How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are an efficient and comfortable solution for sleeping in children's rooms. They're also a great choice for guest rooms and vacation homes where the ceilings are high, but the floor space is limited.
Adding the right details can transform bunk beds into stylish sleeping nooks. For example, the bunks in this ocean-themed bedroom are painted by hand using Porter's Paints 'Mariner' to complement the room's color palette.
Space-Saving
Bunk beds are perfect to accommodate a large family, or two children in the same space. They save space by stacking bed frames on top of another. This arrangement frees the floor space for play and other furniture, making it an ideal solution for cramped rooms or lofted areas that require more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of styles, from sleek modern metal to classic wood designs. They also come with a built-in staircase that minimizes the footprint of the structure. A spiral staircase is a good alternative for those with smaller bedrooms, and an integrated set of staircases is great for homes with limited storage.
Bunk beds can be a part of the aesthetic of a room, too when you select the right color scheme and styling. Bunk beds look stunning in neutral hues like navy and light grey. If you want to add a bit of flair you can jazz up the neutral colour scheme with themed decor. For example a bunk room that is that is inspired by adventure could be decorated to look like a forest hideout or a space inspired by clouds. If best convertible bunk beds looking to add some pops of color, try picking brighter hues for the top bunk, and more neutral hues for the bottom bunk.
When you are building a bunk room from scratch, you must carefully consider the impact of the layout on your space. Use blue painter's tape to draw out the silhouette of your bunk beds on the wall and then take measurements of the distance between the beds as well as any fixed elements like windows, closets, or doors. This will give you a better idea of how close the bed will be to the other furniture and will help you select the best size frame for your space.
Once you've picked a design for your bunk that you like, think about adding other features that are functional. Ms. Keenan, for example, often installs an reading lamp that has a switch on every bunk. It's a great way for kids to read without disturbing the person in front of them. She also includes a small shelf on each bunk, where children can put their books or glasses.
Comfortable Climbing
Even the most adventurous kids will not sleep high up if climbing up and down is difficult or unsafe. "The most important thing is to ensure that the bunk bed is equipped with a sturdy ladder that's attached to the side of the bunk," says interior designer Brynne Flowers, founder of John Martine in Salt Lake City. "Stairs aren't as efficient in space however they're the best security feature for younger children."
The safest choice is a fixed ladder with simple rungs that attach to the bed's side. The ladders that are angled, 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 see how close it comes to any fixed elements such as doors or windows and ensure that there's enough space to walk around.
Another option is an inbuilt staircase that connects to the bottom bunk, or under each mattress on the upper and lower levels. These are typically the safest and most large, however they may require more time to set up than an independent ladder. "Look for stairs that have wide, solid railings for stairways and a low, rounded step," advises child safety expert Dr. Moriarty, who also recommends that bunk beds be supported by wood slats instead of wire or thin boards to avoid accidents.
If you want a bunk that can expand with your kids, opt for one with a removable trundle. This lets you create an extra twin bed to accommodate guests or sleepovers without taking up space on the floor. (Be aware that a trundle is only going to be able to fit if the bunk below is a twin, not a full.)
A favorite of both Fenton and writer Alex Morris, the Oeuf Perch bunk is a contemporary option that separates into an loft bed and a standard twin bed. Fenton says it's the "heaviest" pick on our list. It's also "built to last." The sleek design looks stylish and doesn't feel childish for teen years The beds can be separated later on if kids decide they don't want bunk beds for themselves anymore.
Flexibility
When you think about bunk design, the possibilities are endless. You can easily add style and the functionality of the beds, no matter if you're designing for a kid' room, a primary bedroom, or even a guest room. Bunk beds can create an attractive focal point in rooms and create a unique play area or act as a great storage solution. Your bunk beds can be a statement piece, depending on the overall aesthetic of your room.
Bunk beds come in a range of styles, finishes, colors, and materials. There are many bunk beds available in different styles, from bohemian to coastal to moody. To give your children's bedroom a look that suits their personalities, choose the right color or theme and pair it with accessories like curtains, pillows and artwork.
The ladder on a bunk bed could make a huge difference in the way the room appears. The majority of bunks that are available off the shelf come with a fixed ladder however, some are available with the ladder placed on either side of the shorter end of the bed. Bunks with a ladder on the shorter end leave the lower bunk open, which is ideal for adults and gives the room a minimalist look.
Another option is to think about a non-traditional shape for your bunks, like an L-shaped model. These bunks occupy less area and are perfect for rooms with low ceilings, notes Gil. These bunks can be fitted with a small desk underneath. This is a great choice for kids who wish to study in the bed.
If you prefer, you can choose a custom-built bunk with stairs built into the sides of the frame. These bunks are typically used in hotels and are the most "grown-up option. Room & Board offers a variety of colors and incredibly durable bunk beds.
If you're looking for a temporary alternative, there are convertible bunks that can be converted from twin-over-twin to full-size beds and vice versa. They are a great option for older siblings that do not want to share their space or parents with guests.
Stores
Bunk beds can provide plenty of space for clothing and bedding according to their design. Choose designs that incorporate drawers or shelving that are built into the structure or even standalone units either side of the bunks. These are especially useful in small spaces because they maximize the unused space and don't make the bunks feel unorganized or cramped.
Some manufacturers build storage within the bed itself like this Oeuf Perch bunk that offers two large storage compartments on each side of the upper loft. These designs are ideal for families with siblings sharing a room since each child can keep their personal belongings close at hand while also preventing the common piles of belongings.
In addition to drawers or shelves, other smart bunk bed ideas include incorporating storage in the headboards. The addition of baskets or bins to the sides of the headboards keeps books in easy reach, which makes reading at night much more enjoyable and more enjoyable. This option also works well in shared bedrooms, as children can keep their favorite titles organized and readily accessible.
A ladder can be integrated into the bunks. This solution eliminates an extra piece of furniture and gives it a more sleek appearance. It is important to keep in mind that angled ladders can be difficult for younger children to climb. This kind of bunk bed is usually reserved for older children or teens.
Bunk beds are a great option for any space, including attics or bonus rooms with unusual shapes. In these spaces an individual-designed configuration could be the best option to create a functional and attractive bunk room. If you plan to build a bunk from scratch be aware of the height of the ceiling as well as the height of the ceiling that will be above. A higher ceiling can allow for a higher-quality bunk, while a lower ceiling will limit the dimensions of the bunk below it.
While the ideal bunk for a child's needs will depend on the child's age, a bunk could also be a good option for adults who are looking to reduce space and add a bit of charm to a guest bedroom. This chic bunk from Max & Lily is available in several finishes and separates into a twin-sized bed as well as a full-size bed, so it can serve as an alternative to the standard furniture for bedrooms.