How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds provide a comfortable, space-efficient sleeping solution for kids' rooms. They're also a great choice for guest rooms and vacation homes where ceilings are high, but the floor space is limited.
The right combination of features transforms bunk beds into fashionable sleeping spaces. The bunks in this ocean-themed bedroom were handpainted with Porter's Paints 'Mariner', which complemented the room's color palette.
Space-Saving
Bunk beds are great to accommodate a large family, or two children in the same space. They can save space by stacking bed frames on over another. This arrangement frees space on the floor to play and other furniture and is a great solution for cramped rooms or lofted spaces that require more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds can be found in a variety of styles. From best bunk beds , sleek metal designs to classic wooden designs. Many bunk beds come with a built-in stairway that reduces the footprint. A spiral staircase is a good alternative for those with small bedrooms, while an integrated set of steep staircases is great for homes with limited storage space.
Bunk beds can add to the aesthetic of a room, too, if you choose the right color palette and styling. Bunk beds look fantastic in neutral shades like light grey and navy. The neutral colors can be dressed up with themed decor to add some extra design, such as an adventure-themed bunk room that evokes a woodland hideout or a romantic cloud-themed room. If you're looking to add some pops of color, try choosing brighter shades for the top bunk and softer hues for the bottom bunk.
When building a bunk room from scratch, it is important to carefully consider the impact of the layout of your space. Mark out the shape of your bunk beds using a blue painter's taps on the wall. Then, measure the distance between them and any fixed features such as doors, windows, or closets. This will help you decide the dimensions of the frame and how close it will be to the other furniture.
Once you've picked a bunk design you like, think about adding additional functional features. For instance, Ms. Keenan often builds a reading light with a switch on every bunk. It's a great way to allow every child to read quietly without disturbing the person above them. She also includes a small shelf in each bunk, where children can put glasses or books.
Comfortable Climbing
Even the most adventurous children will not sleep high up if climbing up and down feels difficult or unsafe. Interior designer Brynne Flower, founder of John Martine Salt Lake City, states that the most crucial thing to do is to ensure the bunk bed comes with a sturdy ladder tacked to the side. The stairs might not be as efficient in space but they're the safest option for children who are young.
The most secure option is a fixed ladder that has simple rungs that attach to the bed's side. Angled ladders, which can be more attainable than straight ones, could work better for older kids and teens. But be sure to test out the bunk with blue painter's tape to determine how close it comes to any fixed elements, such as doors or windows, and that there's enough space for walking around.
A built-in ladder that runs underneath the mattress on the upper and lower levels or attaches to the bunk below is a good alternative. These tend to be the most secure and large, however they may require more setup time than an independent ladder. Dr. Moriarty recommends looking for staircases that have wide, solid rails, and a low, circular step. He recommends that bunk beds be supported by wood slats, instead of wires or boards that are thin to avoid accidents.
Find a bunk bed that has an adjustable trundle. This allows you to add an additional twin bed for sleepovers or guests without taking up space in the room. (Be aware that a trundle can only be suitable if the bunk on the bottom is an individual twin, not a full.)
Fenton and Alex Morris both love the Oeuf Perch Bunk. It is a contemporary option that can be converted into a loft as well as it can also be used as a twin bed. Fenton describes it as the "heaviest" choice on our list. It's "built to last." The sleek design is chic and doesn't feel babyish. It's also not too babyish for teenagers. And the beds can be removed later on if they decide that they don't need bunk beds.
Flexibility

When you think about bunk bed design, the options are endless. You can easily add style without sacrificing the functionality of these beds, whether you're designing for a kid' room, a primary bedroom, or a guest room. Bunk beds are a great option to create a focal point, a play space, or storage solution. Your bunk beds can be a statement feature, based on the overall style of your room.
Many of today's bunk beds offer a range of designs, materials, finishes and colors to suit any style. In fact, many bunks come in styles ranging from bohemian to the beach and even sombre. If you want to give your kids' bedroom a look of bunk beds that suits their personalities select a color or fabric theme and pair it with accessories like pillows, curtains and artwork.
The ladder on a bunk bed can be a significant factor in the way the room appears. Most bunk beds come with a fixed ladder. Some can be ordered to have the ladder on either side of the short end. Bunks with ladders on the short end can leave the lower bunk open and is ideal for adults. best childrens bunk beds creates an uncluttered look.
Another option is to consider a non-traditional shape for your bunks, like an L-shaped version. They take up less area and are perfect for rooms with low ceilings, explains Gil. They can also be fitted with a desk beneath which makes them a great choice for kids who want to study in bed.
You can also opt for a custom-built bunk with stairs that are built into the sides of the frame. These bunks are commonly used in hotels and are the most "grown-up' option available. They're extremely durable and available in a variety of colors from Room & Board.
There are also convertible bunks, that can be converted from twin-overtwin to full-size bed, or the reverse. These are an excellent option for older siblings who don't want to share their bedroom or parents with guests.
Stores
Bunk beds can offer ample space for bedding and clothing according to their design. Look for designs that use shelves or drawers that are built into the structure or add standalone units on either side of the bunks. These options are especially helpful in smaller spaces, as they maximize space without making the bunks feel tight or cluttered.
Some manufacturers include built-in storage within the bed, like this Oeuf Perch loft that has two spacious storage compartments both on the upper level. These designs are great for siblings who share bedrooms, since they let each child keep their personal items in close proximity, while avoiding the common "piles" of shared belongings.
Other clever bunk bed ideas as well as drawers and shelves, include the use of storage in headboards. Baskets or bins placed at the end of the headboards allow you to reach books, making reading before bedtime more enjoyable. This method is also useful in shared bedrooms, as children can keep their favorite books organized and easily accessible.
A ladder can be integrated into the bunks. This solution removes the need for a separate furniture piece and creates a sleeker look. It is important to keep in mind that angled ladders are difficult for children of a younger age to climb. This type of bunk bed is usually reserved for teenagers or older children.
Bunk beds can be a great option for any space, even attics or bonus rooms with odd shapes. In these situations, a custom-built configuration might be the best option to create a practical and attractive bunk room. If you're planning to build a bunk from scratch think about the height of your ceiling and what will be above it. A higher ceiling can permit a loftier bunk, while a lower ceiling will limit the size of the bunk below it.
The best bunk bed for a child will be contingent on their age. However the bunk bed could be a great option for adults looking to make space and add some style to a guest bedroom. This elegant Max & Lily bunk is available in a variety of finishes and can be separated into a twin bed and a full bed. It's an excellent alternative to standard bedroom furniture.