How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds offer a comfy and space-efficient way to sleep in children's rooms. They're ideal for guest rooms and vacation homes where the ceilings are high but the floor space is constrained.
The right combination of elements transforms bunk beds to fashionable sleeping spaces. For example the bunks in this bedroom with an ocean theme are painted by hand using Porter's Paints 'Mariner' to complement the color scheme of the room.
Space-Saving
Whether they're used to sleep an entire family or a pair of children in the same room bunk beds can save space by stacking one bed frame on top of another. This arrangement allows for more floor space that can be used for furniture and play. It is ideal for small spaces or lofted areas that require more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds come in various designs, from sleek contemporary metal to classic wood designs. Many also feature an inbuilt staircase that reduces the footprint of the structure. A curved ladder is a fun alternative for those with small bedrooms, while an integrated set of steep stairs is perfect for homes with limited storage space.
Bunk beds are an excellent way to add the look and feel of a space. Bunk beds look great in neutral hues like light grey and navy. The neutral color scheme can also be adorned with themed decor to add some extra style, like an adventure-themed bunk space that evokes a woodland hideout or a dreamy cloud-themed space. If you're looking to add a few colors, consider picking brighter hues for the top bunk and softer shades for the bottom bunk.
If you're building a bunk area from scratch, you need to think about how the layout will impact your room. Use blue painter's tape to mark the outline of your bunk beds on the wall and then measure the distance between the beds as well as any fixed features such as windows, closets, or doors. This will give you a better idea of how close the bed will be to the other furniture and will help you select the appropriate size frame for your space.
After you've decided on a design for your bunk, think about adding other functional elements. Ms. Keenan, for example is a frequent user of a reading lamp with a switch on every bunk. It lets each child read quietly, without disturbing the person on top. She also likes to add a small ledge on each bunk, where children can set their books or glasses.
Comfortable Climbing
Even the most adventurous kids will not sleep high up if climbing up and down feels difficult or unsafe. "The most important thing is to ensure that the bunk bed has an erect ladder that is attached to the bunk's side," says interior designer Brynne Flowers, the founder of John Martine in Salt Lake City. They aren't as space-efficient, but they're the most secure option for children.
A fixed ladder with basic ladders attached to the sides of the bunk is typically the safest option. The ladders that are angled, which can be more attainable than straight ones, may be more suitable for older kids and teens. Be sure to test out the bunk with blue painter's tape to determine how close it comes to any fixed features such as doors or windows, and that there's enough room to move around.
Another option is an inbuilt staircase that connects to the bottom bunk, or under every mattress on the top and lower levels. They are the largest and safest, however they require more time to construct than a ladder that stands alone. Dr. Moriarty recommends looking for stairs that have broad, solid rails and a low, circular step. He recommends that bunk beds be supported by wood slats, rather than wires or thin boards, to prevent accidents.
Look for a bunk bed that has an adjustable trundle. This lets you create an extra twin bed to accommodate sleepovers or guests without taking up floor space in the room. Trundles can only be used if the bottom bunk of your room is a twin.
A favorite of both Fenton and writer Alex Morris, the Oeuf Perch bunk is a contemporary option that is divided into an loft bed and a standard twin. Fenton describes it as the "heaviest" choice on our list. It's also "built to last." The sleek design is stylish and does not feel too babyish. It's also not too babyish for teenagers. And the beds can be removed later if they decide they no longer need a bunk bed.
Flexibility
There are a variety of options when it comes to designing bunk beds. When you're planning a kids room, primary bedroom or guest room, you can easily make these beds look stylish without sacrificing function. Bunk beds are a great way to create a focal point, a play space, or storage solution. Your bunk beds can be a statement piece, based on the overall aesthetic of your room.
The majority of modern bunk beds provide a variety of configurations as well as finishes, materials and colors that can be matched to any style. There are many bunk beds available in various styles, from bohemian to coastal to moody. To give your children's bedroom a bunk bed look that matches their personalities, choose the right color or theme and match it with accessories such as curtains, pillows and artwork.
The ladder of a bunk bed can have an impact on the overall appearance of the room. Most bunks on the shelves come with a fixed ladder, however, some are available with the ladder placed on either side of the short end of the bed. Bunks that have the ladder on the shorter end leave the lower bunk open, which is ideal for adults and can give the room a minimalist look.
Another option is to think about a non-traditional shape for your bunks, such as an L-shaped version. These bunks take up less floor space and are ideal for rooms with low ceilings, notes Gil. These bunks can be fitted with a small desk underneath. This is a great option for kids who wish to study in bed.
You can also opt for a custom-built bunk with stairs built right into the frame. These bunks are often used in hotels and are the most "grown-up' option available. They're extremely durable and available in a wide range of colors from Room & Board.
If you're looking for a more temporary solution, there are also convertible bunks that can be converted from twin-over-twin beds into full-size beds, and vice versa. These are a great option for older children who do not want to share their room or parents who have to accommodate guests.
Storage
Bunk beds can offer plenty of space for bedding and clothing in accordance with their design. Find best deals on bunk beds that feature shelves or drawers that are built into the structure, or add standalone units to either side of the bunks. These options are particularly useful in smaller rooms since they maximize the unused space and ensure that the bunks don't feel cluttered or cramped.
Some manufacturers incorporate built-in storage into the bed itself like this Oeuf Perch bunk that offers two storage spaces that are spacious on each side of the loft. These designs are ideal for siblings sharing a room since each child can keep personal items close to hand, and also help avoid the usual piles of shared belongings.
In addition to drawers and shelves, other clever bunk bed ideas are to incorporate storage into the headboards. Baskets or bins placed at the ends of the headboards allow you to access books, making reading before bed more enjoyable. This is also great for bedrooms with shared spaces as it allows children to keep their favorite titles easily accessible and organized.
Another option is to integrate an integrated ladder into the bunks. This option eliminates an extra piece of furniture and creates more sleek appearance. It's important to note that angled ladders are difficult for younger children to climb. This type of bunk bed is typically reserved for teenagers or older children.
Bunk beds can be used in almost any type of space including attics and bonus rooms that are often awkwardly shaped. In these situations the custom-built bunk bed could be the best option to create a functional and attractive bunk room. If you're planning to build a bunk from the ground up consider the ceiling's height as well as the height of the ceiling that will be above. A higher ceiling can allow for a taller bunk, while a lower ceiling will limit the dimensions of the lower bunk.
The right bunk bed for a child is contingent on the child's age. However the bunk bed could also be a good option for adults looking to reduce space and add charm to a guest bedroom. This stylish Max & Lily bunk is available in various designs and can be divided into a twin bed or a full bed. It's an excellent alternative to standard bedroom furniture.