How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are a comfortable, space-efficient sleeping solution for children's rooms. They can also be a great option for guest bedrooms or holiday homes, where ceilings are high, but the floor space is small.
By adding the right details, you can transform bunk beds into stylish sleeping nooks. For instance the bunks in this bedroom with an ocean theme are handpainted with Porter's Paints 'Mariner' to complement the color scheme of the room.
Space-Saving
Whether they're used to sleep in a large family or a couple of kids in the same room bunk beds are able to are a great way to save space by stacking a bed frame on top of another. This configuration allows for more floor space to be used for furniture and play. It is an ideal solution for small spaces or lofted spaces that require more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of styles, from sleek modern metal to timeless wood designs. They also come with an inbuilt staircase that reduces 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 space.
Bunk beds are an excellent way to add style and color to a space. Neutral colors such as navy and light grey are stylish choices for bunk beds. For a little more style you can spice up the neutral colour scheme with themed decor. For instance an area with a theme of adventure could be made to look like a forest hideout or a cloud-themed space. If you're looking to add some color, choose brighter hues for the top bunk and softer colors for bottom bunks.
If you are building a bunk-room from scratch, you should carefully consider the impact of the layout of the space. Draw out the design of your bunk beds with blue painter's taps on the wall. Then measure the distance between them as well as any fixed features such as windows, closets and doors. This will help you decide the size of the frame as well as how close it will be to other furniture.
Once you've picked a design for your bunk that you like, think about adding other features that are functional. Ms. Keenan, for example, often installs the reading lamp that has a switch on each bunk. It's a great method for every child to read quietly without disturbing the person in front of them. She also likes to include small ledges on each bunk, where children can place glasses or books.
Comfortable Climbing
Even the most adventurous children can sleep in a high bed if climbing up and down it feels hard or unsafe. Interior designer Brynne Flower, who is the founder of John Martine Salt Lake City, states that the most crucial factor to consider is to make sure that the bunk bed is equipped with a sturdy ladder tacked to the side. They may not be as space-efficient but they are the safest option for children.
The safest choice is a fixed ladder with simple rungs attached to the bed's side. Angled ladders, which can be more attainable than straight ones, could be more suitable for older children and teens. Make sure you test out the bunk with blue painter's tape to determine how close it is to any fixed elements, such as doors or windows, and that there's enough room to move around.
A built-in ladder that is positioned underneath the mattress on the upper and lower levels or attaches to the bunk below is a great alternative. These tend to be the most secure and spacious, though they can require more setup time than a freestanding ladder. "Look for stairs with sturdy, wide railings for stairways and an angled, low step," advises child safety expert Dr. Moriarty, who also suggests that bunk beds are supported by wood slats instead of wire or thin boards to prevent accidents.
Look for a bunk bed that has an adjustable trundle. This will allow you to have a second bed in your room for guests or sleepovers without occupying any extra space. Trundles is only available when the bunk at the bottom of your room is a twin.

A popular choice for both Fenton and writer Alex Morris, the Oeuf Perch bunk is a stylish option that can be divided into a loft bed and a regular twin. It's the largest option on our list, however Fenton calls it "a tank" that's "built to last." The sleek design looks elegant and doesn't feel childish for teens The beds can be separated if kids decide they don't want bunk beds for themselves anymore.
Flexibility
When it comes to bunk bed designs, the possibilities are endless. When you're planning a kids room, primary bedroom, or guest room you can easily add style to these beds without sacrificing function. Bunk beds are a great way to create an eye-catching focal point, play space, or a storage solution. Your bunk beds can be a statement feature, based on the overall design of your room.
Many of today's bunk beds provide a variety of styles, materials, finishes and colors to suit any design. In fact, a variety of bunks are available in designs ranging from bohemian to the beach and even sombre. To give your children's bedroom a bunk bed look that is a good fit for their personality, choose the right color or theme and match it with accessories such as curtains, pillows and artwork.
The ladder on a bunk bed can make a big difference in the way the room appears. Most bunk beds come with an adjustable ladder. Some can be purchased with the ladder either side of the short end. Bunks with a ladder positioned on the short end leave the lower bunk unopened, which is ideal for adults and gives the room a minimalist appearance.
Think about web in an unusual shape, not typical, like an L-shaped one. Gil states that these bunks work best for rooms with low ceilings as they make use of less space. They can also come with a desk beneath which makes them the ideal choice for children who want to study in bed.
Alternatively, you can choose a custom-built bunk with stairs that are built into the sides of the frame. These kinds of bunks are commonly used in hotels and are considered the most "grown-up" option on the market. Room & Board offers a variety of colors and incredibly durable bunk beds.
There are also convertible bunks that can be converted from twin-overtwin to a full-size bed, or reverse. They can be a great choice for older siblings who don't wish to share their rooms or parents who have to accommodate guests.
Stores
Based on the design the bunk beds will provide plenty of storage space for clothes and bedding. Choose designs that have drawers or shelves built into the structure or separate units that are placed on either side of the beds. These types of furniture are particularly helpful in smaller spaces, as they maximize space without making the bunks feel tight or cluttered.
Some manufacturers include built-in storage within the bed, like this Oeuf Perch loft that has two spacious storage compartments each on the upper level. These designs are great for families with siblings sharing a room, as each kid can keep their personal belongings close to hand, while also preventing the common piles of belongings.
Other innovative bunk bed designs as well as shelves and drawers, include the use of storage in headboards. Adding bins or baskets to the ends of the headboards keep books within easy reach making reading before bed much simpler and more enjoyable. This option is also great for bedrooms with shared spaces as it allows children to keep their most loved books easily accessible and organized.
A ladder can be incorporated into the bunks. This option eliminates the need for a separate furniture piece and creates an elegant look. However, it's important keep in mind that angled ladders may be more difficult for children younger than to climb, which is why this type of bunk is usually reserved for older children or teenagers.
Bunk beds can work in just about any type of space such as bonus rooms and attics that are often awkwardly shaped. A custom-built bunk bed configuration is a good option for these rooms. If you're planning to build the bunk from scratch, consider the height of the ceiling and what will be above it. A higher ceiling will allow for a larger bunk while a lower ceiling will limit the size of the bunk.
The right bunk bed for a child will depend on their age. However it can be a great option for adults who want to save some space and add some style to a guest bedroom. This elegant Max & Lily bunk is available in a variety of finishes and can be separated into a twin bed or a full bed. It's an excellent alternative to standard bedroom furniture.