How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are a fun option for a shared kids bedroom or guest room. They can also offer extra storage space and make the room feel bigger.
Some bunks come with ladders (which Fenton says are easier to climb than the stairs) and some even have trundles at the bottom that allow for additional sleepovers. Some even have twin and full XL mattresses, so they're great for older children and adults too.
1. Keep It Simple
A bunk bed doesn't have to be the feature in the room; in fact, it's more beneficial to keep it as a background feature which allows other elements such as artwork, storage and other furniture to be the center of attention. This simple bunk bed design, with beds with matching footboards and headboards, is a great example.
A lot of bunk beds are built into walls. This can make them seem less as an addition, and more like permanent fixtures in the room. Although built-in beds may appear stunning however, there are beautiful freestanding designs. This one is made out of wood, but it utilizes pipe fittings for the railing and ladder. Kee Klamp fittings like the Single Socket Tee and Flange Elbow can be used to create the same structure.
Bunk beds are the perfect solution for a shared child's bedroom, especially in smaller homes. You can consider a staggered design that allows two people to sleep in the top bunk, yet provides ample space below for storage, play, and study. This l-shaped bunk bed for instance, offers plenty of space under the bed and also offers roomy enough nooks for each kid to set up a side table -- something that might not be as effective with standard built-in bunk beds.
2. Adding Extra Storage
Creative storage solutions will transform your sleeping area into a chic and functional space, whether you build bunk beds yourself or purchase a ready-made model. These include stair cabinets which can be used to store clothing or other items without compromising the aesthetics of a bunkbed design. They also include shelves that can be mounted on the wall for books, toys, and other decorative items.
Drawers that are able to fit under the frame are another great way to add more storage space to a bunk bed. These compartments are perfect for storing out-of-season clothes as well as bedding, blankets and books. They're also hidden from view, they don't detract from the aesthetic of the bedroom.
Look for models that have a desk built into the bottom bunk, if you want your bunk bed to be even more efficient. This is a popular choice for teens' rooms however, it's also a great method to make the most of smaller bedrooms. If you're short on desk space, consider installing a freestanding table near the bunks to give you an additional space for working and studying. You can also choose a staggered bunk. This is a popular option that allows children to sleep three in a tiny space by putting two twin beds over a full-size bottom bed.
3. Incorporating the Workstation
Bunk beds are great for both children and adults. Bunk beds are a great way to save space and add a fun element to your room. You can personalize your bunk bed to suit the design of your bedroom by making just a few minor changes.
Bunk beds are great because they can be used as an office desk or workstation. This is an excellent option for children about to go to school and require an area where they can study or complete their homework. Most bunk beds come with an integrated desk and all you need to do is move it out whenever your child is required to do some work, and then put it away when they're finished.
If you're looking for a unique method to make your bunk bed, consider using a Kee Klamp kit to add an elegant workstation to your setup. This style of bunk bed is reminiscent of farmhouse. It has a twin over queen size loft bed with a black ladder and an integrated workstation underneath, complete with a full length desk, a wood-look separator and handy shelving.
4. Adding a Princess-Themed Bed
Bunk beds are a fun feature for any child's room, whether for siblings or just for guests who come in occasionally. Because they're usually the focal point of a room, you'll want them to be attractive. Start by measuring the room and determining the size you can work within. Be sure to take into account the height of your ceiling, particularly if your kids will be sleeping on the top bunk, since this could be risky for children (especially in the event that a ceiling fan is nearby).
A lot of our favorite bunk beds can be converted into two separate beds to accommodate the growing needs of your child. This twin-over full bed for instance, is built of a sturdy, simple design and comes with four different finishes making it easy to choose one that will complement your child's room decor.
best bunk beds -over-full bed with a slide is fun and practical. You can equip the upper bunk with an out-sliding TV stand to serve as a entertainment center or add a trundle to the bottom bunk to host sleepovers. This bunk's solid wood construction and timeless design style will make it look cool even when your children reach teens or tweens.
5. Keep It Neutral
Bunk beds can be a great option to create a functional and a child-friendly room. One of the most effective methods to do this is to keep your color palette neutral. This bunk bed blends modern and traditional elements in neutral shades of blue, gray and white that won't change as your child gets older. It also has a drawer under the lower bunk that can be used as an extra twin trundle bed for sleepovers which makes it a great option for a shared bedroom for two children.
Pastels are great for bunk rooms because they can add color and excitement and keep the room stylish and cool. Kelly Hartley of Hartley Home designed this bunk room with a mix of light greens, smoky grays and cloud whites to create a calm appearance. A bed with bedding that is similar to the color scheme makes the entire room look cohesive to create a style that children (and parents) will love.
It is crucial to consider how you'll make use of the space when selecting bunk beds. If you'd like your child's beds to double as a study or office area, choose a loft design with a built-in desk and chair to create a more sophisticated look. This classic wood bunk from @bluedreamslady has a storage compartment that's big enough to hold extra books and toys.
6. Give a pop of Color
Many kids' bunk beds are designed for elementary school age children, but it doesn't mean that adults shouldn't benefit from the space-saving sleeping solution. A bunk bed can even fit into a chic adult bedroom, especially when the style is toned down by a simple color scheme and minimal accents. For example this West Elm x Pottery Barn modern-day twin bunk bed will look lovely in a neutral room with lots of natural wood and white furniture.
Bunk beds are suitable for any room, even attics or bonus rooms with slanted roofs. A custom-built-in design such as this one created by Marnie Custom Homes works best for rooms that have an odd shape however, a DIY option can also be fashionable. Select a bunk bed that is custom-made with railings built in to avoid bruises and bumps while climbing the stairs.
A bunk bed is an excellent chance to decorate a child's room around a fun theme. Create a forest hideout with woodland animals and trees for girls or boys, or choose vibrant colors with a nautical theme. In a palette of blue, grey and white, a Scandi-inspired bed can look modern, sleek and stylish as seen in the gorgeous new holiday home created by Georgina Jeffreys.
7. Mixing it up
While bunk beds are ideal for rooms for children, they don't have to be limited to this particular population. In fact, a fashionable bunk bed can be a great option for an adult bedroom.
If you are choosing the ideal bunk bed for your space, consider the overall design of the room. There are a range of designs to choose from that include bohemian, classical, and coastal, so take the time to choose the one that fits best with your style. Then, you can play around with how you can integrate your bunk bed into the overall design of your room.
If you have a queen-over-queen bunk bed, put an upholstered bench at the foot of the mattress below. This will create a relaxing place to read or relax and will help separate the two beds visually.
Another way to make your bunk bed appear less childish is to swap out an old ladder in favor of stairs. This will instantly give your bedroom a more refined appearance and is a better option for older children. Plus, you can easily decorate the staircase in a style that is in keeping with your child's bedroom theme, such as this nautical bedroom designed by Raili Clasen.