How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are a wonderful option for a shared kids' bedroom or a guest room. They can also offer extra storage and make a space seem larger.
Some bunks come with ladders (which Fenton says are easier to climb than the stairs) and some have trundles that allow for additional sleepovers. Some are even able to accommodate twin and full XL mattresses, which makes them great for older children and adults too.
1. Keep It Simple
A bunk bed doesn't have to be the focal point in the room; in fact, it's usually better to use it as a background piece that allows other elements such as artwork, storage and other furnishings to be the center of attention. This simple bunk bed design, with beds that have matching footboards and headboards, is an excellent illustration.
Many bunk beds are built in as part of the wall, which can make them feel less of an accessory and more like an integral part of the room. Although built-in beds can look gorgeous however, there are beautiful freestanding designs. This one, for example is constructed from wood, but it makes use of pipe fittings to construct the ladder and railing. You can create a similar structure using the Single Socket Tee, Flange Elbow and 90 Degree Elbow fittings from Kee Klamp.
Bunk beds are the ideal solution for sharing a child's bedroom, especially in a smaller home. To maximize space, think about the staggered style that can sleep two people in the top bed, but leaves plenty of open floor space below for play and studying as well as storage. This l-shaped bunk bed for instance, offers plenty of space beneath the lower bed and offers enough nooks for each kid to set up a table, something that might not work as well with conventional built-in bunks.
2. Adding Extra Storage
If you're creating your own bunk beds or selecting a ready-made alternative, clever storage solutions can turn your bedroom into a super functional and stylish space. These include stair cabinets that can be used to store clothing and other items without compromising the look of a bunkbed design. They also come with wall-mounted shelves for books, toys and other decorative items.
Drawers that are able to fit under the frame are another fantastic way to add storage space to a bunkbed. These compartments are small enough to house out-of-season clothes, bedding or even blankets and books. They're also away from view, they don't hinder the design of the bedroom.
Look for models with a desk integrated into the bottom bunk, if you want your bunk bed to be more efficient. This is a popular choice for teens' rooms however, it's also a great method to maximize the use of small bedrooms. And, if you're not able to find enough desk space, you could consider installing a freestanding table near the bunks to provide an extra spot to work or study. You can also consider a staggered bed, which allows three kids to be accommodated in a compact space by placing two twin beds over the size of a bed.
3. The addition of a workstation
Bunk beds are great for both children and adults. Bunk beds can be a great way to save space and add a fun element to your room. You can make your bunk bed to match the style of your bedroom with a few simple upgrades.
Bunk beds are great as they can double as an office desk or workstation. This is an excellent option for children who are about to go to school and require an area to study or complete their homework. A lot of bunk beds have a built-in desk, so all you have to do is take it out when your child needs to complete some work and then put it away once they're done.
If you're looking for a unique way to transform your bed into a bunk, consider using a Kee Klamp kit to add an elegant workstation to your bed. This farmhouse-style loft bed features twin-over-queen loft beds with a black ladder and an integrated workspace underneath, complete with a table that is full length, wood look divider, and a convenient shelf.
4. Create a Princess Themed Bed
Bunk beds are an excellent addition to a bedroom for children regardless of whether they're for guests or siblings. Because they're usually the focal point of rooms they must be attractive. Begin by measuring the room and determining what dimensions you can work within. Make sure to account for ceiling height, especially in the case of children using the top bunk, because this could be a risk for young children (especially when a ceiling fan is nearby).
A lot of our favorite bunk bed options also convert into two separate beds to meet your growing child's needs. This twin-over full bed for instance, is constructed of a sturdy, easy design and comes in four different finishes so you can easily find one to match the decor of your child's bedroom.
If you want a bunk that is both fun and functional look into this twin-over-full version with a slide built-in. You can also add a trundle on the bottom for sleepovers or simply make the upper bunk an entertainment center with the pull-out TV stand. The solid wood construction and timeless style ensures that this bunk will be stylish even after your children are tweens and teens, too.
5. Keep It Neutral
Bunk beds provide the ideal chance to design a space that's both functional and kid-friendly and one of the easiest methods to achieve this is by keeping your colour scheme neutral. This bunk bed blends traditional and modern features with neutral shades of gray, blue and white that will not be out of style as your child gets older. It also has a drawer under the lower bunk, which can accommodate a twin trundle bed to accommodate sleepovers and is an ideal option for a shared bedroom for two kids.
Pastels are a fantastic choice for bunk rooms, because they give you the pleasure of color but still keep things stylish and cool. Kelly Hartley of Hartley Home designed this bunk room with a mix of pale greens, smokey grays, and cloud whites to give the beds a serene appearance. The bedding with a similar color pulls the whole room together for a look that children (and parents) will enjoy.
It is important to consider how you will use the space when choosing a bunkbed. Pick a loft bed that has a desk and chair built underneath to give your children's beds a more sophisticated look. This classic wood bunk by @bluedreamslady also has an storage space that's big enough to hold extra books and toys.
6. Adding a Pop of Color
Many bunk beds are designed to toddlers and elementary school-aged children however, this doesn't mean adults cannot too benefit from this space-saving solution. The bunk bed could work in a sophisticated adult bedroom, particularly when the style is tempered by a simple colour scheme and minimal accents. For instance, this West Elm x Pottery Barn mid-century modern twin bunk bed would look gorgeous in a neutral bedroom with plenty of natural wood and white furnishings.
Bunk beds work in any type of room, including attics as well as bonus rooms with low ceilings. A custom-built design like this one designed by Marnie Custom Homes works best for rooms that have an odd shape however, a DIY design can also be fashionable. Make sure to select a sturdy, custom-built bunk bed that has built-in railings to prevent bruises and bumps while climbing the stairs to the top.
A bunk bed can be used to create an exciting theme for your child's bedroom. Create a forest-themed hideout for girls or boys with trees and woodland creatures, or add some vibrant hues with a nautical design. A Scandi-inspired bunk bed could be sleek and modern with a palette of grey, blue and white, as shown in this stunning new holiday home designed by Georgina Jeffries.
7. Mixing it up
Bunk beds aren't only intended for kids' rooms. A chic bunk bed is a fantastic option for a bedroom that is designed for adults.
Be aware of the overall appearance of the room when selecting the ideal bunk beds. Choose from a variety styles, including classic, bohemian and coastal. Take the time to pick the one that best fits your personal style. Then, you can play around with the ways you can incorporate your bunk bed into the overall design of your room.
For instance, if you have a queen over queen bunk bed, you can add an upholstered bench to the bottom of the lower bed. This will provide a comfortable spot for reading or relaxing and will help create a visual separation between the two beds.
best bunk bed design to make your bunk bed appear less juvenile is to switch out a ladder for a staircase. This will instantly give your room a more sophisticated appearance and is a better option for children who are older. Additionally, you can decorate the staircase in a way that matches your child's room theme, such as this nautical bedroom designed by Raili Clasen.