How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

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

Choose bunk beds that can be adapted, such as ones with drawers for storage at the bottom or trundles that are easily removed. There are also twins that can be stacked and divided to create two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing bunk beds for your children You'll need to think about the size, style and security. Make sure you check the ceiling's height to ensure that the bunks will fit in the space. Also, make sure that there is enough space around the bunks for the kids to move. The beds should be set far enough apart so that children are able to safely go up and down and not collide with each other or the walls. Also, you'll want to find out whether the top bunk beds uk can support a mattress that is the same size as the bottom one so that you won't need for a trundle or another additional bed in the future.

You may also opt for an arrangement for your bunk that isn't conventional and suited to your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed could be perfect for small spaces or an area that is shared by two people. It can save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both the lower and upper levels, depending on the model you select.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens can grow with your kids by converting into two independent beds when it's the right time to transition into a regular double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance, features an old-fashioned farmhouse design with curved headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an integrated, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This creates more space for children to play.

Another option is a loft bed, which maximizes corner space in rooms with tweens. It's great for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you use the lower level for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a good choice for older children because it doesn't require you to use stairs or a ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, test it out in your kids bedroom using blue painter's tape to see how high it will be off the ground. This will let you know whether it's safe to climb in and out at night without crashing into anyone or hitting the bottom window sill. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by checking out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. These regulations define standards for guardrails as well as other features to prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.

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 railings that are tall enough to stop children from falling or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that doesn't raise up the sleeping surface too much. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some beds have smaller weight limits than others.

Check the manufacturer's website to see the specifications available for mattresses and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also provide the maximum capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed and the bunk.

The best bunk bed bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs should attach to the frame securely and be equipped with side handles to ensure safety. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're not tightly joined. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, opt for a lower-slung bunk so that they can sit and play without being too high off the ground.

Pick an L-shaped bed if you don't have much space in your child's room or if you don't want it taking up a lot of space. They take up less space and are generally larger than a single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with small ceilings. They are also suitable for children who may feel intimidated by high bunk beds.

If you have more space, consider a full-over-full-size bunk bed. They are generally the safest and most stylish bunk beds on the market, and they can be used as full or twin size 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 adults and older teens. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made of sustainably-sourced Baltic birch wood, and it comes in a variety of colors options.

Style

It's for the shared room or 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 also available in different sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-over-full style is popular among teens because it permits the possibility of sleeping two children in the same space, while leaving space for a desk dresser or storage drawers at the bottom. Certain designs have trundle beds which allow the upper level to fit an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Tweens also love an over-king twin loft bed, which takes up less floor space and gives them more room to stretch out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older kids because it's "built to last and is the most durable grown-up bunk available," she adds.

For a truly cool bunk, think about an T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder on the end, which gives an elegant look and makes room for a dresser or desk underneath. These beds are not as spacious as bunk beds, but they allow teens to have more space in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk if you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable and can be moved around in case you want to redecorate your child's space in the near future. They are not as durable as wood or metal bunk beds, and the top bed isn't equipped with guardrails.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can also be used as a seat by children who are younger. Some models can even be able to convert into a chair and desk, allowing your child to create the ultimate bedroom suite for play and study.

Budget

When choosing a bunk bed, it's important that you consider your budget. There are many cheap options available but if you're planning on buying a bunk bed that can last through the teens (or even adulthood) it could be worth paying more for a better design that can be used for a long time.

Think about who will be using the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements may be before you start shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for families with multiple children, while a full-over-full bunk is ideal for adults who want to reduce space and avoid the cost of purchasing a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll also have to decide how much headroom you want between the bunks at the top and bottom. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it may be better to choose a lower-to-ground configuration.

The most suitable bunk beds for teens are those that offer a good price and are able to grow with the teenager. Pick a design that can fit in both traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be divided into two beds if required. This style has a sleek, modern design, boucle-upholstered railings, and a stationary ladder that's easy for kids to climb and descend, and it's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for social and environmental responsibility.

Another way to save money is to choose a bunk beds usa that has built-in storage, for example drawers under the bed or shelves below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and it's especially useful for those who have the space of a small one. Many of the bunks listed on our list come with this feature, and a few have additional storage accessories available like bookcase headboards for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.