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How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and utility to children's rooms. They also can help save space.

Look for bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers for storage at the bottom, a trundle bed that's easy to take down, and twin beds that can be split into two beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to think about size, style, and safety when selecting a bunk bed for your children. Examine the height of the ceiling to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough space around the bunks to allow the kids to move. The beds should be spaced enough apart to allow kids to get up and down safely and not collide with each other or crash into the walls. Also, you should determine whether the top bunk bed can accommodate a mattress that is similar to that of the lower one. This will allow you to avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle in the future.

You could also choose a non-traditional bunk shape, which may be better suitable for your space. An L-shaped bunk bed can be the perfect choice for small spaces or a guest room shared by two people. It can help save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both upper and lower levels, depending on the model you choose.

A lot of the top bunk beds for teens can expand with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time for them to transition to a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example is a classic farmhouse style with curved headboards. It also has wagon-inspired guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has an adjustable ladder that connects the top and bottom beds and leaves 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 a great choice for smaller spaces as it doesn't require as much vertical room and allows the bottom level to be used as a desk and dressers, or storage cabinets. It's also a good choice for older kids because it doesn't require them to climb a ladder or stairs and 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 let you know whether it's possible to climb into and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Also, it is important to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds, which set standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages, but it's important to consider the safety features when shopping. You'll need to choose a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to stop children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which does not elevate the sleeping surface excessively. Also, be aware of the capacity for weight, as some bunks have lower limits than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to find out what specifications are available on mattress dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed and the bunk.

The best metal bunk beds bunk beds will be sturdy and feature an stairway or ladder that is secured to the frame and has handles on the sides. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your kids love playing on the ground, you should opt for a lower-slung bunk to allow them to sit up and play without being too high off the floor.

Choose an L-shaped bed if you do not have enough space in your child's bedroom or if you don't want it taking up lots of space. They require less floor space and are typically only as wide as a single bed which is why they're perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They are also suitable for younger children who may be scared of the higher bunks.

If you have a little more room, go for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. 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 is a stylish, sturdy choice that will grow with children as they age and even can accommodate trundle mattresses (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it releases low levels of harmful chemicals. It's made from sustainable sources of Baltic Birch wood and comes in a variety of colors.

Style

Whether it's for the shared room or one child, the perfect bunk bed will give teens something to be happy about. Some designs are sleek, minimalistic while others have more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin-over-full design is popular with teens since it allows them to accommodate two children in the same space and still has room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers at the bottom. Some options have trundle beds that allow the upper level to fit an extra 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, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular choice for older kids because they're "built to last and it's the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the end, which gives it a more sleek look and makes room for a desk or dresser under. These beds aren't 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 can offer plenty of security and comfort, consider a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and adaptable, so you can move them around in case your kids are looking to revamp their rooms in the future. However they're not as strong as a metal or wood bunk bed, and they do not have guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders require less space and are easier to climb. Stairs are more secure and can serve as a seat for younger children. Some models can even be capable of converting into a chair and desk and allow your child to build the perfect bedroom set-up to study or play.

Budget

A bunk bed is a big investment, so it's crucial to take into consideration your budget when buying. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if are looking for a bunk bed that will last into the teens and into adulthood, it's worth paying an extra amount for a high-quality product that can be used for years.

Before you start shopping take into consideration who will be sleeping on the bunk bed and what their sleeping needs could be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings who share bedrooms, while a full over full bunk is a great option for adults who are looking to reduce space or the expense of a separate queen 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 could be beneficial to choose a lower-to-ground arrangement.

The best bunk beds for teens are ones that offer a good price and can adapt to the teenager. Select a style that can work 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 twin beds if required. This design features a clean, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb and descend and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for environmental and social responsibility.

Another way to save money is to find a bunk that has built-in storage, such as drawers underneath the lower bed or a shelf below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free. It's also a good option if you have a small space. Many of the bunks in our list have this feature. Some come with additional storage accessories, such as a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.