Bunk and loft beds make excellent space-saving options for kids rooms. Choose from a range of finishes, styles, and configurations that will suit your family.
Fenton prefers the Room & Board full-over-full for its solid design and neutral finish which doesn't make it look too childish when teenagers take the top bunk. Fenton also recommends Oeuf Perch bunk beds for their elegant design, which bunk bed is the best can be separated into individual twin beds.
Size
Bunk beds are typically twin-over-twin size however, you can find twin-over-full bunk bed designs or queen-over-queen bunks for those who have tall kids who want to sprawl out while sleeping. Adults might prefer a bigger mattress, so you can also discover options for twin xl over queen as well as full over full size bunk beds.
It's crucial to consider the capacity of your chosen bunk bed to ensure it can support teens or adults, says Laura Fenton, author of Bunk Rooms: 115 Designs for Two or More. “Many bunks state how much they can support however it's better to check that in person as some might seem more fragile than others,” she says. You should also consider the ceiling's height to ensure the bunk is a good fit and there's enough room for your children to climb in and out in a safe manner.
There are bunk beds that are lower because they are positioned closer to the ground. This is a good option for rooms with low ceilings or small spaces where a standard height bed would overwhelm the area. A bunk bed that is low may not be as stable as a taller one and isn't recommended for younger children because it's more likely that they will be thrown off the top.
Other bunk beds are high that have an older-fashioned style and is best bunk beds for small rooms for older kids or adults who want to be able to sit comfortably in the bed. This loft bed in the shape of an L is a fantastic example as it sleeps two up high in a corner, leaving plenty of space underneath for playing, hanging out or storing clothes and toys.
Another alternative is a metal bunk bed, which is sturdy and can withstand heavier use than wood. This option is available in a range of fashionable finishes, and is perfect for older children because it's less likely to be damaged by bumps and scratches. It's the only non-wood bunk bed on our list, and is a favorite among adults because it's built like tanks, says Fenton and says that it's the most “grown-up” bunk bed in the room.
Style
As children get older, they may not be as interested in the traditional design of bunk beds. A sleeker alternative is a loft bed, which eliminates the top beds and leaves the space underneath to be used for lounging, desks, or storage. This also lets younger siblings to share a space and gives teens the flexibility of moving the bottom bed into a separate room for guests later on.
A twin XL bunk bed is able to accommodate two people, while leaving space for their larger legs and arms. This is a favorite choice for young adults and college students who live in cramped spaces. Teenagers can benefit from a twin XL bunk bed with a long desk for homework and studying. This is a great way to help them concentrate on their schoolwork and avoid distractions.
Another type of bunk bed that is suitable for teens and older children is a full-over-full design. This model is more expensive than the twin over full, but is worth it if you are planning to use the bunk bed for a number of years. Look for a sturdy, wood frame that has a non-toxic finish and low volatile organic compounds (VOC) to ensure that your teen will have a good night's sleep.
Consider an inexpensive bunk bed with a sleeker and more modern appearance if don't have much money to spend. Many models have an elevated ladder at the bottom of the bed, and a simple, clean design. This is ideal for tweens that are outgrowing the toys of childhood. Choose bunk beds in a neutral shade such as gray or white that blends with any color palette.
Consider a dark espresso or walnut wood finish for a striking appearance. This shade may not be as versatile as a neutral, but will complement any design. It can give your teenager's bunk an elegant appearance.
If you're looking to upgrade to a queen-size bunk bed for your older children pick this contemporary design that is versatile for any shared bedroom. The lower bed can be divided into a twin or a full-size bed. The beds are constructed from FSC sustainable Baltic birch plywood, and then manufactured wood, and are coated with GreenGuard Gold certified finishes free of chemicals.
Safety
Safety features should be considered a top priority when buying bunk beds for teenagers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates bunk beds, and sets safety standards to stop falling and entrapment, as well as other hazards such as sharp edges, surface finishes and phthalates. Make sure you choose a bunk bed with guardrails on all sides of the top bed especially for children under six who may fall or become wedged between the frame and mattress.
A ladder that's securely fixed to the bunk and situated at a level that is safe can also minimize the risk. It is essential to teach children how to climb up and down the ladder, avoid horseplay, and ensure they wear non-slip socks or go barefoot when climbing. Make sure to check the ladder regularly for loose connections. Tighten or replace them as needed.
It is crucial to ensure that the loft bed you choose to purchase is a good fit for the space. Avoid bunks with slats, as they can be easy entry points for corrosion or splinters. Choose a bunk that uses a platform base instead, which could reduce the risk.
Only one child is allowed to sleep on the top bunk at a time. Children are at risk of falling or getting trapped between the mattresses in the event that they use the top bunk for storage of items or for other purposes such as studying. It is also important to eliminate obstacles and tripping hazards from the area around the bunks, particularly the ladder access point. Installing a night light in the ladder area can aid in this, as it will illuminate the climbing path and avoid tripping accidents.
The most popular option is the Oeuf Perch bunk, which has an L-shape, and can be divided into a twin loft bed as well as a regular full size bed. It's GreenGuard Gold certified and made of FSC sustainable Baltic birch plywood and eco-friendly MDF, with a 250-pound weight limit for the loft bed. Fenton and Morris are in love with it since it offers “nice flexibility” for children as they develop. Other options to consider include Pottery Barn Kids' Belden full-over-full bunk bed that is stylish and sturdy and has a 200-pound weight limit for the bunk at the bottom. It's GreenGuard Gold certified and finished with water-based paint that does not emit volatile organic compounds or Ozone depleters.
Stores
Bunk beds are a great way to free up space in a child's room while adding whimsy, fun and excitement. The best bunk bed reviews bunk beds for teens will not only provide ample storage and space, but they also have other features that evolve with your kids like trundles that slide out from under the bottom bunk. These beds come in a wide variety of styles and finishes to fit any child's bedroom style.
Be aware of the mattress size of your kids and the room dimensions when shopping for bunk beds. The most common arrangement for bunk beds is a twin-over-twin. This will allow your children to sleep comfortably while not sacrificing floor space. You can upgrade to the twin-over-full if you have room for a large mattress. This bunk bed is ideal for families with a limited space. It can accommodate two beds that are full-sized in a compact footprint.
The top of this bunk bed comes with full-length guardrails that are important for keeping your kids safe while they're at the top. It is also available in different colors, like a white finish that goes with any design. If you're looking for a more masculine appearance it's possible to choose a dark espresso stain or even a black finish.
Another great aspect of this bunk bed is that it includes an built-in ladder as well as plenty of storage under the bed which is ideal for keeping toys and linens organized. It's also a Greenguard Gold Certified product, meaning that it meets low emissions standards for volatile organic compounds and Ozone depleters.
This classic bunk bed looks great in your child's bedroom and is affordable. It's constructed of solid pine wood, and has feetboards and headboards that are slatted for a modern, clean look. The majority of customers say it takes three hours to assemble. Many people also say that the materials are sturdy and that this bunk bed can withstand a lot of use.
This triple-decker bed is a stylish bed for any child's bedroom. It's crafted from solid and made wood, and has a premium finish that's safe for children and low in VOCs. The bunk bed has been Greenguard Gold Certified. It comes with a full-overfull bed configuration which provides ample space for both your children and guests.