How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Bunk and loft beds can add fun and functionality to kids' rooms. They can also help save space.
Look for bunks that are built with flexibility, such as drawers that store items in the bottom and a trundle bed that's easily removed and stacked twins that can be separated into two separate beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.
Size
You should consider the dimensions as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your kids. Examine the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks can fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks for children to move around. The beds should be enough apart that kids can climb and descend safely and not run into each other or smash into walls. Also, you'll need to find out whether the top bunk can support mattresses similar to the bottom one so that you won't need for a trundle or an additional bed in the future.
You could also choose a different shape for your bunk that is suitable for your space. For example, an L-shaped bunk can be perfect for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It saves the floor space and can fit a twin over full or queen mattress on each of the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you choose.
A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time for them to move to a normal double bed. For instance, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed features a classic farmhouse-inspired silhouette with curving headboards and wagon-themed guardrails that run along the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated, stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This gives more room for children to play.
A loft bed is a different option that can maximize the corner space in tween-rooms. It's an excellent option for smaller spaces because it doesn't take up the same amount of vertical space and allows the bottom level to be used as a desk, dressers or storage cabinets. It's a great option for older children because it eliminates the use of a ladder or stairway, making it more accessible to large children and adults.
Before you purchase any type of bunk bed, try it in your children' bedroom with blue painter's tape to see how high it will be off the ground. This will allow you to determine whether it's safe to climb into and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the window sill. You'll also want to consider the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails and features to stop falls or entrapment.
Safety
Bunk beds are a great option for families with kids of all ages, but it's important to consider the safety features when shopping. You should look for a bed with guard rails that are high enough to stop kids from falling off or getting trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise the sleeping surface too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have smaller weight limits than others.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available regarding mattresses and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.
The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed, and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides for safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly connected. If your children 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 floor.
If you're limited in space or do not want to take up too much room in your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less space and are usually only as wide as one single bed. This makes them perfect for rooms with narrow ceilings. They're also more practical for younger kids, who may be intimidated by a bunk that is higher.
If you're looking for a little more space, the full-overfull bunk bed is the best choice. They are the most stylish 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 will 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 is free of harmful chemicals. It's made of sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.
Style
It's for the shared room or one child, the ideal bunk bed will give teens something to be happy about. A lot of designs are minimalist and sleek and some have more playful elements. Bunk beds are also available in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin over full design is a favorite among teens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same room and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. There are some options with trundle beds which allow the upper level to fit an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Teens also adore a twin over king loft bed that occupies less floor space and gives them more space to spread out or work from home, says Fenton. A bunk bed made of metal with an extended guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last, and is the most sturdy, grown-up bunk," she adds.
If you want a cool bunk, think about an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically a platform bed elevated. The beds feature a ladder at the end, which gives it a more sleek look and makes room for a desk or dresser under. They're not as good for conserving space like a traditional bunk but they're an attractive option for teens, and give them more space to move around in their rooms.
If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that can provide plenty of safety and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are small and flexible which means you can move them around in case your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the near future. They are 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 more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can also be used as seats by younger children. Some models can be transformed into a table or chair to let your child have the ideal bedroom set for both study and play.
Budget
A bunk bed is a major purchase, so it's essential to take into consideration your budget when buying. Although there are plenty of inexpensive options out there If you're thinking of purchasing a bunk bed that is designed to last through the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying a little extra for a quality design that will be used for many years to come.
Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements might be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for rooms with siblings or a full-over-full bed is ideal for adults who wish to make space and avoid the expense of buying a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll also need to decide how much headroom you want between the top and bottom bunks--if children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example, it might be best to go with a lower-to ground configuration.
best triple bunk for teens are those that are affordable and are able to grow with the teenager. Choose a design that is suitable for both modern and traditional rooms, or choose something like the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be split into two separate twin beds should you need to reconfigure your space in the future. This design has a clean-lined modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb up and down and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.
A bunk bed that has built-in storage is an additional way to save money. It could be drawers underneath the bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will help you keep your bedroom tidy and clutter-free. It's also helpful for those with a smaller room. Many of the bunks on our list offer this feature, and a few offer additional storage options such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.