How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are a comfortable and space-efficient solution to sleep in children's rooms. They are also a great choice for guest rooms and vacation homes where the ceilings are high, but the floor space is limited.
Addition of the right elements transforms bunk beds to stylish sleeping areas. For Click Home , the bunks in this ocean-themed bedroom are handpainted with Porter's Paints 'Mariner' to complement the room's palette.
Space-Saving
Bunk beds are perfect for accommodating an entire family or two children in the same space. They can save space by stacking bed frames on top another. This arrangement frees up floor space for play and other furniture and is a great solution for cramped rooms or lofted areas that need more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds come in a variety of designs, from sleek contemporary metal to classic wood designs. Many bunk beds come with an integrated stairwell that minimizes the footprint. A curved staircase is a great alternative for those with smaller bedrooms. A set of integrated steep steps is ideal for homes that are confined in storage space.
Bunk beds can enhance the overall aesthetic of a room, if you choose the right color scheme and styling. Bunk beds look fantastic in neutral colors like light grey and navy. For a little more flair, you can dress up the neutral colour scheme with themed decor. For example, a bunk room with a theme of adventure could be decorated to look like a forest hideout or a cloud-themed space. If you're seeking to add a bit of color, choose brighter hues for the top bunk and more neutral colors for bottom bunk.
If you're building a bunk space from scratch, it's crucial to think about the impact of the layout on your room. Use blue painter's tape to draw the outline of your bunk beds on the wall and then measure the distance between the beds and any fixed features like windows, closets, or doors. This will help you decide the size of the frame and how close it will be to other furniture.
Once you've decided on a bunk design, think about adding other elements that are functional. For example Ms. Keenan often builds a reading light with a switch on every bunk. It's a great method for every child to read quietly without disturbing the person who is above them. She also likes to add an extra ledge on each bunk, where children can set their books or glasses.
Comfortable Climbing
The most daring kids will sleep up high if climbing up and down it feels hard or unsafe. "The most important thing is to make sure the bunk bed is equipped with a sturdy ladder that's attached to the bunk's side," says interior designer Brynne Flowers, founder of John Martine in Salt Lake City. "Stairs aren't as efficient in space however they're the best safety feature for children who are younger."
A fixed ladder that has simple ladders attached to the sides of the bunk is typically the most secure option. For teenagers and older children inclined ladders might be more comfortable to climb. Be sure to test out the bunk with blue painter's tape to determine how close it is to any fixed elements like doors or windows and ensure that there's enough room to move around.
A built-in ladder that is positioned under the mattress of the upper and lower levels or attaches to the bunk below is another great alternative. These are the most spacious and safest, but they require more time to put up than the ladder that is able to stand on its own. Dr. Moriarty recommends looking for stairs that have wide, solid rails, and a low, round step. He also suggests that bunk beds are anchored by wood slats instead of wires or boards that are thin, to prevent accidents.
For a bunk that will expand with your kids, opt for one with an adjustable trundle. This lets you create an additional twin bed for guests or sleepovers, without taking up more space on the floor. (Be aware that a trundle can only be able to fit if the bunk below is twin and not a full.)
A favourite of both Fenton and writer Alex Morris, the Oeuf Perch bunk is a modern option that can be divided into an loft bed and a standard twin. It's the most heavy option on our list, but Fenton describes it as "a tank" that's "built to last." The sleek design is elegant and does not feel too babyish. It's also not too childish for teens. And the beds can be removed at any time if they decide that they don't need bunk beds.
Flexibility
When you think about bunk design, the possibilities are endless. If you're designing a kid's room, primary bedroom or guest space, you can easily make these beds look stylish without sacrificing functionality. Bunk beds can be an attractive focal point in a room or create a fun play space or function as a great storage solution. Depending on the overall look you're going for the bunk beds could also be a statement piece that will tie in with your entire design scheme.
Many of today's bunk beds come with a variety of designs as well as finishes, materials and colors that will suit any style. A variety of bunk beds are available in various designs, from bohemian coastal to sombre. If you want to give your kids' bedroom a look that is a good fit for their personality select the right color or theme and match it with accessories such as curtains, pillows and artwork.
The ladder on a bunk bed could make a huge difference in the appearance of the room. Most bunk beds come with a fixed ladder. Some can be purchased with the ladder either side of the short end. Bunks with ladders on the short side can leave the lower bunk open and is ideal for adults. It also gives the room a minimalist appearance.
Another option is to consider a non-traditional shape for your bunks, for instance an L-shaped model. Gil states that these bunks are ideal for rooms with low ceilings and make use of less space. These bunks can be fitted with a small desk underneath. This is a great solution for kids who prefer to study in the bed.
You can also build a bunk with stairs that are built into the sides of the frame. These types of bunks are typically used in hotels, and are considered the most "grown-up" option available on the market. They're extremely durable and offered in a variety of colors from Room & Board.
There are also convertible bunks that can be converted from twin-overtwin to full-size bed, or vice versa. These are a great option for older siblings who do not want to share their space or parents who have to accommodate guests.
Stores
Depending on the design, bunk beds can offer plenty of storage space for clothes and bedding. Choose designs that have shelves or drawers that are built into the structure, or separate units that are placed on either side of the bed. These options are particularly useful in smaller rooms since they maximize the space and don't make the bunks feel unorganized or cramped.
Some manufacturers include built-in storage inside the bed, such as this Oeuf Perch loft that has two large storage compartments on each on the upper level. These designs are great for siblings who share a bedroom, as they allow each child to keep their personal belongings close to hand while avoiding the common "piles" of shared belongings.
Other clever bunk bed ideas, in addition to shelves and drawers, include incorporating storage into headboards. The addition of baskets or bins to the sides of the headboards keep books in easy reach making reading at bedtime much easier and more enjoyable. This is also great for bedrooms that are shared because it lets kids keep their favorite titles easily accessible and organized.
Another option is integrating an integrated ladder into the bunks. This solution eliminates an extra piece of furniture and creates more sleek appearance. It's important to note that angled ladders are difficult for children of a younger age to climb. This kind of bunk bed is usually reserved for teens or older children.
Bunk beds can be a great option for any space, even attics or bonus rooms with odd shapes. A custom-built bunk bed configuration could be the best option for these rooms. If you're planning to build a bunk from scratch be aware of the height of the ceiling as well as what will be above. A higher ceiling will allow for a bigger bunk, but a lower ceiling will limit the dimensions of the bunk.
While the right bunk for children's needs will be contingent on the child's age, a bunk could be a great option for adults who are looking to reduce space and add a touch of charm to a guest bedroom. This stylish Max & Lily bunk is available in various colors and styles. It can also be split into a twin bed and a full bed. It's an excellent alternative to standard bedroom furniture.