How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are an efficient and comfortable solution for sleeping in children's rooms. They're ideal for guest rooms and vacation homes where ceilings are high but the floor space is small.
The right accessories can transform bunk beds into stylish sleeping nooks. best bunk bed with slide in this ocean themed bedroom were painted with Porter's Paints 'Mariner', which helped to complement the room's colors.
Space-Saving
Bunk beds are perfect to accommodate an entire family or two children in the same space. They reduce space by stacking bed frames on top of another. This configuration frees up the floor space to play and other furniture, making it an ideal solution for rooms that are cramped or lofted areas that need more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of styles, ranging from sleek modern metal to classic wood designs. Some also have a built-in staircase that minimizes the footprint of the structure. A spiral staircase is a good alternative for those with small bedrooms, while an integrated set of staircases is great for homes with limited storage.
Bunk beds can enhance the overall aesthetic of a room, if you choose the right color palette and styling. Neutral colors such as light grey and navy are stylish options for bunk beds. The neutral color scheme can also be adorned by incorporating themed decor for an extra touch of flair, such as an adventure-themed bunk room that evokes the forest hideout or a dreamy cloud-themed space. If you're looking to mix in a few colors, consider picking brighter hues for the top bunk and lighter shades for the bottom bunk.
If you're building a bunk area from scratch, it's crucial to consider how the layout will impact the room. Draw out the design of your bunk beds using a blue painter's tape on the wall. Then measure the distance between them, as well as any fixed features like doors, windows, or closets. 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.
After you've chosen a bunk design that you like, think about adding other features that are functional. Ms. Keenan, for example, often installs a reading lamp that has a switch on each bunk. It lets each child read quietly, without disturbing the person on top. She also likes having an extra ledge on each bunk, so that kids can set their books or glasses.
Comfortable Climbing
Not even the most adventurous kids will sleep up high if climbing to and from it feels difficult or unsafe. "The most important thing is to ensure that the bunk bed has an adequate ladder that's connected 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 but they are the best security feature for younger children."
The most secure option is a fixed ladder that has simple rungs attached to the side of the bed. Angled ladders, which can be more attainable than straight ones, could be more suitable for older children and teens. Test the bunk using blue painter's tape. Check to see if there is enough room to walk around.
Another great alternative is an inbuilt staircase that connects to the bottom bunk or runs under every mattress on the top and lower levels. These are typically the safest and most spacious, but they do require more setup time than a freestanding ladder. Dr. Moriarty recommends looking for stairs with solid, wide rails and a low, round step. He recommends that bunk beds are supported by wood slats, rather than wires or boards that are thin, to prevent accidents.
Find a bunk bed with an adjustable trundle. This allows you to add an extra twin bed for guests or sleepovers without taking up more space on the floor. A trundle is only available if the bottom bunk of your room is a twin.
A popular choice for both Fenton and writer Alex Morris, the Oeuf Perch bunk is a modern option that separates into an loft bed and a standard twin bed. It's the most heavy option on our list, however 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 babyish for teens. And the beds can be removed at any time if they decide they don't need a bunk bed.
Flexibility
There are a variety of possibilities when it comes to creating bunk beds. When you're planning a kids room, a primary bedroom or guest room you can easily add style to these beds without sacrificing functionality. Bunk beds can provide an attractive focal point in the room or create a fun play space or act as a useful storage solution. Your bunk beds can be a statement feature, based on the overall style of your room.
A lot of bunk beds today offer a range of configurations, materials, finishes and colors that can be matched to any style. A variety of bunk beds are available in various styles, from bohemian to coastal to moody. To give your child's bedroom a look of bunk beds that suits their personalities select a theme or color and match it with accessories such as curtains, pillows and artwork.
The ladder of a bunk bed has an important impact on the appearance of the room. The majority of bunk beds have an adjustable ladder. However, some can be ordered with the ladder either side of the short end. 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 different shape for your bunks, for instance an L-shaped variant. Gil says that these bunks are perfect for rooms with low ceilings and take up less space. They can also come with a desk beneath, which can make them an ideal option for children who prefer to study in the bed.
You can also choose a custom-built bunk with stairs built right into the frame. These bunks are often used in hotels and are the most "grown-up' option available. Room & Board offers a assortment of colors and sturdy bunk beds.
If you're looking for a more temporary solution, there are also convertible bunks that can be converted from twin-over-twin beds into full-size beds, and reverse. These can be a good option for older children who do not want to share their room or parents who have to accommodate guests.
Stores
Bunk beds can offer plenty of space for bedding and clothing, depending on their design. Look for designs that use drawers or shelving that are built into the structure or add standalone units on either side of the bunks. These are especially useful in smaller rooms since they maximize the space and do not make the bunks appear unorganized or cramped.
Some manufacturers offer built-in storage within the bed, such as this Oeuf Perch loft that has two large storage compartments on each side of the upper level. These designs are perfect for siblings who share a bedroom, as they let each child keep their personal belongings close by while also preventing the often-dreaded "piles" of shared belongings.
In addition to drawers or shelves, other smart bunk bed ideas include incorporating storage into the headboards. Adding bins or baskets to the edges of the headboards keeps books easily accessible, which makes reading at bedtime much easier and more enjoyable. This method is also useful in shared bedrooms, as children can keep their favourite books organized and easily accessible.
Another option is integrating an integrated ladder into the bunks. This eliminates the need for an additional piece of furniture and creates a sleeker appearance. It's important to note that angled ladders are difficult for children of a younger age to climb. This type of bunk bed is usually reserved for older children or teens.
Bunk beds can be used in just about any type of space, including attics and bonus rooms that are often awkwardly shaped. In these rooms, a custom-built configuration might be the best option for creating a functional and attractive bunk room. If you plan to build a bunk from the ground up, take into consideration the ceiling's height and what will be above. A higher ceiling will allow for a larger bunk, while a lower ceiling will limit the dimensions of the bunk.
The best bunk bed for a child is contingent on the child's age. However, a bunk bed can be a great option for adults who want to reduce space and add a touch of elegance to a guest bedroom. This elegant Max & Lily bunk is available in many different designs and can be divided into a twin bed or a full bed. It's an excellent alternative to standard bedroom furniture.