How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds offer a comfy and space-efficient way to sleep in kids' rooms. They can also be an ideal option for guest bedrooms and vacation homes, in which ceilings are high and there is a limited amount of floor space.
By adding the right details, you can transform bunk beds into stylish sleeping nooks. For instance the bunks in this ocean-themed bedroom are handpainted with Porter's Paints 'Mariner' to complement the color scheme of the room.
Space-Saving
Bunk beds are great for accommodating an entire family or two kids in the same space. They reduce space by stacking bed frames on over another. This configuration frees up space on the floor for play areas and furniture, making it an ideal solution for rooms that are cramped or lofted areas that require more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds come in a variety of styles. From modern, sleek metal designs to timeless wooden designs. Many bunk beds have an integrated stairwell that minimizes the footprint. A curving ladder is a great alternative for those with smaller bedrooms, and an integrated set of stairs is perfect for homes with a limited storage space.
Bunk beds can enhance the overall aesthetic of a room when you pick the right color scheme and styling. Bunk beds look stunning in neutral colors like navy and light grey. If you want to add a bit of style you can jazz up the neutral scheme with themed décor. For instance a bunk room that is with a theme of adventure could be designed to look like a woodland hideout or even a cloud-themed room. If you're looking to add some bright colors, try picking brighter hues for the top bunk and softer hues for the bottom bunk.
If you're building a bunk room from scratch, it's important to carefully consider the way that the layout will affect your space. Draw the outline of your bunk beds using a blue painter's tap on the wall. Then measure the distance between them as well as any fixed features, such as doors, windows, or closets. This will help you determine the dimensions of the frame and how close it will be to the other furniture.
Once you've picked a bunk design that you like, consider adding other functional features. Ms. Keenan, for example often puts a reading lamp with a switch in each bunk. It's a great method for each kid to read quietly without disturbing the person above them. She also likes to add small ledges on each bunk, where kids can place glasses or books.
Comfortable Climbing
Even the most adventurous children aren't likely to sleep on top when climbing up and down feels a challenge or unsafe. Interior designer Brynne Flower, the founder of John Martine Salt Lake City, says that the most important factor to consider is to ensure the bunk bed comes with a sturdy ladder tacked to the side. "Stairs aren't as spacious but they are the best safety feature for younger children."
A fixed ladder that has simple rungs mounted to the side of the bunk is typically the safest option. Angled ladders, which may be easier to climb than straight ones, might be more suitable for older children and teens. Test the bunk using blue painter’s tape. Make sure there's enough space for walking around.
Another great alternative is an inbuilt staircase that connects to the bottom bunk or under every mattress on the top and lower levels. These are the most spacious and secure, however they take longer to set up than an individual ladder. "Look for stairs that have sturdy, wide rails for stairways, and a low, rounded step," advises child safety expert Dr. Moriarty, who also suggests that bunk beds are supported by wood slats rather than wire or thin boards to avoid accidents.
Look for an option with a bunk bed and an adjustable trundle. This lets you create an additional twin bed for guests or sleepovers without taking up more space in the room. Trundles is only available if the bottom bunk of your room is a twin.
Fenton and Alex Morris both love the Oeuf Perch Bunk. It is a stylish option that can be made into a loft or a twin bed. It's the heaviest pick on our list, however Fenton describes it as "a tank" that's "built to last." The sleek design is stylish and doesn't feel childish for teen years and the beds can be separated later if children decide that they don't require bunk beds anymore.
Flexibility
There are a variety of possibilities when it comes to designing bunk beds. You can easily add style without sacrificing functionality to the beds, no matter if you're designing for a kids room, a main bedroom, or a guest space. Bunk beds are an excellent option to create an eye-catching focal point, play space, or storage solution. Based on best bunk beds for small spaces looking for your bunk beds can also be a statement piece that will tie in with your entire design scheme.
Bunk beds are available in a range of designs, finishes, colors and materials. In fact, many bunks are available in designs ranging from bohemian to the beach and even moody. To give your children's bedroom a look that is a good fit for their personality, choose the right color or theme and match it with accessories like pillows, curtains and artwork.
The ladder of a bunk bed has an important impact on the appearance of a room. Most bunks on the shelves come with a fixed ladder, but some can be ordered with the ladder positioned on either side of the shorter end of the bed. Bunks with the ladder on the short end leave the lower bunk open and is perfect for adults and gives the room a minimalist design.
Another option is to think about a different shape for your bunks, like an L-shaped model. Gil states that these bunks are ideal for rooms with low-ceilings and require less space. These bunks can be fitted with a small desk beneath. This is a great choice for kids who prefer to study in the bed.
You can also opt for a custom-built bunk with stairs built into the sides of the frame. These bunks are typically used in hotels and are the most "grown-up option. They're incredibly sturdy and are available in a wide range of colors from Room & Board.
If you're looking for a more temporary solution, there are also convertible bunks that can be converted from twin-over-twin beds to full-size beds, and vice versa. These are a great option for older children who don't want to share their room or parents who have to accommodate guests.
Stores
Based on the style, bunk beds can offer plenty of storage space for clothing and bedding. Look for designs that use drawers or shelving built into the structure or add standalone units to either side of the bunks. These are particularly useful in smaller rooms, since they maximize space without making the bunks feel cramped or cluttered.
Some manufacturers have built-in storage inside the bed, like this Oeuf Perch loft that has two spacious storage compartments both on the upper level. These designs are perfect for siblings who share the bedroom, as they let each child keep their personal items in close proximity, while avoiding the often-dreaded "piles" of shared belongings.
Other innovative bunk bed designs, in addition to shelves and drawers, are incorporating storage into headboards. Baskets or bins at the ends of headboards make it easier to reach books, which makes reading before bed more enjoyable. This method is also useful in shared bedrooms, as children can keep their favorite books in order and easily accessible.
Another option is integrating an integrated ladder into the bunks. This solution eliminates the need for an extra furniture piece and gives it an elegant look. It's important to note that angled ladders can be difficult for children of a younger age to climb. This type of bunk bed is typically reserved for teens or older children.
Bunk beds can work in just about any type of space including attics and bonus rooms which are usually awkwardly shaped. A custom-built bunk bed configuration may be the best choice for these spaces. If you're considering building a bunk from scratch, consider the height of the ceiling and the height above it. A higher ceiling allows for a larger bunk while a lower ceiling will restrict the size of the bunk.
The ideal bunk bed for a child will be contingent on the age of the child. However the bunk bed could also be a good option for adults who want to save some space and add a touch of elegance to a guest room. This chic bunk from Max & Lily is available in a variety of finishes. It can be divided into a twin-sized bed and an extra-large bed, so it's a versatile alternative to standard furniture for bedrooms.