How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are a space-saving and comfortable sleeping solution for children's bedrooms. They are also a great option for guest bedrooms or vacation homes where ceilings are high, but there is a limited amount of floor space.
The addition of the right details transforms bunk beds into stylish sleeping areas. For example 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
If they're utilized to sleep in a large family or two children in the same room, bunk beds make space by stacking one bed frame on top of another. This arrangement frees space on the floor for play areas and furniture and is a great solution for cramped rooms or lofted areas that need more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds come in a wide range of styles. From modern, sleek metal designs to timeless wooden designs. Many bunk beds have an incorporated stairway that can be used to reduce the footprint. A spiral staircase is a good alternative for those with a smaller bedroom, while an integrated set of stairs is perfect for homes with limited storage.
Bunk beds can add to a room's aesthetic, too when you select the right color scheme and style. Neutral colors such as light grey and navy are stylish choices for bunk beds. If you want to add a bit of design, you can dress up the neutral scheme with themed décor. For example a bunk room that is inspired by adventure could be made to look like a woodland hideout or even a cloud-themed room. If you want to add some bright colors, try choosing brighter shades for the top bunk and lighter hues for the bottom bunk.
If you are building a bunk-room from scratch, it is important to carefully consider the impact of the layout on your room. Draw out the design of your bunk beds with blue painter's taps on the wall. Then measure the distance between them and any fixed features, such as windows, closets and doors. This will help you decide the size of the frame and how close it will be to other furniture.
Once you've selected a bunk design that you like, think about adding other features that are functional. Ms. Keenan, for example often puts the reading lamp with a switch on each bunk. It allows each child to read quietly, without disturbing the person sitting on top. She also includes a small shelf on each bunk, where children can put glasses or books.
Comfortable Climbing

Even the most adventurous kids aren't likely to sleep on top 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 an adequate ladder that's connected to the bunk's side," says interior designer Brynne Flowers, the founder of John Martine in Salt Lake City. "Stairs aren't as space-efficient however they're the best safety feature for younger children."
The best option is a fixed ladder that has 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. Test the bunk using blue painter’s tape. Make sure there's enough space to walk around.
A built-in ladder that goes under the mattress on the upper and lower levels or connects to the bunk below is a great alternative. These are the biggest and safest, however they take longer to put up than a ladder that stands alone. "Look for stairs that have sturdy, wide rails for stairways, and an angled, low step," advises child safety expert Dr. Moriarty, who also suggests bunk beds be supported by slats of wood instead of wire or thin boards to prevent accidents.
Look for an option with a bunk bed and an adjustable trundle. This will allow you to have an extra twin bed in your bedroom for guests or sleepovers without occupying any more space. 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 or it can also be used as a twin bed. Fenton calls this the "heaviest" choice on our list. It's "built to last." The sleek design is stylish and doesn't seem too childish for teenagers The beds can be separated later if children decide that they don't require a bunk anymore.
Flexibility
There are a variety of options when it comes to creating bunk beds. If you're designing a kid's room, a primary bedroom or guest space it is possible to make these beds look stylish without sacrificing functionality. Bunk beds are a great option to create a focal point, a play area, or even a storage solution. Depending on the overall look you're after your bunk beds can be a standout piece that can be a part of your entire design scheme.
A lot of bunk beds today come with a variety of styles materials, finishes, and colors that will suit any style. In fact, a variety of bunks are available in designs ranging from bohemian to coastal and even moody. To give your child's bedroom a look that matches their personalities, choose a color or fabric theme and pair it with accessories like pillows, curtains and artwork.
The ladder on a bunk bed can make a big difference in how the room looks. Most bunks on the shelves have a fixed ladder, but there are some that can be purchased with the ladder placed on either side of the short end of the bed. Bunks that have the ladder positioned on the short end leave the lower bunk open, which is ideal for adults and gives the room a minimalist look.
Another option is to consider a different shape for your bunks, like an L-shaped model. Gil notes that these bunks are perfect for rooms with low ceilings and require less space. They can also come with a desk beneath which makes them an ideal option for children who wish to work in bed.
Alternatively, you can opt for a custom-built bunk with stairs that are built into the sides of the frame. These bunks are often used in hotels and are the most "grown-up option. Room & Board offers a range of colors and durable bunk beds.
There are also convertible bunks, that can be converted from twin-overtwin to a full-size bed or vice versa. These are a good option for older siblings who don't want their room shared or parents who host guests.
Stores
Bunk beds can offer plenty of space for clothing and bedding according to their design. Choose designs that incorporate shelves or drawers built into the structure or add standalone units on either side of the bunks. These options are particularly useful in smaller rooms since they maximize the unused 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 spaces on each side of the upper level. These designs are great for rooms with multiple siblings since each child can keep their personal items at hand while also preventing the usual piles of shared belongings.
In best bunk beds for heavy adults to drawers and shelves, other clever bunk bed designs include incorporating storage into the headboards. Adding bins or baskets to the ends of the headboards keeps books in easy reach making reading before bed much simpler and more enjoyable. This is also great for bedrooms that are shared because it lets kids keep their favorite titles easily accessible and organized.
Another option is integrating an integrated ladder into the bunks. This option removes the need for a separate furniture piece and creates a sleeker look. But, it's important to keep in mind that angled ladders are more difficult for children younger than to climb, so this type of bunk is usually reserved for older kids or teenagers.
Bunk beds can be a great option for any space, including attics and bonus rooms with strange shapes. In these situations an individual-designed configuration could be the best choice to create a practical and stylish bunk room. If you're considering building a bunk from scratch, consider the height of the ceiling and the space above it. A higher ceiling will allow for a bigger bunk, but a lower ceiling will restrict the dimensions of the bunk.
The right bunk bed for a child is contingent on their age. However, a bunk bed can also be an excellent choice for adults looking to save some space and add some style to a guest bedroom. The stylish bunk from Max & Lily is available in a variety of finishes. It can be divided into a twin-sized bed as well as an extra-large bed, so it can serve as a versatile alternative to standard furniture for bedrooms.