The Best Bunk Bed For Teens

Loft beds and bunk beds are great solutions to save space in kids' rooms. Choose from a variety designs, finishes and configurations to suit your family's requirements.

Fenton prefers the Room Board full-over-full for its sturdy construction and neutral color, which doesn't make it look too childish as teens climb the top bunk. She also recommends Oeuf's Perch bunk bed for a chic design that separates into two separate twin beds.

Size

Bunk beds are usually twin-overtwin size however, you can find twin-over-full bunk bed designs or queen-over-queen bunks if you have tall children who need to spread out while they sleep. Adults may want a bigger mattress as well, so you may find options in twin xl over queen as well as full over full size bunk beds.

Laura Fenton, the author of Bunk Rooms 115 Designs for Two or More, advises that you should consider the capacity of your weight when choosing the right bunk bed. "Many bunks will state the amount of weight they can hold however it's better to test it in person as some might appear more fragile than others," she says. Also, you should take into consideration the size of the ceiling to ensure the bunk is suitable and there's enough space for your children to climb into and out safely.

Some bunk beds are low as they are closer to ground, a good choice for rooms with short ceilings or smaller spaces where a standard height bunk would overwhelm the space. However, a low bunk may not be as durable as a bed that is higher and shouldn't be recommended for younger children as it is more likely to fall off the top.

Other bunk beds are high that have a more traditional appearance and is ideal for older kids or adults who want to be able to comfortably sit in the bed. This loft bed in the shape of an L is a perfect example since it can accommodate two people in a corner configuration with plenty of room beneath for playing, hanging out or even storing toys and clothes.

A metal bunk bed is another option. It is durable and can withstand more use than wood. This option comes in a variety of stylish finishes, and is perfect for older children as it's less likely to get damaged by scratches and bumps. It's the only bed we have that isn't made of wood and is a popular choice for adults, says Fenton.

Style

As teenagers grow older They may not be interested in the traditional bunk bed style. A loft bed is a modern alternative as it eliminates the bunk beds above, leaving the space below for desks, lounges or storage. This type of bed lets younger siblings share the same room and teenagers can move the bottom bed into an additional room for guests.

A twin loft bed that is XL can accommodate two sleepers and provide plenty of room for their arms and legs to grow longer. This is the most popular bunk bed for young adults or college students living in cramped spaces. Tweens may use a twin-XL bunk bed that has a long desk to do their homework and work. This is a great way to help them concentrate on their schoolwork and avoid distractions.

Another style of bunk bed that is suitable for older teens and older kids is a full-over-full design. This type of bunk bed is more expensive than a twin over full, but it's worth the cost when your children will be using the bunk for several years. Look for a sturdy, wooden frame that has a non-toxic finish and low volatile organic compounds (VOC) to ensure that your teen will have a good night's rest.

If you don't want to spend on a large amount of money, you can consider an affordable bunk that has contemporary, sleeker design. A majority of bunks come with an elevated ladder at the end of the bunk and a simple, clean design, which is perfect for teens who have grown out of the toys-themed decor of their childhood. Look for bunk beds that are a neutral shade such as gray or white that will blend with any color palette.

If you want a more dramatic look, try a dark espresso or walnut wood finish. This shade may not be as versatile as neutral, but it will work with any design. It can give your teen’s bunk an elevated look.

If you're ready to upgrade to a queen-sized bunk for your older kids pick this contemporary design that is versatile for any shared bedroom. The lower bed can be separated into a twin-sized or full-size bed. It is made from FSC certified Baltic birch plywood that is made from wood and finished with GreenGuard Gold finishes that are free of chemicals.

Safety

When purchasing a bunk bed for teens, safety features should be high on the priority list. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates bunk beds and sets safety standards for fall entrapment, entrapment and other risks like sharp edges, surface coatings, and phthalates. Make sure you choose bunk beds that have guardrails on every side of the top bed especially for children under 6 who can fall or become wedged between the frame and mattress.

A ladder that is securely anchored to the bunk frame and placed at a safe angle can reduce the risk. It's important to teach kids how to climb and descend the ladder, discourage horseplay and make sure they wear nonslip socks or go barefoot when climbing. Regularly inspect the ladder for loose connections. Replace or tighten them as needed.

If you decide to go with a loft bed it is important to determine the size of the room to ensure that it will fit correctly. Avoid bunks with slats as these can provide easy points of entry for rust or splinters. Pick a bunk with a platform base to limit the risk.

Only one child at a time should sleep on the top bunk. Children are at risk of falling or getting stuck between the mattresses in the event that they use the top bunk for storage of things or for other activities such as studying. It is also important to eliminate obstructions and hazards for tripping from the area of the bunks, especially the ladder access point. Installing a lamp at night in the vicinity of the ladder could also be helpful. It will light up the pathway and help prevent tripping accidents.

The Oeuf Perch bunk is a popular choice. It's an L-shaped design and can be split into a twin loft and a full-size bed. It's GreenGuard Gold-certified and is made of FSC sustainable Baltic Birch plywood and eco friendly MDF. The loft bed has an upper limit of 250 pounds. It's a popular choice for Fenton and Morris, who say it offers "nice flexibility" as children grow. Other options to consider include Pottery Barn Kids' Belden full-over-full bunk bed, which is sturdy and stylish and has a 200-pound weight limit for the bunk at the bottom. It's also GreenGuard Gold certified and finished with water-based paint that does not emit volatile organic compounds or ozone depleters.

Stores

Bunk beds can create an impact on children' rooms, helping them save space while making their rooms feel more exciting and enjoyable. The ideal bunk beds for teens won't only offer plenty of storage space, but also offer other features that evolve with your child, such as trundles that can be pulled out from underneath the bottom bunk. These beds are also available in a variety of styles and finishes that work well with any bedroom design.

When looking for a brand new bunk bed, consider the mattress sizes of your children and dimensions of the room to determine what size is the best for your needs. The most commonly used arrangement for bunk beds is a twin-over-twin. This allows your children to sleep comfortably, while not sacrificing the floor space. You can also upgrade to twin-over-full if there is room for a larger mattress. This bunk bed is perfect for families with a limited space. It offers two beds that are full-sized in a small footprint.

The top of this bunk bed features full-length guardrails that are important for keeping your kids safe while they're at the top. It is also available in various colors, like white that can go with any color scheme. If you're looking for an upscale look, you can choose dark espresso or even a matte black finish.

Another great feature of this bunk bed is that it includes an built-in ladder as well as plenty of storage space under the bed that is perfect for keeping toys and linens well-organized. It is also a Greenguard Gold Certified Product, which means that it is in compliance with low emission standards for volatile organic compounds and ozone-depleting agents.

This classic bunk bed looks great in the bedroom of your child, and is priced at a reasonable. It is made of solid pine wood with the headboards and footboards slatted for a an elegant, modern appearance. It's easy to build and the majority of customers say it takes three hours to put together. Many have also noted that the materials are sturdy and that this bunk bed holds up to frequent use.

This bunk bed with three decks is a chic and practical addition to any kid's bedroom. It is made of solid and manufactured wood, and comes with a child-safe finish and low VOCs. This bunk bed has also been Greenguard Gold Certified. It has a full-overfull mattress that offers ample sleeping space for your children and guests.