How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds can add fun and utility to rooms for kids. They can also help reduce space.

Choose bunks that are designed with flexibility, like bottom storage drawers, a trundle bed that's easily removed, and twins that stack and can be split into two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You should consider size as well as style and safety when choosing a bunk bed for your children. Consider the height of the ceiling to ensure the bunks fit in your space. Make sure there's enough room for your kids to move around them. The beds should be far enough apart so that children can move up and down with ease and not bump into each other or crash into the walls. Also, you'll want to find out whether the top bunk can support mattresses of the same size as the bottom one, so that you won't need for a trundle or another extra bed in the near future.

You may also opt for an alternative to the traditional bunk shape one that is more suitable for your space. For example an L-shaped bunk might be perfect for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can save floor space and can accommodate a queen or twin over full mattress on the lower and upper levels, based on the model you pick.

Many of the best double bunk beds bunk beds for teens are designed to grow with your child by converting into two independent double beds when they're ready to transition to a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed, for example it has 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 integrated stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This gives more room for kids to play.

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

Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom using blue painter tape. This will give you an idea of whether it can be easily climbed into and out of at night, without causing head bumps or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds. These regulations set standards for guardrails and other features that reduce the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with children of all ages, however, it is important to think about safety features when buying. You'll want to look for a bed with rails that are high enough to prevent children from falling over or becoming trapped, and an option that doesn't raise the bed's surface too high. Pay attention to the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have less weight limits than others.

When choosing a bunk bed, check its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress sizes and weight limits. The majority of manufacturers offer guidelines on how thick the top bunk mattress should be, and they'll often list the total capacity of the bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The most sturdy bunk beds are constructed and the ladders or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have handles on the sides to ensure security. 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 kids 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 do not want to occupy the entire space of the bedroom of your child, opt for an L-shaped bunk bed. They take up less space and are typically only larger than a single bed. This makes them ideal for rooms with narrow ceilings. They're also suitable for children who may feel intimidated by higher bunks.

If you have a little more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. They are generally the safest and most stylish bunk beds on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that will grow with your child's growth. It can even accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate adults and older teens. It is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it is free of harmful chemicals. It's made from sustainably harvested Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a range of colors.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will make teens happy regardless of whether it's in the bedroom of a couple or just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist while others are more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in various sizes, such as twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin over full style is popular with teens since it lets them accommodate two children in the same space and still has room for a desk, dresser or storage drawers on the lower level. Some options have Trundle beds that permit the upper level to fit an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also love a twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and gives them more space to spread 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 it's the most sturdy, adult-friendly bunk," Fenton adds.

Consider a T-shaped or l-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder on the end giving an elegant look and allows more room for a dresser or desk underneath. They're not as good for saving space as a traditional bunk but they're a stylish option for teens that gives them more space in their rooms.

Think about a futon bunk bed if you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers safety and comfort. Futons are compact and versatile and can be moved them around in case your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the near future. However, they're not as durable like a metal or wood bunk bed, and they don't have guardrails on the top bed.

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

Budget

When choosing a bunk bed, it's essential to think about your budget. There are plenty of options for cheap beds available, but if you are looking for a bunk bed that will last into the teens and on into adulthood, it's worth paying an extra amount to get a top-quality bed that can be used for a long time.

Before you start shopping, consider who will be using the bunk bed, and what their needs for sleep might be. A twin-over-twin configuration is great for siblings sharing the same bedroom, whereas full over full bunk is a great option for adults who want to save space or avoid the expense of a separate queen mattress. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bottom and top bunks. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example, it might be best sturdy bunk beds to go with a lower-to ground arrangement.

The best convertible bunk beds bunk bed for teens is one that is affordable and one that will grow with them. Pick a design that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two twin beds if required. This design has a modern, clean-lined silhouette, boucle upholstered guardrails and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is a different way to save money. This could include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will help keep the bedroom clutter-free, and is especially beneficial for those who have the space of a small one. A majority of the bunks on our list feature this feature. Some even come with additional storage accessories, such as a desk and bookcase headboards for the lower bunk.