How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds offer a comfy and space-efficient way to sleep in children's rooms. They can also be an ideal option for guest bedrooms or holiday homes, where ceilings are high but the floor space is small.
The addition of the right details transforms bunk beds into stylish sleeping areas. 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 children in the same space, bunk beds are a great way to save space by stacking a bed frame on top of another. This configuration frees up the floor space to play and other furniture and is a great solution for rooms that are cramped or lofted areas that require more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds are available in different designs, from sleek contemporary metal to timeless wood designs. Many bunk beds have an incorporated stairway that can be used to reduce the footprint. A curved staircase is a great alternative for those with a small bedroom. An integrated set of steep steps is perfect for homes with a limited space in storage.
Bunk beds can be a part of the aesthetic of a room, too when you pick the right color palette and styling. Neutral colors such as light grey and navy are stylish choices for bunk beds. The neutral colors can also be adorned with themed decor to add an extra touch of design, such as an adventure-inspired bunk room that reminds you of an escape to the woods or a romantic cloud-themed room. If you're looking to add a little color, choose brighter shades for top bunk, and lighter shades for the bottom bunks.
If you're building a bunk room from scratch, it's crucial to carefully consider the impact of the layout on your room. Use blue painter's tape to draw 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, or doors. This will help you determine the dimensions of the frame and how close it will be to the other furniture.
Once you've selected the design of your bunk that you like, consider adding other functional features. For example Ms. Keenan often builds a reading light that has a switch inside every bunk. It's a great way to allow every child to read without disturbing the person who is above them. She also includes an extra shelf on each bunk where children can put books or glasses.
Comfortable Climbing
Even the most adventurous kids will not sleep high up when climbing up and down feels a challenge or unsafe. "The most important thing to do is make sure the bunk bed is equipped with 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 space-efficient however they're the most safety features for children younger than."
A fixed ladder with basic rungs mounted to the side of the bunk is usually the most secure option. Angled ladders, which may be more attainable than straight ones, could be more suitable for older kids and teens. Make sure you test out the bunk with blue painter's adhesive to see how close it comes to any fixed features such as doors or windows, and that there's enough clearance 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 are the biggest and safest, however they take longer to set up than an individual ladder. Dr. Moriarty recommends looking for stairs with broad, solid rails and a low, round step. He also suggests that bunk beds be supported by wood slats instead of wires or boards that are thin, to prevent accidents.
Look for a bunk bed with an adjustable trundle. This lets you add an additional twin bed for sleepovers or guests without taking up space on the floor. A trundle can only be used 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 transformed into a loft and it can also be used as a twin bed. Fenton says it's the "heaviest" option on our list. It's also "built to last." The sleek design is stylish and doesn't feel babyish. It's also not too babyish for teenagers. The beds can be removed at any time if they decide they don't require bunk beds.
Flexibility
When it comes to bunk design, the possibilities are endless. If you're designing a kid's room, a primary bedroom or guest room, you can easily design these beds with style without sacrificing function. Bunk beds can provide an ideal focal point for a room, create an imaginative playspace or function as a great storage solution. best affordable bunk beds can be a striking piece, depending on the overall aesthetic of your room.
Bunk beds come in a range of designs, finishes, colors and materials. There are many bunk beds available in a variety of styles, from bohemian and coastal to moody. Choose a color scheme or fabric and mix it with pillows, curtains and artwork to create your kids' bedrooms an appearance that matches the personality of your child.
The ladder of a bunk bed can have an important impact on the overall appearance of the room. The majority of bunk beds have an adjustable ladder. However, some can be purchased with the ladder on either side of short end. Bunks with ladders on the short side can leave the lower bunk unlocked which makes it suitable for adults. It also gives the room an uncluttered look.
Another option is to think about a different shape for your bunks, such as an L-shaped variant. Gil notes that these bunks are perfect for rooms with low-ceilings and make use of less space. They can also be fitted with a desk underneath which makes them an ideal option for children who want to study in bed.
You can also build a bunk with stairs built into the sides of the frame. These kinds of bunks are typically employed in hotels and are considered to be the most "grown-up" option on the market. 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. These are an excellent alternative for older children who do not want to share their space or parents who have guests.
Storage
Bunk beds can offer ample space for bedding and clothing according to their design. Choose designs that have shelves or drawers built into the structure or standalone units that sit on either side of the beds. These are especially useful in small spaces because they maximize the space and don't make the bunks feel overcrowded or cramped.
Some manufacturers have built-in storage within the bed, like 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 a bedroom, as they let each child keep their personal belongings close to hand while avoiding the common "piles" of shared belongings.
Other smart bunk bed ideas, in addition to drawers and shelves, include adding storage to headboards. Adding bins or baskets to the ends of the headboards keeps books easily accessible making reading at bedtime much easier and more enjoyable. This is also great for bedrooms that are shared as it allows kids to keep their favourite books easily accessible and organized.
Another option is to integrate an integrated ladder into the bunks. This eliminates the need for an additional furniture piece and gives it a sleeker look. It is important to keep in mind that angled ladders are difficult for younger children to climb. This type of bunk bed is usually reserved for teens or older children.
Bunk beds can be used in almost any type of space such as attics and bonus rooms which are usually awkwardly shaped. In these rooms the custom-built bunk bed could be the best option to create a functional and attractive bunk room. If you plan 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 larger bunk but a lower ceiling will limit the size of the bunk.
While the right bunk for the needs of a child will depend on the child's age, a bunk can also be a great choice for adults who want to save space and add a bit of style to a guest bedroom. This chic bunk from Max & Lily is available in a variety of finishes. It can be divided into a twin-size bed and an extra-large bed, so it can serve as a versatile alternative to standard bedroom furniture.