How to Choose the Best Wooden Bunk Beds Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Look for bunk beds that are flexible, such as ones with drawers on the bottom or trundles that are easy to remove. You can also find twins that can be stacked and separated to make two beds. Also consider the capacity for weight of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to consider the size design, style, and security when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there's enough space around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be spaced far enough apart so that children are able to safely go up and down and not hit each other or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can be able to support a mattress of similar to that of the lower one. This will help you avoid having to buy an additional bed or trundle later on.

You may also opt for an arrangement for your bunk that isn't traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed can be the perfect choice for a small room or a guest room that is shared by two people. It can save floor space and can accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on both the lower and upper levels, depending on which model you choose.

Many of the best double bunk beds bunk beds for teens are made to grow with your child and can be converted into two free-standing double beds when they're ready to an adult bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed for instance is the classic farmhouse look with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in ladder that connects the beds at the top and bottom, leaving more floor space for children to play on.

Another option is a loft bed that maximizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's a great choice for smaller spaces as it doesn't take up as much vertical room and also allows the lower level to be used for desks as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It's also a great choice for older children since it doesn't require them to climb a ladder or stairs 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 allow you to determine whether it's possible to climb in and out at night without hitting anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. These regulations set standards for guardrails and other features that prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages, however, it's important to take into consideration the safety features when buying. You'll need bunk beds with guardrails that are high enough to prevent children from falling over or getting trapped as well as a mattress that doesn't raise up the mattress too much. You should also be aware of the weight capacity, as some bunks have a lower limit than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to find out the specifications available for 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 capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles to ensure safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels as they can be dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're not tightly connected. If your children love to play on the ground, pick a low-slung bunk that allows them to play and sit without being too far off the ground.

If you're limited in space or don't want to take up too much room in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are usually only as wide as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for children who might be scared of a bunk that is higher.

If you require a little more space, a full-overfull bunk bed is the best bunk bed desk option. 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 and durable option that will expand with kids as they age and even accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will make teens happy, whether it's in a shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. The twin-overfull design is popular with tweens because it allows them to sleep two kids in the same room while leaving enough space for a desk dresser or storage drawers on the bottom. There are some options that include a trundle bed that allows the upper level to fit an additional mattress.

Teens also love the twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and gives them more space to sprawl out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails make a popular option for older children because they're "built to last and are the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

For a truly cool bunk, you should consider an l-shaped or T-shaped design that's basically an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder on the end giving an elegant look and allows more room for a dresser or desk beneath. They're not as good for conserving space as a traditional bunk, however, they're a stylish choice for teens that gives them more room to move around in their rooms.

If you're looking for a more affordable bunk that will still offer plenty of security and comfort, you should consider a futon bunk. Futons are portable and compact, so they can be moved around if you're looking to revamp your child's space in the near future. They're not as sturdy as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are smaller and are easier to climb. Stairs are safer and can double as a seat for smaller children. Some models can be transformed into a chair or desk so that your child can have the perfect bedroom set that can be used for play and study.

Budget

When choosing a bunk bed, it's crucial to consider your budget. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will last through the teens and into adulthood, it's worth paying more for a quality product that can be used for years.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements might be prior to shopping. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing a bedroom, while full over full bunk is a great option for adults who are looking to reduce space or the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll need to determine 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 bed that is lower to the ground.

The best small bunk beds bunk beds for teens are ones that are affordable and are able to grow with the teen. Select a style that can work in both traditional and modern rooms. Or, choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two twin beds if needed. This design has a clean-lined modern design, boucle-upholstered railings and a ladder that's easy for children to climb up and down, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

Another option to save money is to locate an area of the bunk that is built-in storage options, like drawers beneath the lower bed or shelves below the top. This will help you to keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free. It's also a good option for those with a smaller room. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories, such as bookshelf headboards and desks for the lower bunk.