How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design

Bunk beds are a space-saving and comfortable option for sleeping in children's bedrooms. They're also an excellent choice for guest rooms and vacation homes where ceilings are high, but the floor space is constrained.

The addition of the right details transforms bunk beds into elegant sleeping spaces. The bunks in this ocean themed bedroom were painted using Porter's Paints 'Mariner', which complemented the room's color palette.

Space-Saving

Bunk beds are great for accommodating a large family, or two kids in the same space. They save space by stacking a bed frame top of another. This configuration allows for more floor space to be used for furniture or play. It's an ideal solution for small rooms or lofted areas that require more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds can be found in a wide range of designs. From modern, sleek metal designs to classic wooden designs. A majority of bunk beds come with an incorporated stairway that can be used to reduce the footprint. A spiral staircase is a fantastic alternative for those who have an enviable bedroom. A set of stairs that are steep is ideal for homes with a limited space in storage space.

Bunk beds are ideal for adding style and color to a space. Neutral colors such as light grey and navy are stylish choices for bunk beds. To add best made bunk beds can spice up the neutral scheme by adding themed decor. For example, a bunk room with a theme of adventure could be designed to resemble a forest hideout or a space inspired by clouds. If you're looking to mix in a few colors, consider choosing brighter shades for the top bunk and lighter shades for the bottom bunk.

If you're building a bunk room from scratch, it's crucial to consider the impact of the layout on your space. Use blue painter's adhesive to mark out the silhouette of your bunk beds on the wall and then measure the distance between the beds as well as any fixed features like windows, closets, and doors. This will give you an idea of how close the bed will be to other furniture and will help you choose the best size frame for your space.

After you've decided on a design for your bunk, think about adding other functional elements. For instance, Ms. Keenan often builds a reading light with a switch in every bunk. It allows each child to read quietly, without disturbing the person on top. There's also an extra shelf on each bunk where kids can put glasses or books.

Comfortable Climbing

The most daring kids will sleep up high if climbing up and down it feels hard or unsafe. "The most important thing is to ensure that the bunk bed has an adequate ladder that's connected to the side of the bunk," says interior designer Brynne Flowers, the founder of John Martine in Salt Lake City. They might not be as efficient in space but they are the safest option for young children.

A fixed ladder that has simple rungs that are attached to the side of the bunk is usually the safest option. Angled ladders, which may be easier to climb than straight ones, could be more suitable 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 windows or doors and ensure that there's enough room to move around.

A built-in ladder that goes underneath the mattress of the top and bottom levels or connects to the bunk below is another good alternative. These are the most spacious and safest, but they require more time to put up than a ladder that stands alone. "Look for stairs that have sturdy, wide stair rails and a low, rounded step," advises child safety expert Dr. Moriarty, who also suggests bunk beds be supported by slats of wood instead of wire or thin boards to prevent accidents.

If you are looking for a bunk that can develop with children, search for one with an adjustable trundle. This lets you add an additional twin bed for guests or sleepovers without taking up more space on the floor. (Be aware that a trundle is only going to be able to fit if the bunk below is twin and not a full.)

Fenton and Alex Morris both love the Oeuf Perch Bunk. It is a stylish 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" option on our list. It's "built to last." The sleek design is elegant and does not feel too babyish. It's also not too childish for teenagers. And the beds can be removed later on if they decide that they don't require a bunk bed.

Flexibility

When you think about bunk design, the possibilities are endless. When you're planning a kids room, a primary bedroom or guest room you can easily design these beds with style without sacrificing functionality. Bunk beds are an excellent way to create a focal point, a play space, or storage solution. Your bunk beds can become a focal piece, depending on the overall style of your room.

The majority of modern bunk beds provide a variety of styles, materials, finishes and colors that will suit any design. In reality, a lot of bunks are available in designs that range from bohemian, coastal and even moody. To give your children's bedroom a bunk bed look that matches their personalities, choose a theme or color and match it with accessories like pillows, curtains and artwork.


The ladder of a bunk bed can have an impact on the look of the room. Most bunks on the shelves come with a fixed ladder, but there are some that can be purchased with the ladder positioned on either side of the shorter end of the bed. Bunks that have the ladder at the shorter end can leave the lower bunk unlocked, making it ideal for adults. It also creates a minimalist appearance.

Another option is to consider an alternative shape for your bunks, like an L-shaped model. Gil says that these bunks work best for rooms with low ceilings and require less space. These bunks can be fitted with a small desk underneath. This is a great choice for children who want to study in the bed.

You can also choose an individual built bunk with stairs built right into the frame. These types of bunks are typically used in hotels and are considered to be the most "grown-up" option on the market. Room & Board offers a variety of colors and incredibly durable bunk beds.

There are also convertible bunks, that can be converted from twin-overtwins to a full-size bed or the reverse. These are an excellent alternative for older children who do not want to share their space or parents who host guests.

Storage

Based on the design depending on the design, bunk beds can provide plenty of storage space for clothes and bedding. Choose designs that incorporate shelves or drawers that are built into the structure, or even standalone units either side of the bunks. These are particularly useful in small rooms, as they can maximize space without making the bunks appear unorganized or cramped.

Some manufacturers offer built-in storage inside the bed, like this Oeuf Perch loft that has two spacious storage compartments each side of the upper level. These designs are ideal for rooms with multiple siblings because each child can keep their personal items to hand while also helping to prevent the dreaded piles of shared belongings.

Other clever bunk bed ideas as well as drawers and shelves, include adding storage to headboards. The addition of baskets or bins to the edges of the headboards keep books easily accessible making reading before bed much simpler and more enjoyable. This is also a great option in bedrooms that are shared, since children can keep their favorite titles organized and readily accessible.

A ladder can be incorporated into the bunks. This removes the need for a separate furniture piece and gives it an elegant look. It's important to remember that angled ladders can be difficult for children of a younger age to climb. This kind of bunk bed is typically reserved for teens or older children.

Bunk beds can work in almost any type of space such as bonus rooms and attics which are usually awkwardly shaped. A custom-built bunk bed may be the best choice for these spaces. If you plan to build a bunk from scratch consider the ceiling's height 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 lower bunk.

While the ideal bunk for the needs of a child will depend on the child's age, a bunk could be a great option for adults who are looking to save space and add a bit of charm to a guest bedroom. This elegant Max & Lily bunk is available in various finishes and can be separated into a twin bed and a full bed. It's an excellent alternative to standard bedroom furniture.