How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are a fun addition to a shared kids bedroom or guest room. They can also provide additional storage and make a space seem larger.
Some bunk beds come with ladders that 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 beds and full mattresses, making them great for older children and adults.
1. Keeping It Simple
A bunk bed does not have to be the main focal point in the room. In fact, it's often better to keep it as a background item which allows other elements such as storage, artwork and other furnishings to take center stage. This simple bunk bed design, with beds that have matching footboards and headboards, is an excellent example.
A lot of bunk beds are constructed as part of the wall, which makes them appear less like an accessory and more of an element that is a permanent fixture in the space. However, even though built-in bunks look stunning there are beautiful freestanding designs. This one is constructed out of wood, but it utilizes pipe fittings for the railing and ladder. You can create similar structures using the Single Socket Tee, Flange Elbow and 90 Degree Elbow fittings from Kee Klamp.
Bunk beds are a great option for a bedroom that is shared, especially if you have an apartment that is small. To maximize space, consider a staggered layout that sleeps two in the top bed, yet leaves plenty of open floor space below for playing, studying and storage. This l-shaped bunk bed, for instance, offers plenty of space underneath the bed and also offers roomy enough nooks for each kid to set up a table -- something that may not work as well with regular built-in bunks.
2. Adding Extra Storage
If you're building bunk beds from scratch or selecting a ready-made alternative, clever storage solutions can turn your sleeping space into a highly functional and stylish space. These include staircases which can be used to store clothing or other things without compromising the aesthetics of a bunkbed style. They also have shelves on the wall to store books, toys and other decorative things.
Another way to add extra storage space to the bunk bed is to use drawers that are designed to fit underneath the frame. These compartments are small enough to house clothing that isn't in season, bedding, or even books and blankets. And because they're hidden from view, they don't detract from the aesthetic of the bedroom.
Consider models with a desk integrated into the bottom bunk if you want your bunk bed to be more efficient. This is a common choice for bedrooms for teenagers however it's also a perfect way to maximize the use of small bedrooms. If you're short on desk space, you could consider placing a table that is freestanding near the bunks, to provide an additional area to work or study. You can also choose staggered bunks, which is a popular choice that allows children to sleep three in a small room by offering two twin beds above a full-size bottom bed.
3. The addition of the Workstation
Bunk beds aren't just for kids they can also be ideal for adults too. Bunk beds are an excellent way to save space and add a fun element to your room. With a few easy changes you can make your bunk bed feel more personal and blend with the design style of your room.
Bunk beds are great because they can also be used as an office desk or workstation. This is a great choice for children who are about to go to school and require an area to study or complete their homework. Many bunk beds have an integrated table and you can lay it out for your child to work on and then put it back when they are finished.
If you're looking for a unique method to make your bunk bed, think about using a Kee Klamp kit to add a modern workstation to your set-up. This loft bed in the farmhouse style comes with a twin-over-queen size loft bed with a black ladder and an integrated workspace beneath, complete a full length table and divider made of wood, and a convenient shelf.
4. Add a Princess Themed Bed
Bunk beds are a great addition to a kid's bedroom, whether they are intended for guests or siblings. Since they are often the central point of a room and are the focal point of a room, you'll want them look beautiful. Begin by measuring the space and determining what dimensions you're able to work within. Make sure to take into account the height of the ceiling, especially if you have children who will use the top bunk. This could be risky especially if there's a ceiling fan nearby.
A lot of our favorite bunk beds can also be converted into two beds to accommodate the needs of your growing child. This twin-over-full bed, for instance, is built of a solid, simple construction and comes with four different finishes so you can easily find one to match the decor of your child's room.
This twin-over-full bed with a slide is both fun and practical. You can put a trundle on the bottom for sleepovers, or simply make the upper bunk an entertainment center, complete with a pullout TV stand. The solid wood construction and timeless design ensures that this bunk will still look cool once your kids are tweens and teens, too.
5. Keep It Neutral
Bunk beds can be a great option to create a functional and child-friendly space. One of the easiest methods to achieve this is to keep your color palette neutral. This bunk bed is a combination of modern and traditional elements and is available in neutral colors such as gray, white, and blue. It isn't going to change with your child's age. It has a drawer under the lower bunk which can be used to store a twin trundle to use for sleepovers. This is a great choice for a shared space for two siblings.
Pastels are a fantastic choice for bunk rooms, because they give you the pleasure of color, but keep things stylish and trendy. Kelly Hartley of Hartley Home designed this best bunk beds for teens room with a blend of light greens, smokey grays and cloud whites to give the beds a tranquil appearance. The bedding in a similar palette pulls the whole room together for a look that kids (and parents) will appreciate.
It is important to consider how you will make use of the space when selecting the bunk bed. Choose a loft bed with chairs and a desk built in underneath to give your kids' beds with a more elegant appearance. This classic wood bunk from Bluedreamslady also comes with a storage compartment that's big enough to hold extra books and toys.
6. Add a Pop of Color
Many kids' bunk beds are designed to toddlers and elementary school-aged children, but this doesn't mean adults cannot benefit from the space-saving sleeping solution. A bunk bed is a great option for an adult's bedroom, particularly if the design is streamlined and has a simple color scheme. For instance, this West Elm x Pottery Barn modern mid-century twin bunk bed will look gorgeous in a neutral bedroom with lots of natural wood and white furnishings.
Bunk beds work in any type of space, including attics and bonus rooms with low ceilings. Marnie Custom Homes' custom-built design is best bunk bed for teens for rooms with an odd shape. However, a DIY solution could be fashionable. Choose a custom-made bunkbed with railings built in to avoid bruises and bumps when walking up the stairs.
A bunk bed can be used to create an enjoyable theme for a child's bedroom. Create a woodland retreat for boys or girls with woodland creatures and trees, or add some vibrant colors with a nautical style. In a palette of blue, grey, and white, a bed with a Scandi theme can look modern, sleek and chic, as shown in the gorgeous new holiday home designed by Georgina Jeffreys.
7. Mixing it up
Bunk beds aren't just for rooms for children. A chic bunk bed is an ideal solution for an adult's bedroom.
When choosing the best bunk bed for your space, think about the overall style of the room. Select from a range of styles, including classic, bohemian and coastal. Make sure you select the one that best sturdy bunk beds for adults suits your personal style. Then, you can play around with the ways you can incorporate your bunk bed in the overall design of the room.
If you have a queen-over-queen bunk bed put an upholstered bench at the bottom of the mattress. This will provide a space to read, relax or both. It can also help visually divide the two bunk beds.
A staircase is a great option to make your bunk beds look less juvenile. This will instantly give the room a sophisticated look, and it's also an option that is safer for children who are older. Additionally, you can decorate the staircase in a way that suits your child's room style, like this nautical bedroom designed by Raili Clasen.