How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are a wonderful option for a shared kids bedroom or guest room. They can also offer additional storage space and make the room appear bigger.
Some bunk beds are equipped with ladders, which Fenton says are easier to climb than stairs. Others have trundles at the bottom to accommodate extra sleepovers. Some bunks are able to accommodate twin XL and full mattresses, making them ideal for older children and adults.
1. Keep It Simple
A bunk bed doesn't have to be the main focal point in the room; in fact, it's more beneficial to keep it as a background item that allows other elements like storage, artwork and other furnishings to be the center of attention. This simple bunk designthat includes beds with headboards that match and footboards -- is a great example.
A lot of bunk beds are built in as part of the wall, which makes them feel less like an accessory and more of a permanent fixture in the room. Although built-in beds may look stunning but there are also stunning freestanding designs. For instance, this one, is made from wood but uses pipe fittings to create the ladder and railing. You can construct similar structures using Single Socket Tee, Flange Elbow and 90 Degree Elbow fittings from Kee Klamp.
Bunk beds are a great solution for a shared bedroom particularly if you live in a smaller space in your home. To maximize space, you can consider a staggered layout that sleeps two on the top bed, but leaves plenty of floor space below to play or studying, as well as storage. This L-shaped bed, for example has plenty of space under the lower bed. It also provides enough space for each child to set up a small side table.
2. Adding Extra Storage
Creative storage solutions will transform your sleeping area into a stylish and functional space, regardless of whether you decide to build your own bunk beds or buy a ready-made model. These handy accessories include stair-side cabinets that provide a practical storage area for clothes and other items without compromising the visual appeal of a bunk bed and shelves on the wall that are ideal to store books, toys and other decorative items.
Drawers that are able to fit under the frame are a fantastic way to add storage to a bunkbed. These compartments are ideal to store clothes that aren't in season, extra bedding or even blankets and books. They are hidden and don't affect the style of the bedroom.
If you're looking to make your bunk bed even more efficient, you should look for models that incorporate a desk area into the bottom bunk. This is a popular choice for teens' rooms however it's also a perfect way to maximize the use of smaller bedrooms. If you're not able to find enough desk space, consider installing a freestanding table next to the bunks, to provide an additional area to work or study. You can also choose staggered bunks, which is a well-liked option that allows children to sleep three in a small room by offering two twin beds above the full-sized bottom bed.
3. The addition of a Workstation
Bunk beds aren't just for children; they can be great for adults, too. If they are designed correctly, bunk beds can be stylish and functional and help you save space in your room and also add a fun element to the layout. You can personalize your bunk bed to fit the design of your bedroom by making just a few minor changes.
One of the greatest advantages of bunk beds is that they are able to serve as a workspace or desk. This is a fantastic option for kids who are reaching school age and require a place to study or do homework. Many bunk beds come with an integrated desk and all you need to do is move it out whenever your kid needs to do some work and then take it back when they're done.
If you're looking for an innovative way to transform your bed into a bunk, consider using a Kee Klamp kit to add modern workstations to your setup. This rustic-style bunk bed features the twin over queen size loft bed with a black ladder and a workstation beneath, which includes a full-length desk, a wood look partition and a convenient shelf.
4. Make a bed with a princess theme
Bunk beds are a fun feature for any child's room, whether for siblings or just for guests on occasion. And, as they're typically a focal point of the room, you want them to look stunning. Begin by measuring the space and determining the dimensions you can work within. Make sure to take into account the height of the ceiling especially in the case of children who will be using your top bunk. This can be risky, particularly if there is a ceiling fan nearby.
Many of our top bunk beds can be made into two beds to meet the needs of your growing child. This twin-over full bed for instance, is made of a solid, simple design and comes in four different finishes making it easy to find one to match the decor of your child's bedroom.
If you're looking for a bed that is both functional and fun take a look at this twin-over-full design that features a built-in slide. Bunk Beds Store can use the upper bunk with the pull-out TV stand as an entertainment center or add a trundle onto the bottom bunk for sleepovers. The solid wood construction, timeless design and timeless style will make it appear cool even when your kids reach teens or tweens.
5. Keep It Neutral
Bunk beds are the perfect opportunity to create a room that is both practical and child-friendly One of the easiest ways to do this is by keeping your colors neutral. This bunk bed combines modern and traditional elements with neutral shades of gray, blue and white that will not change as your child gets older. It also features an under-bed drawer beneath the lower bunk, which can accommodate a twin trundle bed for sleepovers, making it an ideal choice to share a bedroom with two kids.
Pastels are perfect for bunk rooms since they bring color and fun, but keep the room stylish and cool. This bunk room is created by Kelly from Hartley Home, uses a blend of light green, dark grey and cloud white, which creates a tranquil appearance. Topping the beds with bedding in a similar palette pulls the whole room together for a look that kids (and parents) will love.
When you're choosing a bunk bed, you need to consider how you'll use the space. If you'd like your child's beds to double as a study or office space, opt for the loft model with an integrated desk and chair for a sleeker appearance. This classic wood bunk bed designed by @bluedreamslady features an area for storage that is big enough to store extra books and toys.
6. Adding a Pop of Color
The majority of bunk beds are designed for children who are in elementary school. However adults too can benefit from this space-saving solution. A bunk bed can be used in a stylish adult bedroom, especially when the style is tempered with a clean color scheme and minimal accents. For instance, this West Elm x Pottery Barn mid-century modern twin bunk bed will look lovely in a neutral room with lots of natural wood and white furnishings.
Bunk beds can be used in any room, including attics or bonus rooms with slanted roofs. A custom-built design like this one crafted by Marnie Custom Homes works best for rooms with a strange shape however, a DIY option can also be fashionable. Just make sure you choose a sturdy, custom-built bunk bed with built-in railings to prevent bruises and bumps while climbing the stairs to the top.
A bunk bed is a great chance to decorate a child's room with a fun theme. Create a forest-themed hideout for boys or girls with woodland creatures and trees, or add some bright colors with a nautical style. In a palette of grey, blue and white, a Scandi-inspired bed can look modern, sleek, and stylish as seen in the stunning new home for the holidays created by Georgina Jeffreys.
7. Mixing it up
Bunk beds aren't just for rooms for children. In fact, a stylish bunk bed can also be a great option to an adult bedroom.
Take into consideration the overall look of the room when selecting the right bunk beds. There are a range of designs to choose from, including classic, bohemian, and coastal, so take the time to find the one that is most compatible for your style. Explore the design of your room and consider how you can incorporate the bunk bed into your room.
If you have a queen-over-queen bunk bed add an upholstered bench at the bottom of the lower mattress. This will create a cozy spot for reading or relaxing and help divide the two beds visually.
Another way to make your bunk bed feel less juvenile is to swap out an old ladder in favor of an escalator. This will instantly give your bedroom a more refined appearance and is a safe choice for older children. Additionally, you can decorate the staircase in a manner that suits your child's room theme, like this nautical bedroom by Raili Clasen.