How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are an efficient and comfortable solution for sleeping in children's rooms. They're also a great choice for guest rooms and vacation homes where ceilings are high but the floor space is small.
The right combination of features transforms bunk beds into elegant sleeping spaces. The bunks in this ocean-themed bedroom were painted using Porter's Paints 'Mariner', which helped to complement the room's colors.
Space-Saving
If they're used to sleep an entire family or a pair of kids in the same room bunk beds can are a great way to save space by stacking a bed frame on top of another. This arrangement allows for more floor space to be used for furniture or play. It is a great solution for smaller rooms or lofted areas that require more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of styles, from sleek modern metal to timeless wood designs. Many also feature an integrated staircase that reduces the footprint of the structure. A spiral staircase is a good alternative for those who have smaller bedrooms, and an integrated set of steep stairs is perfect for homes with a limited storage space.
Bunk beds are ideal for adding style and color to a space. Bunk beds look great in neutral hues like navy and light grey. The neutral colors can also be dressed up by incorporating themed decor for some extra design, such as an adventure-themed bunk space that brings to mind the forest hideout or a dreamy cloud-themed space. If you want to add a few bright colors, try choosing brighter shades for the top bunk, and more neutral shades for the bottom bunk.
If you're building a bunk space from scratch, it's crucial to consider the way that the layout will affect the room. Use blue painter's tape to draw the outline of your bunk beds on the wall and then determine the distance between the beds as well as any fixed elements like windows, closets, or doors. This will give you an idea of how close the bed will be to the other furniture and will help you choose the right size frame for your space.
After you've decided on a layout for your bunk consider adding other functional elements. For instance Ms. Keenan often builds a reading light with a switch on each bunk. It's a great method for every child to read without disturbing the person in front of them. She also likes having small ledges on each bunk, so that kids can place glasses or books.
Comfortable Climbing
Even the most adventurous children won't sleep in a high-rise when climbing up and down feels difficult or unsafe. "The most important thing to do is make sure the bunk bed has a sturdy ladder that's attached to the side of the bunk," says interior designer Brynne Flowers, who is the founder of John Martine in Salt Lake City. "Stairs aren't as efficient in space however they're the best security feature for younger children."
A fixed ladder with simple rungs that are attached to the side of the bunk is typically the most secure option. The ladders that are angled, which can be easier to climb than straight ones, might be more suitable for older children and teens. Test the bunk with blue painter's tape. Make sure there's enough room to walk around.
Another great alternative is a built-in staircase that is attached to the bottom bunk or runs under every mattress on the top and lower levels. These are the biggest and safest, however they require more time to put up than an individual ladder. Dr. Moriarty recommends looking for stairs that have solid, wide rails and a low, circular step. He also suggests that bunk beds be supported by wood slats rather than wires or boards that are thin to avoid accidents.
If you want a bunk that can expand with your kids, opt for one with a removable trundle. This lets you create an extra twin bed to accommodate guests or sleepovers, without taking up more space on the floor. Trundles is only available 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 and an additional bed for twins. 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 teenagers and the beds can be separated later on if children decide that they don't require a bunk anymore.
Flexibility
There are many options when it comes to designing bunk beds. You can easily add style without sacrificing the functionality of these beds, regardless of whether you're designing a children room, a main bedroom, or even a guest space. Bunk beds are an excellent way to create an area of focus, a play space, or storage solution. Based on the overall style you're going for the bunk beds could also be a statement piece that blends into the overall design plan.
Many of today's bunk beds come with a variety of designs materials, finishes, and colors that can be matched to any design. In reality, a lot of bunks are available in designs that range from bohemian, coastal and even moody. To give your children's bedroom a look that suits their personalities select a color or fabric theme and match it with accessories like curtains, pillows and artwork.
The ladder of a bunk bed can make an important impact on the appearance of the room. best affordable bunk beds come with an adjustable ladder. However, some can be ordered to have the ladder on either side of the short end. Bunks with a ladder on the shorter end leave the lower bunk completely open, which is ideal for adults and can give the room a minimalist appearance.
Another option is to consider a different shape for your bunks, such as an L-shaped variant. These bunks take up less space on the floor and are great for rooms with low ceilings, explains Gil. These bunks can be fitted with a small desk beneath. This is a great choice for children who want to study in bed.
You can also opt for a custom-built bunk with stairs built into the sides of the frame. These bunks are commonly used in hotels and are the most "grown-up option. They're incredibly sturdy and are available in a variety of colors from Room & Board.
If you're looking for a temporary alternative, there are convertible bunks that can be converted from twin-over-twin to full-size beds and vice versa. These are an excellent option for older siblings that don't want their room shared or parents who host guests.
Storage
Based on the style depending on the design, bunk beds can provide plenty of storage for clothing and bedding. Choose designs that have drawers or shelves built into the structure, or standalone units on either side of the bed. These options are especially helpful in smaller spaces, as they maximize space without making the bunks feel unorganized or cramped.
Some manufacturers have built-in storage inside the bed, such as this Oeuf Perch loft that has two large storage compartments on each side of the upper level. These designs are great for siblings who share bedrooms, since they let each child keep their personal items close to hand while avoiding the dreaded "piles" of shared belongings.
Other innovative bunk bed designs as well as shelves and drawers, include incorporating storage into headboards. Bins or baskets at the ends of headboards make it easy to access books, making reading before bedtime more enjoyable. This option also works well in bedrooms that are shared, since kids can keep their favorite titles organized and readily accessible.
A ladder can be built into the bunks. This solution eliminates an extra piece of furniture and gives it a more sleek appearance. It's important to remember that angled ladders are difficult for younger children to climb. This kind of bunk bed is typically reserved for teenagers or older children.
Bunk beds are a great fit in almost any type of space including bonus rooms and attics which are usually awkwardly shaped. A custom-built bunk bed is a good option for these rooms. If visit considering building a bunk from scratch think about the height of your ceiling and what will be above it. A higher ceiling will allow for a larger bunk, while a lower ceiling will limit the dimensions of the bunk.
While the best bunk for children's needs will be contingent on his or her age, a bunk could also be a great choice for adults looking to save space and add a bit of class to their guest bedroom. This elegant Max & Lily bunk is available in various finishes and can be separated into a twin bed and a full bed. It's an excellent alternative to traditional bedroom furniture.