How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are a comfortable and space-efficient way to sleep in kids' rooms. They are also an excellent option for guest bedrooms or holiday homes, where ceilings are high, but there is a limited amount of floor space.
By adding the right details, you can transform bunk beds into chic sleeping nooks. For example, the bunks in this bedroom with an ocean theme are painted by hand using Porter's Paints 'Mariner' to complement the room's palette.
Space-Saving
Bunk beds are great for accommodating a large family, or two kids in the same space. They save space by stacking a bed frame top of another. This configuration frees up the floor space for play and other furniture and is a great solution for rooms that are cramped or lofted areas that need more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds are available in a wide range of designs. From sleek, modern metal designs to classic wooden designs. Many bunk beds come with an integrated stairwell that minimizes the footprint. A spiral staircase is a fantastic alternative for those with smaller bedrooms. An integrated set of steep steps is perfect for homes with a limited space in storage space.
Bunk beds can add to the overall aesthetic of a room when you pick the right color scheme and style. best childrens bunk beds look stunning in neutral colors like light grey and navy. The neutral hues can be dressed up with themed decor to add an extra touch of style, like an adventure-themed bunk room that evokes a woodland hideout or a dreamy cloud-themed space. If you're seeking to add a bit of color, choose brighter shades for top bunk and more neutral shades for the bottom bunks.
If you're building a bunk space from scratch, it's crucial to carefully consider the impact of the layout on the room. Use blue painter's tape to mark the outline of your bunk beds on the wall, and then take measurements of the distance between the beds and any fixed features like windows, closets, and doors. This will give you an idea of how close the bed will be to the other furniture and help you choose the right size frame for your space.
Once you've picked a design for your bunk you like, think about adding other functional features. For example Ms. Keenan often builds a reading light with a switch in each bunk. It's a great way for each kid to read without disturbing the person in front of them. She also likes to add small ledges on each bunk, so that kids can set books or glasses.
Comfortable Climbing
Even the most adventurous kids aren't likely to sleep on top if climbing up and down is difficult or unsafe. "The most important thing to do is make sure the bunk bed has an adequate ladder that's connected to the side of the bunk," says interior designer Brynne Flowers, the founder of John Martine in Salt Lake City. "Stairs aren't as spacious, but they offer the best security feature for children who are younger."
The most secure option is a fixed ladder with simple rungs that are attached to the side of the bed. Angled ladders, which may be more attainable than straight ones, could work better for older kids and teens. Test the bunk with blue painter's tape. Make sure there's enough space to walk around.
Another alternative is a built-in staircase that attaches to the bottom bunk, or under each mattress on the upper and lower levels. These tend to be the most secure and spacious, but they do require more time to set up than an independent ladder. Dr. Moriarty recommends looking for stairs that have solid, wide rails and a low, circular step. He also suggests that bunk beds are supported by wood slats, rather than thin boards or wires, to prevent accidents.
Look for a bunk bed with a removable trundle. This lets you have a twin bed in your bedroom for sleepovers, guests or other occasions without taking up any more space. A trundle is only available when the bunk at the bottom of your room is a twin.
Fenton and Alex Morris both love the Oeuf Perch Bunk. It is a stylish option that can be converted into a loft as well as it can also be used as a twin bed. Fenton calls this the "heaviest" pick on our list. It's also "built to last." The sleek design is chic and does not feel too babyish. It's also not too childish for teenagers. The beds can be removed later if they decide that they don't need a bunk bed.
Flexibility
There are a variety of possibilities when it comes to making bunk beds. You can easily add style without sacrificing the functionality of the beds, no matter if you're designing for a kids' room, a primary bedroom, or a guest room. Bunk beds can provide an ideal focal point for the room, create an imaginative playspace or function as a great storage solution. Depending on the overall look you're looking for, your bunk beds can be a standout piece that can be a part of your entire design scheme.
Bunk beds come in a range of styles, finishes colors, and materials. In fact, many bunks come in styles that range from bohemian, coastal and even sombre. If you want to give your kids' bedroom a bunk bed look that suits their personalities select a color or fabric theme and match it with accessories such as curtains, pillows and artwork.
The ladder of a bunk bed can make an impact on the appearance of a room. Most off-the-shelf bunks come with a fixed ladder, but there are some that can be purchased with the ladder set on either side of the short end of the bed. Bunks that have the ladder on the short end leave the lower bunk open and is perfect for adults and can give the room a minimalist design.
Another option is to think about a non-traditional shape for your bunks, like an L-shaped model. These bunks take up less area and are perfect for rooms with low ceilings, explains Gil. These bunks can be fitted with a small desk underneath. This is a great option for kids who wish to study in their bed.
You can also choose 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 extremely durable and available in a wide range 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 alternative for older children who don't want their room shared or parents who have guests.
Stores
Bunk beds can provide ample space for bedding and clothing according to their design. Look for designs that use shelves or drawers that are built into the structure, or add standalone units on either side of the bunks. These options are particularly useful in small spaces because they maximize the space and don't make the bunks feel unorganized or cramped.
Some manufacturers have built-in storage in the bed, such as this Oeuf Perch loft that has two large storage compartments on each on the upper level. These designs are ideal for siblings who share bedrooms, since they allow each child to keep their personal belongings in close proximity, while avoiding the often-dreaded "piles" of shared belongings.
Other clever bunk bed ideas, in addition to shelves and drawers, include the use of storage in headboards. The addition of baskets or bins to the sides of the headboards keeps books in easy reach making reading at bedtime much easier and more enjoyable. This is also a great option in bedrooms that are shared, since kids can keep their favorite books in order and easily accessible.
A ladder can be incorporated into the bunks. This solution removes the need for an extra furniture piece and creates an elegant look. However, it's important to keep in mind that angled ladders are more difficult for children younger than to climb, and this kind of bunk is usually reserved for older children or teens.
Bunk beds are a great option for any space, including attics and bonus rooms with unusual shapes. A custom-built bunk bed may be the best choice for these rooms. If you're planning on building a bunk from scratch, take into consideration the height of the ceiling and the height above it. A higher ceiling can allow for a larger bunk but a lower ceiling will restrict the dimensions of the bunk.
While the ideal bunk for a child's needs will depend on their age, a bunk could be a great option for adults who want to save space and add a bit of charm to a guest bedroom. The stylish bunk from Max & Lily is available in several finishes and separates into a twin-sized bed as well as a full-size bed, so it can serve as a versatile alternative to traditional bedroom furniture.