How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are an efficient and comfortable option for sleeping in children's rooms. They can also be an ideal option for guest bedrooms and vacation homes where ceilings are high but the floor space is small.
By adding the right details, you can transform bunk beds into stylish sleeping spaces. The bunks in this ocean themed bedroom were painted using Porter's Paints 'Mariner', which complemented the room's color palette.
Space-Saving
Whether they're used to sleep an entire family or two children in the same room bunk beds are able to are a great way to save space by stacking a bed frame on top of another. This arrangement gives more floor space to be used for furniture or play. It's an ideal solution for small rooms or lofted spaces that require more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds can be found in a variety of styles. From best low profile bunk beds , modern metal designs to timeless wooden designs. Many bunk beds have an integrated stairwell that minimizes the footprint. A spiral staircase is a good alternative for those with a smaller bedroom, while an integrated set of steep stairs is perfect for homes with limited storage.
Bunk beds can add to a room's aesthetic, too, if you choose the right color scheme and styling. Bunk beds look stunning in neutral shades like light grey and navy. The neutral hues can also be dressed up with themed decor for an extra touch of style, like an adventure-inspired bunk room that brings to mind an escape to the woods or a dreamy cloud-themed space. If you're looking to add a little colour, pick brighter shades for top bunk and softer shades for the bottom bunk.
If you're building a bunk space from scratch, you need to consider the way that the layout will affect the room. Use blue painter's adhesive to mark out the silhouette of your bunk beds on the wall, and then determine the distance between the beds as well as any fixed elements like windows, closets, and doors. This will give you an idea of how close the bed will be to other furniture and will help you select the appropriate size frame for your space.
Once you've decided on a bunk design consider adding other functional elements. For example Ms. Keenan often builds a reading light with a switch on every bunk. It lets each child read without disrupting the person in the middle. She also has a small shelf in each bunk where children can put books or glasses.
Comfortable Climbing
Even the most adventurous kids won't sleep in a high-rise when climbing up and down feels difficult or unsafe. "The most important thing is to ensure that the bunk bed is equipped with a sturdy ladder that's attached to the side of the bunk," says interior designer Brynne Flowers, founder of John Martine in Salt Lake City. Stairs aren't as space-efficient, but they are the safest option for children who are young.
The most secure option is a fixed ladder that has simple rungs that attach to the side of the bed. The ladders that are angled, which can be easier to climb than straight ones, could work better for older kids and teens. Be sure to test out the bunk with blue painter's tape to see how close it comes to any fixed features such as doors or windows and also to ensure there's enough space for walking around.
Another great option is a built-in staircase that attaches to the bottom bunk or under each mattress on the upper and lower levels. best low profile bunk beds tend to be the safest and most spacious, but they do require more time to set up than an independent ladder. Dr. Moriarty recommends looking for stairs that have broad, solid rails and a low, circular step. He also suggests that bunk beds are supported by wood slats, instead of thin boards or wires, to prevent accidents.
Find a bunk bed with a removable trundle. This lets you add an additional twin bed for guests or sleepovers without taking up space in the room. (Be aware that a trundle can only be suitable if the bunk on the bottom is twin and not a full.)
Fenton and Alex Morris both love the Oeuf Perch Bunk. It is a stylish option that can be made into a loft or a twin bed. Fenton says it's the "heaviest" choice on our list. It's "built to last." The sleek design looks elegant and doesn't feel childish for teens, and the beds can be separated later if kids decide they don't want a bunk for themselves anymore.
Flexibility
There are plenty of possibilities when it comes to creating bunk beds. When you're planning a kids room, primary bedroom or guest space, you can easily design these beds with style without sacrificing function. Bunk beds are a great way to create a focal point, a play area, or even a storage solution. Depending on the overall look you're looking for your bunk beds can also be a statement piece that will tie in with your entire design scheme.
Bunk beds come in a range of styles, finishes, colors, and materials. In fact, a variety of bunks come in styles ranging from bohemian to coastal and even moody. To give your child's bedroom a look that suits their personalities pick a theme or color and pair it with accessories like curtains, pillows and artwork.
The ladder of a bunk bed can make an impact on the overall appearance of a room. Most bunk beds have a fixed ladder. However, some can be ordered to have the ladder either side of the short end. Bunks that have the ladder on the short side can leave the lower bunk open which makes it suitable for adults. It also gives the room an elegant look.
Think about a bunk bed in a shape that is not conventional, like an L-shaped one. Gil notes that these bunks are perfect for rooms with low ceilings as they take up less space. These bunks can be outfitted with a small desk beneath. This is a great option for kids who prefer to study in bed.
Alternatively, you can build a bunk with stairs that are built into the sides of the frame. These bunks are commonly used in hotels and are the most "grown-up option. Room & Board offers a variety of colors and incredibly durable bunk beds.
There are also convertible bunks that can be converted from twin-overtwin to full-size bed or the reverse. These are a good option for older siblings that don't want their room shared or parents who have guests.
Storage
Bunk beds can offer plenty of space for clothing and bedding according to their design. Choose designs that have shelves or drawers built into the structure or separate units that are placed on either side of the beds. These options are especially helpful in smaller spaces, as they maximize unused space without making the bunks appear tight or cluttered.
Some manufacturers have built-in storage inside the bed, such as this Oeuf Perch loft that has two large storage spaces on each side of the upper level. These designs are perfect for siblings sharing the bedroom, as they allow each child to keep their personal belongings in close proximity, while avoiding the often-dreaded "piles" of shared belongings.
In addition to drawers or shelves, other smart bunk bed designs include incorporating storage in the headboards. Bins or baskets at the end of headboards make it easy to reach books, making reading before bed more enjoyable. This is also great for bedrooms with shared spaces as it allows children to keep their most loved books easily accessible and organized.
A ladder can be incorporated into the bunks. This option eliminates an extra piece of furniture, and gives it a a sleeker appearance. It's important to note that angled ladders can be difficult for younger children to climb. This kind of bunk bed is usually reserved for teens or older children.
Bunk beds are a great option for any space, even attics or bonus rooms with strange shapes. A custom-built bunk bed configuration is a good option for these spaces. If you're planning to build the bunk from scratch, take into consideration the height of the ceiling and what will be above it. A higher ceiling can permit a loftier bunk, whereas a lower ceiling will restrict the size of the bunk below it.
While the best bunk for a child's needs will depend on his or her age, a bunk can also be a good option for adults looking to save space and add a touch of style to a guest bedroom. The stylish bunk from Max & Lily is available in a variety of finishes and can be separated into a twin-size bed and an extra-large bed, so it's an alternative to the standard bedroom furniture.