How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are an excellent addition to a shared children's bedroom or guest room. They can also provide extra storage space and make the room seem bigger.
Some bunk beds have ladders which Fenton claims are easier to climb than stairways. Some have trundles at the bottom for extra sleepovers. Some are even able to accommodate full and twin XL mattresses, which makes them great for older kids and adults too.
1. Keep It Simple
It's not necessary for bunk beds to be the main focal point of a room. In fact, it's usually best to use it as a backdrop, allowing other elements such as storage, artwork and other furniture to take center stage. This basic bunk bed design, with beds with matching footboards as well as headboards, is a great example.
Many bunk beds are built as part of the wall, which makes them feel less of an accessory and more like a permanent fixture in the space. But even though built-in bunks can look amazing, you can still find gorgeous freestanding designs. This one is constructed of wood, but uses pipe fittings to build the railing and the ladder. You can create similar structures using the Single Socket Tee, Flange Elbow and 90 Degree Elbow fittings from Kee Klamp.
Bunk beds are an ideal solution for a shared bedroom particularly if you live in a a small home. To maximize space, you can consider a staggered layout that sleeps two in the top bed but leaves plenty of open floor space below to play and studying as well as storage. This l-shaped bunk bed for instance, has plenty of space beneath the lower bed, and provides enough nooks for each kid to put up a table -- something that might not be as effective with conventional built-in bunks.
2. Adding Extra Storage
Whether you're creating your own bunk beds or selecting a ready-made solution, innovative storage solutions can transform your bedroom into a functional and stylish space. These handy accessories include stair cabinets that offer a handy storage space for clothes and other items without sacrificing the aesthetic appeal of a bunk bed, and shelves on the wall that are ideal for storing toys, books and other items of decor.
Drawers that are able to fit under the frame are another excellent way to add storage space to a bunk bed. These discreet compartments can house out-of-season clothing, extra bedding, or even books and blankets. They are hidden and don't affect the style of the bedroom.
If you're looking to make your bunk bed even more efficient, look for models that incorporate desk space into the bottom bunk. This is a great choice for bedrooms for teenagers however, it also works in small rooms. If you don't have enough room for a desk you can install a freestanding desk near the bunks to provide an additional place to work and study. You can also consider a staggered bed that allows three kids to be accommodated in a small space by placing two twin beds on top of the full-size bed.
3. Addition of a Workstation
Bunk beds aren't just reserved for kids; they can be great for adults, too. Bunk beds can be a great way to make space and add a fun element to your room. You can personalize your bunk bed to suit the style of your bedroom with a few simple upgrades.
Bunk beds are fantastic because they can also be used as an office or desk. This is an excellent option for children who are about to start school and require an area where they can study or do their homework. A lot of bunk beds have an integrated desk and all you need to do is roll it out when your child is required to do some work and then put it away once they're done.
If you're looking for an innovative way to transform your bunk bed, consider using a Kee Klamp kit to add a modern workstation to your bed. This style of bunk bed is reminiscent of farmhouse. It has the twin over queen size loft bed that has a black ladder, and an integrated workstation under, with a full length desk, a wood look partition and a convenient shelf.
4. Create a Princess Themed Bed
Bunk beds are a great addition to any kid's room whether it's for siblings or just for the occasional guest. They're also a focal point of the room, you want them to look amazing. To make sure that your bunks fit into the space and aesthetic of the other rooms Begin by measuring the space and determining the maximum dimensions you can achieve. Make sure you consider the height of the ceiling, especially when you have children who will be using the top bunk. This could be risky especially if there's a ceiling fan near by.
A majority 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 is a good example. It has an easy, sturdy construction and four different colors for the finish, so it's easy to find one that matches the decor of your child's room.
This twin-over-full bunk bed with a slide is both entertaining and functional. You can use the upper bunk with a pull-out TV stand to serve as an entertainment center, or add a trundle on the bottom bunk to host sleepovers. The solid wood construction of this bunk and timeless design style will make it look cool even when your kids become teens or tweens.
5. Keep It Neutral
Bunk beds provide the ideal opportunity to design a room that's both functional and kid-friendly and one of the most effective ways to do this is by keeping your color palette neutral. This bunk bed is a blend of modern and traditional elements with neutral shades of blue, gray and white that will not be out of style as your child gets older. It also has a drawer under the lower bunk that can be used as a twin trundle bed to accommodate sleepovers which makes it an ideal choice to share a bedroom with two children.
Pastels are perfect for bunk rooms because they add color and fun, but keep the room trendy and chic. Kelly Hartley of Hartley Home designed this bunk room with a blend of light greens, smokey grays and cloud whites to give the beds a tranquil appearance. The bedding that is in the same color scheme can be used to bring the room together. Kids (and parents) alike will enjoy the design.
It's important to think about the way you intend to utilize the space when you select bunk beds. If you'd like your child's beds to function as a study or office space, opt for the loft model with a built-in desk and chair for a sleeker appearance. This classic wood bunk by @bluedreamslady also has a storage compartment that's big enough to accommodate additional books and toys.
6. Add a splash of Color
A lot of bunk bed designs are geared for elementary school age children but that doesn't mean adults can't also enjoy the space-saving sleeping solution. A bunk bed can even work in a sophisticated adult bedroom, particularly if the look is toned down with a minimalist color scheme and a few accents. For example this West Elm x Pottery Barn mid-century modern twin bunk bed would look beautiful in a neutral space with lots of natural wood and white furniture.
Bunk beds work in any room, including attics and bonus rooms with low ceilings. Marnie Custom Homes' custom-built design is best for rooms that have an odd shape. However DIY solutions can be stylish. Just make sure you choose a sturdy, custom-built bunk bed that has built-in railings to prevent bruises and bumps when you climb the stairs to the top.
A bunk bed can be used to create an enjoyable theme for a child's bedroom. Create a forest hideout with woodland animals and trees for boys or girls, or choose vibrant colors with a nautical theme. A Scandi-inspired bunk bed could be sleek and modern with a palette of grey, blue and white, as shown in this gorgeous new holiday home by Georgina Jeffries.
7. Mixing bunk beds best buy up
While bunk beds are great for kids' rooms but they don't have to be limited to this particular population. A stylish bunk bed is a fantastic option for an adult's bedroom.
Take into consideration the overall look of the space when choosing the best bunk beds. There are many styles to pick from that include bohemian, classical and coastal, so take your time to select the one that fits best with your personal style. Then, you can play around with the ways you can integrate your bunk bed into the overall design of the room.
If you have a queen-over-queen bunk bed, include a bench with an upholstered seat at the bottom of the lower mattress. This will create a relaxing place to read or relax and will help separate the two beds visually.
Another option to make your bunk bed seem less childish is to replace an old ladder in favor of a staircase. This instantly gives the room a more sophisticated appearance, and is a safer option for older children. Additionally, you can decorate the staircase in a style that matches your child's room theme, like this nautical bedroom from Raili Clasen.