can be stacked and divided to create two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When you're choosing a bunk bed for your children you should consider size, style and safety. Check the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be spaced enough apart that kids can move up and down with ease and not collide with one another or fall into walls. Additionally, you should determine if the top bunk can support mattresses that is the same size as the bottom one so that you can avoid the need for a trundle, or an additional bed in the future.
You may also opt for a bunk shape that isn't conventional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be ideal for a small room or an area that is shared by two people. It can save space on the floor, and also accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both the lower and upper levels depending on the model you choose.
Many of the best bunk bed for teens are built to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to transition to the size of a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example, features a classic farmhouse style with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This leaves more space for kids to play.
Another option is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in rooms with tweens. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces since it doesn't take up as much vertical space and also allows the lower level to be used for desks, dressers or storage cabinets. It's also a good choice for older children since it doesn't require you to use stairs or a ladder which makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom by using blue painter's tape. This will give you a sense of whether it can be easily climbed in and out of at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. In addition, you should ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. These regulations 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 children of all age groups. However, it's essential to consider the safety features prior to purchasing. You'll need to find bunk beds with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling off or becoming trapped, and a mattress which does not elevate the mattress excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have less weight limits than others.
When you are choosing a bunk bed, check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines regarding how thick the top bunk mattress can be, and will typically provide the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.
The most suitable bunk beds are sturdy and have stairs or ladders that is secured to the frame and has handles on the sides. It is also recommended to avoid bunks that have slatted sides as they can be dangerous for kids to climb up and down, particularly when the slats aren't securely joined. If your kids love playing on the ground, you should opt for a lower-slung bunk to allow them to play and sit without being too high off the ground.
Choose an L-shaped mattress if you don't have a lot of space in your child's room or if you do not want it to take up much space. They require less floor space and are usually only the same size as a single bed, so they're ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. These are also more suitable for younger children who may be scared of high bunk beds.
If you have more space, you can opt for a full-over-full bunk bed. They are generally the safest and most elegant bunk beds available on the market and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that can grow with your child as they grow. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemicals. It's made of sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.
Style
Whether it's for a shared room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed will give teens something to be excited about. Some designs are sleek, minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in many sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular among teens, as it allows the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space while still leaving space for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. There are some options with Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.
Teens also adore an over-king twin loft bed that takes up less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and is the most durable, adult-sized bunk," Fenton adds.

If you want a cool bunk, you should consider an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. They're designed with the ladder at the end. This gives them a sleeker look and more space for a desk or dresser. These beds aren't as space-saving as a bunk bed, but they give teens more room 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 lightweight and portable, so they can be moved around if you're looking to revamp your child's room in the future. They're not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, can also be used as a seating area by younger children. Some models are able to convert into a desk and chair which allows your child to create the perfect bedroom space to study or play.
Budget
A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's crucial to take into consideration your budget when shopping. There are many inexpensive options available, but if you want a bunk bed to last into the teens and even into adulthood, you should consider spending an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used indefinitely.
Before you shop take into consideration who will be using the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs could be. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for rooms with siblings, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who want to make space and avoid the cost of buying a separate queen or king-sized mattress. You'll need to decide on the amount of headroom that is available between the top and bottom bunk. If your children are still in toddler beds, it may be better to choose a configuration that is lower to the ground.
best selling bunk beds for teens are ones that are affordable and are able to grow with the teenager. Choose a design that works in traditional and modern rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice option for the Spruce. It can separate into two freestanding twin beds should you need to reconfigure your space later on. This design features a clean, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb and down and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.
A bunk bed that has built-in storage is an additional way to save money. This can include drawers underneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This can help you keep the bedroom clutter-free, and is particularly useful if you're working with smaller space. Many of the bunks in our list come with this feature. Some even come with additional storage accessories, such as headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.