How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are a space-saving, comfortable sleeping solution for children's bedrooms. They're also an excellent choice for guest rooms and vacation homes where ceilings are high but the floor space is limited.
The addition of the right details transforms bunk beds into fashionable sleeping spaces. The bunks in this ocean themed bedroom were handpainted with Porter's Paints 'Mariner', which was a perfect match for the room's color scheme.
Space-Saving
They can be used to sleep in a large family or two children in the same space bunk beds can are a great way to save space by stacking a bed frame on top of another. This arrangement frees up floor space to play and other furniture and is a great solution for cramped rooms or lofted areas that need more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds are available in a wide range of designs. From modern, sleek metal designs to timeless wooden designs. Some also have an inbuilt staircase that reduces the footprint of the structure. A spiral staircase is a good alternative for those who have small bedrooms, while an integrated set of stairs is ideal for homes with limited storage.
Bunk beds can enhance the aesthetic of a room, too when you select the right color palette and style. Neutral colors like navy and light grey are stylish options for bunk beds. To add some design you can spice up the neutral color scheme with themed décor. For instance an area inspired by adventure could be decorated to look like a woodland hideout or even a cloud-themed room. If best heavy duty bunk beds want to mix in a few colors, consider choosing brighter shades for the top bunk and lighter shades for the bottom bunk.
If you're building a bunk room from scratch, you need to consider the way that the layout will affect your space. 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 and any fixed elements like windows, closets, and doors. This will give you an idea of how close the bed will be to the other furniture and will help you choose the best size frame for your space.
Once you've picked a bunk design that you like, consider adding other functional features. For instance, Ms. Keenan often builds a reading light with a switch on every bunk. It's a great way for each kid to read without disturbing the person above them. She also likes having a small ledge on each bunk, where children can set books or glasses.
Comfortable Climbing
Not even the most adventurous kids will sleep up high if climbing to and from it feels hard or unsafe. "The most important thing is to ensure that the bunk bed has a sturdy ladder that's attached to the bunk's side," says interior designer Brynne Flowers, who is the founder of John Martine in Salt Lake City. "Stairs aren't as efficient in space, but they offer the best security feature for younger children."
A fixed ladder with basic rungs mounted to the side of the bunk is typically the safest option. best deals on bunk beds that are angled, which can be more attainable than straight ones, might be more suitable for older children and teens. Test the bunk with blue painter’s tape. Make sure there is enough space to walk around.
Another great alternative is a built-in staircase that attaches to the bottom bunk, or under every mattress on the top and lower levels. These are typically the most secure and large, however they may take longer to set up than a freestanding ladder. "Look for stairs with broad, solid railings for stairways and an angled, low step," advises child safety expert Dr. Moriarty, who also suggests that bunk beds are supported by wood slats instead of wire or thin boards to prevent accidents.
For a bunk that will develop with children, search for one that has a removable trundle. This lets you add an extra twin bed to accommodate guests or sleepovers without taking up floor space in the room. A trundle can only be used only if the bunk on the bottom of your room is a twin.
Fenton and Alex Morris both love the Oeuf Perch Bunk. It is a modern choice that can be made into a loft as well as it can also be used as a twin bed. best double bunk beds describes it as the "heaviest" pick on our list. It's "built to last." The sleek design looks elegant and doesn't feel childish for teenagers, and the beds can be separated if kids decide they don't need bunk beds no longer.
Flexibility
When you think about bunk design, the possibilities are endless. You can easily add style but not sacrifice functionality to these beds, whether you're designing a children room, a primary bedroom, or a guest space. Bunk beds are an excellent option to create a focal point, a play space, or a storage solution. Your bunk beds can be a statement piece, depending on the overall style of your room.

The majority of modern bunk beds offer a range of styles as well as finishes, materials and colors that will suit any design. A variety of bunk beds are available in different styles, from bohemian and coastal to moody. If you want to give your kids' bedroom a bunk bed look that matches their personalities select the right color or theme and match it with accessories like pillows, curtains and artwork.
The ladder on a bunk bed can be a significant factor in how the room looks. Most off-the-shelf bunks have a fixed ladder, but some can be ordered with the ladder placed on either side of the short end of the bed. Bunks with a ladder on the short end leave the lower bunk completely open and is perfect for adults and gives the room a minimalist appearance.
You could consider a bunk bed with an unusual shape, not conventional, like an L-shaped one. Gil notes that these bunks work best for rooms with low ceilings and take up less space. These bunks can be outfitted with a small desk underneath. This is a great solution for kids who wish to study in the bed.
You can also select a custom-built bunk with stairs built right into the frame. These bunks are commonly used in hotels and are the most "grown-up' option available. They're incredibly sturdy and are available in a variety of colors from Room & Board.
If you're looking for a more temporary option, you can also consider convertible bunks that convert from twin-over-twin beds into full-size beds and reverse. They can be a great choice for older siblings who do not wish to share their rooms or parents who have to accommodate guests.
Stores
Depending on the design the bunk beds will provide plenty of storage space for clothing and bedding. Choose designs that incorporate drawers or shelving that are built into the structure or even standalone units either side of the bunks. These are particularly useful in smaller rooms, since they can maximize space without making the bunks appear unorganized or cramped.
Some manufacturers build storage within the bed itself, such as this Oeuf Perch bunk that offers two storage spaces that are spacious on either side of the loft. These designs are ideal for siblings who share bedrooms, since they allow each child to keep their personal belongings close to hand while avoiding the common "piles" of shared belongings.
In addition to drawers and shelves, other smart bunk bed ideas are to incorporate storage into the headboards. By adding baskets or bins at the edges of the headboards keeps books in easy reach, which makes reading at bedtime much easier and more enjoyable. This option also works well in bedrooms that are shared, since children can keep their favorite books organized and easily accessible.
A ladder can be integrated into the bunks. This solution eliminates the need for an additional furniture piece and gives it a sleeker look. It is important to keep in mind that angled ladders can be difficult for younger children to climb. This kind of bunk bed is typically reserved for teens or older children.
Bunk beds can be used in any kind of space, including bonus rooms and attics that are typically awkwardly designed. In these situations an individual-designed configuration could be the best choice for creating a functional and stylish bunk room. If you're planning to build a bunk from the ground up consider the height of the ceiling as well as the height of the ceiling that will be above. A higher ceiling can allow for a larger bunk, while a lower ceiling can restrict the size of the bunk.
While the best bunk for the needs of a child will depend on the child's age, a bunk could also be a great choice for adults who are looking to save space and add a touch of class to their guest bedroom. The stylish bunk from Max & Lily is available in several finishes and separates into a twin-sized bed and a full-size bed, so it can serve as an alternative to conventional bedroom furniture.