10 Inspirational Graphics About Best Bunk Beds For Teens

How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can bring fun and function to kids’ rooms. They also can help save space.

Find bunks designed with flexibility, like drawers that store items in the bottom and a trundle bed that’s easily removed, and twins that stack and can be divided into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

When selecting bunk beds for your children, you’ll want to consider size, style and safety. Make sure you check the ceiling’s height to ensure that the bunks are able to fit into the space. Also, ensure that there is enough space around the bunks for the children to move. The beds should be spaced apart enough that kids can safely move up and down and not collide with each other or the walls. Also, you’ll need to determine if the top bunk can support a mattress that is the same size as the bottom one so you won’t need for a trundle or an additional bed in the future.

You may also opt for a bunk design that is not traditional or asymmetrical, if it fits your space better. An L-shaped bunk bed can be ideal for a small space or an area that is shared by two people. It is a great way to save the floor space and can fit a queen or twin over full mattress on each of the upper and lower levels, based on the model you pick.

Many of the best bunk bed for teens are designed to adapt to your child’s needs, converting to two free-standing double beds when they’re ready to a double bed. For example, the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails that run along the top bunk. It’s constructed of knot-free New Zealand pine and has a stationary built-in 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 maximizes the space around corners in rooms with tweens. It’s an excellent option for smaller spaces because it doesn’t require as much vertical room and allows the lower levels to be used as a desk as well as dressers and storage cabinets. It’s a great option for older children because it eliminates the use of a staircase or ladder, making it more accessible for adults and children of larger sizes.

Before purchasing any type of bunk bed, test it in your children’ bedroom with blue painter’s tape to see how high it will be off the ground. This will give you an idea of whether it can be easily climbed into and out at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. You’ll also want to take into consideration the safety of your family members by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations for bunk beds. These regulations include guardrails as well as features that protect against falls and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with children of all ages, but it is important to think about safety features when shopping. You’ll need to find a bunk bed with guardrails that are tall enough to prevent children from falling off or becoming trapped as well as a mattress that does not raise the sleeping surface excessively. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have smaller weight limits than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to see what specifications are available on mattress dimensions and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress should be, and often list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The ideal bunk beds will be sturdy and feature an stairway or ladder that is securely attached to the frame, and has handles on the sides. Avoid bunks with slatted sides as they could be dangerous for kids to climb up or down, especially when the slats aren’t securely joined. If your children love playing on the ground, opt for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to let them sit and play without being too high off the ground.

If you’re in a tight space or do not want to take up too much space in your child’s bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are usually only the same size as a single bed which is why they’re perfect for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They’re also suitable for children who may be scared of the higher bunks.

If you have a little more room, go for an over-full or full-over-full bunk bed. They are typically the most secure and stylish bunk beds that are available, and they can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids’ Belden bunk bed is a stylish and sturdy option that grows with your child’s growth. It can even accommodate Trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It’s Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it emits low levels of chemicals. It’s made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and is available in a variety of colors.

Style

The ideal bunk bed will make teens feel happy regardless of whether it’s the bedroom of a couple or just one child. Some designs are sleek and minimalist, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of sizes, including twin-overtwin, full-overfull and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with teens because it allows them to sleep two children in the same room while leaving space for a desk, dresser, or storage drawers at the bottom. There are some options with Trundle beds that permit the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Teens also adore a twin over king loft bed that takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to sprawl out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older children because it’s “built to last, and is the most sturdy adult-sized bunk,” she adds.

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped style, which is basically a raised platform bed. These beds have the ladder on the end giving the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a dresser or desk under. These beds aren’t as space-saving as bunk beds however they do provide teens with more space in their rooms.

If you’re looking to find a more affordable bed that will provide plenty of safety and comfort, think about a futon bunk. Futons are lightweight and portable which means they can be moved around if you want to redecorate your child’s room in the future. However, they’re not as durable as a wood or metal bunk bed, and they don’t come with guardrails for the top bed.

Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders take up less space and can be more convenient to climb, while stairs are safer and double as a seat for smaller children. Some models can even be capable of being converted into a chair and desk, allowing your child to build the ultimate bedroom suite for play and study.

Budget

When choosing a bunk bed, it’s crucial that you consider your budget. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if want a bunk bed to last into the teens and on into adulthood, it’s worth spending an extra amount for a high-quality product that can be used for a long time.

Before you start shopping think about who will be sleeping on the bunk bed and what their needs for sleep could be. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings who share a bedroom, while full over full bunk is perfect for adults who want to save space or avoid the cost of a separate queen bed. You’ll also have to decide how much headroom you want between the bunks at the top and bottom. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example, it might be best to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.

The best bunk bed for teens will be a good value, and one that can adapt to their needs. Select a style that can work in both traditional and modern rooms. 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 contemporary sleek, clean lines as well as boucle upholstered guardrails 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 another way to save money. This could include drawers under the lower bed, or shelves underneath the top. This will allow you to keep the bedroom clutter-free, and it’s especially useful for those who have smaller space. Many of the bunks listed on our list offer this option, and a few offer additional storage options, such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.