How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds can be ideal for bedrooms shared by children or a guest room. They can also offer extra storage and make a space seem larger.
Some bunks are equipped with ladders (which Fenton says are easier to climb than the stairs) and some even have trundles that allow for additional sleepovers. Some bunks can accommodate twin XL and full mattresses, making them great for older children and adults.
1. Keep It Simple
A bunk bed doesn’t need to be the centerpiece in the room; in fact, it’s often better to keep it as a background feature which allows other elements such as storage, artwork, and other furnishings to be the center of attention. This basic bunk designfeaturing beds with headboards that match and footboards — is a great example.
A lot of bunk beds are built into walls. This makes them appear less as an addition, and more like permanent fixtures in the room. Although built-in beds can look gorgeous but there are also gorgeous freestanding designs. This one is constructed of wood, but uses pipe fittings for the ladder and railing. You can build similar structures using the Single Socket Tee, Flange Elbow and 90 Degree Elbow fittings from Kee Klamp.
Bunk beds are a great solution for a shared bedroom especially if you have an apartment that is small. To maximize space, you can consider a staggered design that sleeps two people in the top bed, yet leaves plenty of floor space below for playing and studying as well as storage. This l-shaped bunk bed, for example, provides ample space under the bed, and provides enough nooks to put up a table, something that might not be as effective with conventional built-in bunk beds.
2. Adding Extra Storage
If you’re building your own bunk beds or settling on a pre-built alternative, clever storage solutions can turn your bedroom into a highly functional and stylish room. They include staircases which can be used to store clothes or other things without compromising the look of a bunkbed style. They also include shelves that can be mounted on the wall for books, toys and decorative objects.
Another excellent way to add extra storage to a bunk bed is with drawers that are designed to fit beneath the frame. These compartments are great to store out-of-season clothing as well as bedding, blankets and books. They’re also away from view, they won’t interfere with the style of the bedroom.
If you’re looking to make your bunk bed more efficient, consider models that have desk space into the bottom bunk. This is a popular option for bedrooms for teenagers, but it’s also a great way to maximize the use of smaller bedrooms. If you’re a bit lacking desk space, consider placing a table that is freestanding near the bunks to give you an additional space to work or study. You can also consider staggered bunks, which is a popular choice that allows children to sleep three in a tiny room by offering two twin beds on top of the full-sized bottom bed.
3. The addition of a workstation
Bunk beds aren’t just for kids they can also be ideal for adults, too. If done correctly they can be functional and stylish and help you save space in your room and also add an element of fun to the layout. You can personalize your bunk bed to suit the style of your bedroom with a few simple upgrades.
Bunk beds are great because they can double as an office desk or workstation. This is a great option for children who are about to enter school and need a place where they can study or do their homework. A lot of bunk beds have an integrated table which means you can put it out for your child to work on, and then put it back in the event that they’re done.
Think about using the Kee Klamp Kit to add modern workspaces to your bunk bed. This loft bed in the farmhouse style comes with a twin-over-queen size loft bed with a black ladder and an integrated workspace underneath, complete with a table that is full length and divider made of wood, and a handy shelving.
4. Adding a Princess-Themed Bed
Bunk beds can be a fun accessory to any room for kids whether it’s for siblings or just for guests on occasion. And, as they’re typically the focal point of the room, you want them to look amazing. Begin by measuring the room and determining the size you can work within. Be sure to take into account the height of the ceiling particularly when you have children who will use the top bunk. This can be risky especially if there’s a ceiling fan nearby.
A lot of our most loved bunk beds can be transformed into two separate beds, to accommodate the needs of your growing child. This twin-over-full bed, for instance, is built of a sturdy, easy design and comes with four different finishes making it easy to find one to match the decor of your child’s bedroom.
If you want a bunk that’s both playful and functional, consider this twin-over-full model with a slide built-in. You can equip the upper bunk with an out-sliding TV stand to serve as a entertainment center or add a trundle onto the bottom bunk for sleepovers. The solid wood construction with a timeless design and timeless style will make it look cool even when your kids reach teens or tweens.
5. Keep It Neutral
Bunk beds provide the ideal chance to design a space that’s both functional and kid-friendly One of the most effective ways to do this is to keep your color palette neutral. This bunk bed is a blend of traditional and modern components with neutral colors like white, gray and blue. It will not date with your child’s age. It also has a drawer underneath the lower bunk, which can accommodate a twin trundle bed for sleepovers which makes it an ideal option for a shared bedroom for two siblings.
Pastels are a fantastic option for bunk rooms because they provide the excitement of color but still keep things stylish and trendy. This bunk room was created by Kelly from Hartley Home, uses a blend of pale green, smokey grey and cloud white, which gives the beds a serene appearance. The bedding in a similar palette makes the entire room look cohesive for a look that kids (and parents) will love.
When you’re choosing a bunk bed, it’s essential to think about how you will use the space. If you’d like your child’s beds to be used as an office or study space, opt for the loft model with a built-in desk and chair to create a more sophisticated look. This classic wooden bunk bed by @bluedreamslady has an area of storage that is large enough to accommodate books and toys.
6. Add a splash of Color
A lot of bunk bed usa beds are designed to toddlers and elementary school-aged children but this doesn’t mean adults cannot also enjoy the space-saving sleeping solution. A bunk bed can even be used in a stylish adult bedroom, particularly when the design is subdued with a clean color scheme and a few accents. For example, this West Elm x Pottery Barn modern-day twin bunk bed would look beautiful in a neutral space with lots of natural wood and white furnishings.
Bunk beds can be used in any type of space, including attics and bonus rooms with low ceilings. A custom-built-in design such as this one designed by Marnie Custom Homes works best for rooms with a strange shape however, a DIY design can also be stylish. Make sure to select a sturdy, custom-made bunk bed that has built-in railings that will prevent bruises and bumps when you climb the stairs to the top.
A bunk bed can be used to create a fun theme for a bedroom for children. Make a hideaway for the forest with trees and woodland animals for boys or girls, or add some bright colors and a nautical theme. In a palette of blue, grey and white, a Scandi-inspired bed can appear sleek, modern and chic as seen in the stunning new holiday home created by Georgina Jeffreys.
7. Mixing it up
Bunk beds are not just for children’s rooms. A chic bunk bed is a fantastic option for an adult’s bedroom.
When choosing the best bunk bed for your space, consider the overall aesthetic of the room. Choose from a variety styles, including bohemian, classic and coastal. Take the time to choose the one that best suits 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 mattress below. This will create a relaxing place to read or relax and help divide the two beds visually.
Another option to make your bunk bed appear less juvenile is to switch out the ladder for an escalator. This instantly gives your room a more elegant appearance and is a safe choice for older children. Plus, you can easily decorate the staircase in a manner that is in keeping with your child’s bedroom theme, such as this nautical bedroom by Raili Clasen.