How to Choose the best portable bunk beds Bunk Beds for Teens

best loft bunk beds beds and bunk beds can add fun and utility to children's rooms. They also can help save space.

Find bunks designed with flexibility, like drawers for storage at the bottom and a trundle bed that's easy to take down and twin beds that can be split into two beds. Also consider the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Size

You'll want to think about the size design, style, and security when choosing a bunkbed for your kids. Look at the ceiling height to ensure the bunks fit in your space. Also, make sure there's enough space for your kids to move around them. The beds should be spaced enough apart that kids can move up and down with ease and not collide with one another or fall into walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk can accommodate a mattress that is similar to that of the bottom one. This will help you avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle later on.

You can also pick an arrangement for your bunk that isn't conventional and suited to your space better. For instance an L-shaped bunk could be ideal for a smaller bedroom or even a shared guest room. It saves floor space and can accommodate a twin over full or queen mattress on the upper and lower levels, based on the model you pick.

Many of the best portable bunk beds best bunk beds for small spaces beds for teens will grow with your kids, converting into two free-standing beds when it's time for them to move to a normal double bed. For example the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed has a classic farmhouse-inspired style with curved headboards and wagon-inspired guardrails along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt, stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This gives more room for children to play.

Another alternative is a loft bed, which optimizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's ideal for small spaces because it takes up less vertical space and allows you to make use of the lower levels for storage cabinets, desks or dressers. It's also a great option for older children because it eliminates the need to use stairs or a ladder, making it more accessible to larger children and adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's room by using blue painter's tape. This will give you an idea of whether it is easily climbed into and out of at night without bumping heads 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 reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulations for bunk beds. They set standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the risk of falling and entrapment.

Safety

Bunk beds are an excellent option for families with kids of all ages, but it is important to think about safety features when buying. You'll need to choose a bunk bed with guardrails that are high enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that does not raise the sleeping surface excessively. Also, be aware of the weight capacity, best bunk beds as some bunks have a lower limit than others.

When selecting a bunk bed, check its manufacturer's website for specifications on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how thick a top bunk mattress can be, and often list the total bunk and upper bed weight capacities.

The best bunk beds are sturdily constructed and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted sides panels, as they are dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly fitted together. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, you should opt for a lower-slung bunk so that they can play and sit without being too high off the ground.

If you're limited in space or don't want to take up too much space in your child's bedroom, go with an L-shaped bunk bed. They require less floor space and are typically only the same size as a single bed, making them ideal for smaller rooms with low ceilings. They're also more practical for younger kids, who might feel intimidated by a bunk that is higher.

If you have a little more room, go for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. They are typically the safest and most stylish bunk beds on the market and can be used as full or twin size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy 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 and is made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood, and it is available in a variety of color options.

Style

The right bunk bed can make teens feel happy, whether it's in the shared bedroom or for just one child. Many designs are sleek and minimalist and others have more playful elements. Bunk beds come in various sizes, ranging from twin-over-twin to full-over-full or even queen. A twin over full style is popular for tweens because it lets them accommodate two children in the same space and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. Some designs come with a trundle bed that allows the upper floor to accommodate an additional mattress.

Fenton says teens are awestruck by a twin-over king loft bed since it occupies less space and provides them with the space to spread out or work from home. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and is the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.

Take a look at a T-shaped or L-shaped style, which is basically an elevated platform bed. They have a ladder at the end giving it a more sleek look and gives more space for a dresser or desk beneath. They're not as effective at conserving space as a traditional bunk, however, they're a stylish choice for teenagers that offers more room to move around in their rooms.

Consider a futon bunk If you're looking for an affordable bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and adaptable and can be moved them around if your kids wish to redesign their rooms in the future. They're not as sturdy as metal or wood bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs, on other hand, can be used as a seating area for children younger than. Some models are able to convert into a desk and chair which allows your child to have the ultimate bedroom suite to study or play.

Budget

When you're looking for 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 through the teens and even into adulthood, it's worth paying an extra amount for a high-quality product that can be used for years.

Before you shop think about who will be sleeping in the bunk bed, and what their sleep needs might be. A twin-overtwin arrangement is ideal for siblings sharing bedrooms, while a full over full bunk is a great option for adults who want to save space or reduce the expense of a separate queen bed. 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, you may want to choose a bed that is lower than the ground.

The best bunk beds for heavy adults bunk beds for teens are ones that offer a good price and can adapt to the teen. Look for a style that can work in both modern and traditional rooms, or go with something similar to the Oeuf Perch bunk--an Editors' Choice pick for the Spruce--which can be split into two separate twin beds should you're looking to alter your space in the future. This design features a clean, contemporary silhouette, boucle-upholstered guardrails and a stationary ladder that's simple for children to climb and down and down. It's Greenguard Gold and Fair Trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed that has built-in storage is another way to save money. This could include drawers beneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will help make your bedroom less cluttered, and is particularly useful for those who have the space of a small one. Many of the bunks listed on our list offer this feature, and some come with additional storage options, such as bookcase headboards for the upper bunk and a desk for the bottom.