How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds provide a comfortable and space-efficient solution to sleep in children's rooms. They are also an excellent choice for guest rooms or vacation homes where the ceilings are high, but the floor space is small.
The right accessories can transform bunk beds into stylish sleeping spaces. The bunks in this ocean-themed bedroom were handpainted with Porter's Paints 'Mariner', which helped to complement the room's colors.
Space-Saving
Bunk beds are perfect for accommodating a large family, or two kids in the same space. They save space by stacking a bed frame on top of another. This arrangement allows for more floor space to be used for furniture and play. It is ideal for small spaces or lofted areas that require more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds are available in various styles, from sleek modern metal to timeless wood designs. Many bunk beds come with an incorporated stairway that can be used to reduce the footprint. A spiral staircase is a good alternative for those who have smaller bedrooms, and an integrated set of steep stairs is perfect for homes with a limited storage space.
Bunk beds are ideal for adding style and color to a space. Bunk beds look fantastic in neutral shades like navy and light grey. For a little more style, you can dress up the neutral scheme by adding themed decor. For instance a bunk room that is inspired by adventure could be designed to look like a forest hideout or a space inspired by clouds. If you're looking to add a little colour, pick brighter shades for top bunk and more neutral colors for bottom bunk.
If you're building a bunk room from scratch, you need to carefully consider the impact of the layout on the room. Use blue painter's adhesive to mark out the silhouette of your bunk beds on the wall and then determine 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 other furniture and will help you select the appropriate size frame for your space.
Once you've picked the design of your bunk that you like, think about adding other features that are functional. For example, Ms. Keenan often builds a reading light with a switch in each bunk. It lets each child read quietly, without disrupting the person in the middle. She also likes to add small ledges on each bunk, so that kids can place glasses or books.
Comfortable Climbing
Even the most adventurous kids won't sleep in a high-rise when climbing up and down feels a challenge or unsafe. Interior designer Brynne Flower, who is the founder of John Martine Salt Lake City, states that the most crucial factor to consider is to make sure that the bunk bed is equipped with a sturdy ladder that is attached to the side. The stairs aren't as space-efficient, but they're the most secure option for children who are young.

A fixed ladder with basic rungs mounted to the side of the bunk is generally the most secure option. The ladders that are angled, which can be more attainable than straight ones, might be more suitable for older kids and teens. Be sure to test the bunk using blue painter's tape to see how close it is to any fixed features like windows or doors and ensure that there's enough space to walk around.
A built-in ladder that runs underneath the mattress on the upper and lower levels or connects to the bunk below is another great option. They are the largest and secure, however they take longer to put up than a ladder that stands alone. "Look for stairs with broad, solid rails for stairways, and a low, rounded step," advises child safety expert Dr. Moriarty, who also suggests bunk beds be supported by wood slats instead of wire or thin boards to prevent accidents.
Find a bunk bed with an adjustable trundle. This will allow you to have a second bed in your bedroom for guests or sleepovers without taking up any more space. (Be best bunk bed reviews that a trundle can only be suitable if the bunk on the bottom is a twin, not a full.)
A popular choice for both Fenton and writer Alex Morris, the Oeuf Perch bunk is a stylish option that is divided into a loft bed and a regular twin. It's the most heavy option on our list, but Fenton calls it "a tank" that'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 if they decide that they don't require bunk beds.
Flexibility
There are a variety of options when it comes to designing bunk beds. If you're designing a kid's room, primary bedroom or guest space it is possible to add style to these beds without sacrificing function. Bunk beds can create a focal point in rooms and create a unique play area or act as a fun storage solution. Your bunk beds can become a focal piece, based on the overall aesthetic of your room.
Bunk beds come in a variety of styles, finishes, colors, and materials. In fact, many bunks come in styles ranging from bohemian to oceanic and even moody. To give your child's bedroom a bunk bed look that is a good fit for their personality, choose a color or fabric theme and then add accessories like curtains, pillows and artwork.
The ladder of a bunk bed has an important impact on the overall appearance of a room. Most off-the-shelf bunks come with a fixed ladder but some can be ordered with the ladder positioned on either side of the short end of the bed. Bunks that have the ladder positioned on the short end leave the lower bunk unopened and is perfect for adults and can give the room a minimalist design.
Think about a bunk bed in a shape that is not typical, like an L-shaped one. Gil says that these bunks are perfect for rooms with low ceilings as they take up less space. They can be fitted with a small desk underneath. This is a great option for kids who prefer to study in bed.
If you prefer, you can build a bunk with stairs built into the sides of the frame. These types of bunks are often used in hotels, and are considered the most "grown-up" option available on the market. They're extremely durable and offered in a variety of colors from Room & Board.
If you're looking for a more temporary alternative, there are convertible bunks that can be converted from twin-over-twin to full-size beds and vice versa. These are a good option for older siblings that do not want to share their space or parents with guests.
Stores
Bunk beds can offer plenty of space for bedding and clothing in accordance with their design. Find designs that feature shelves or drawers built into the structure or add standalone units on either side of the bunks. These options are particularly useful in small spaces because they maximize the unused space and do not make the bunks appear unorganized or cramped.
Some manufacturers include built-in storage within the bed, like this Oeuf Perch loft that has two spacious storage compartments each side of the upper level. These designs are perfect for siblings sharing bedrooms, since they let each child keep their personal items in close proximity, while avoiding the often-dreaded "piles" of shared belongings.
Other innovative bunk bed designs, in addition to drawers and shelves, include the use of storage in headboards. Adding bins or baskets to the ends of the headboards keep books in easy reach and makes reading at night much more enjoyable and more enjoyable. This option is also great for shared bedrooms as it allows kids to keep their most loved books easily accessible and organized.
Another option is to integrate an integrated ladder into the bunks. This solution eliminates the need for an extra furniture piece and gives it a sleeker look. It is important to keep in mind that angled ladders can be difficult for children of a younger age to climb. This type of bunk bed is usually reserved for older children or teens.
Bunk beds are a great fit in almost any type of space, including bonus rooms and attics which are usually awkwardly shaped. In these rooms, a custom-built configuration might be the best choice for creating a functional and attractive bunk room. If you're considering building a bunk from scratch take into consideration the height of the ceiling and the space above it. A higher ceiling will allow for a higher-quality bunk, while a lower ceiling will limit the dimensions of the bunk below it.
While the best bunk for children's needs will be contingent on the child's age, a bunk could also be a great choice for adults who are looking to make space and add a touch of charm to a guest bedroom. This chic bunk from Max & Lily is available in a variety of finishes and can be separated into a twin-size bed and a full-size bed, so it can serve as an alternative to standard furniture for bedrooms.