How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds provide a comfortable and space-efficient way to sleep in kids' rooms. They are also an excellent option for guest bedrooms or holiday homes, where ceilings are high but the floor space is small.
Adding the right details can transform bunk beds into chic sleeping spaces. The bunks in this ocean-themed bedroom were handpainted with Porter's Paints 'Mariner', which was a perfect match for the room's color scheme.
Space-Saving
Whether they're utilized to sleep in a large family or a pair of kids in the same room, bunk beds are a great way to save space by stacking a bed frame on top of another. This arrangement frees up the floor space to play and other furniture and is a great solution for rooms that are cramped or lofted areas that need more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds are available in various styles, ranging from sleek modern metal to timeless wood designs. A majority of bunk beds come with an integrated stairwell that minimizes the footprint. A curved staircase is a great alternative for those who have smaller bedrooms. A set of integrated steep steps is ideal for homes that are confined in storage space.
Bunk beds can add to a room's aesthetic, too when you select the right color scheme and design. Neutral colors like navy and light grey are stylish options for bunk beds. The neutral color scheme can be dressed up by incorporating themed decor for some extra style, like an adventure-themed bunk space that brings to mind the forest hideout or a dreamy cloud-themed space. If you're looking to add some bright colors, try selecting brighter colors for the top bunk and softer hues for the bottom bunk.
If you're building a bunk room from scratch, you need to think about the way that the layout will affect your room. Use blue painter's tape to mark out the silhouette of your bunk beds on the wall, and then determine the distance between the beds and any fixed features like windows, closets, and doors. This will give you a better idea of how close the bed will be to the other furniture and will help you select the appropriate size frame for your space.
Once you've picked a bunk design that you like, think about adding additional functional features. For instance, Ms. Keenan often builds a reading light with a switch on each bunk. It allows each child to read quietly, without disturbing the person on top. There's also an extra shelf on each bunk where kids can put their glasses or books.
Comfortable Climbing
Even the most adventurous kids will not sleep high up if climbing up and down feels a challenge or unsafe. Interior designer Brynne Flower, who is the founder of John Martine Salt Lake City, says that the most important thing to do is ensure the bunk bed comes with a sturdy ladder attached to the side. "Stairs aren't as spacious but they are the best security feature for younger children."
The safest choice is a fixed ladder with simple rungs attached to the bed's side. For teenagers and older children the ladders with angled angles may be easier to climb. Be best loft bunk beds bunkbedsstore to test the bunk using blue painter's tape to see how close it comes to any fixed features, such as windows or doors and also to ensure there's enough clearance for walking around.
A built-in ladder that goes beneath the mattress of the top and bottom levels or attaches to the bunk below is a excellent alternative. They are the largest and safest, but they take longer to set up than an individual ladder. "Look for stairs with wide, solid stair rails 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.
If you want a bunk that can expand with your kids, opt for one that has an adjustable trundle. This allows you to add an additional twin bed for guests or sleepovers without taking up space on the floor. (Be aware that a trundle will only be suitable if the bunk on the bottom is an individual twin, not a full.)
A favorite of both Fenton and writer Alex Morris, the Oeuf Perch bunk is a stylish option that can be divided into an loft bed and a regular twin. Fenton describes it as the "heaviest" choice on our list. It's also "built to last." The sleek design looks stylish and doesn't seem too childish for teenagers The beds can be separated later on if kids decide they don't want bunk beds for themselves anymore.
Flexibility
When you think about bunk design, the possibilities are endless. If you're designing a kid's room, primary bedroom or guest room you can easily add style to these beds without sacrificing functionality. Bunk beds can be an ideal focal point for rooms or create a fun play space, or serve as a useful storage solution. Your bunk beds can be a statement piece, depending on the overall aesthetic of your room.
The majority of modern bunk beds come with a variety of designs as well as finishes, materials and colors to suit any style. Many bunk beds are available in various styles, from bohemian and coastal to moody. Choose a color theme or fabric, and then combine it with curtains, pillows and artwork to give your kids' bedrooms an appearance that matches their individual style.
The ladder of a bunk bed can have an important impact on the look of a room. Most off-the-shelf bunks come with a fixed ladder however, some are available with the ladder set on either side of the short end of the bed. Bunks that have the ladder positioned on the short end leave the lower bunk unopened, which is ideal for adults and can provide the room a minimalist design.
Consider a bunk bed in an unusual shape, not conventional, like an L-shaped one. Gil notes that these bunks are perfect for rooms with low ceilings and make use of less space. These bunks can be fitted with a small desk underneath. This is a great choice for children who want to study in their bed.
Alternatively, you can choose a custom-built bunk with stairs built into the sides of the frame. These types of bunks are typically used in hotels, and are considered to be the most "grown-up" option on the market. 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 to full-size beds and reverse. These can be a good option for older siblings who do not wish to share their rooms or parents who need to accommodate guests.
Storage
Bunk beds can provide ample space for bedding and clothing according to their design. Look for designs that use drawers or shelving built into the structure, or even standalone units either side of the bunks. These kinds of options are especially beneficial in smaller rooms since they maximize the unused space and ensure that the bunks don't feel cluttered or cramped.
Some manufacturers have built-in storage in the bed, such as this Oeuf Perch loft that has two large storage spaces on each side of the upper level. These designs are great for siblings sharing bedrooms, since they let each child keep their personal items close by while also preventing the dreaded "piles" of belongings shared.
In addition to drawers or shelves, other smart bunk bed designs include incorporating storage into the headboards. Adding bins or baskets to the sides of the headboards will keep books in easy reach and makes reading at night much more enjoyable and more enjoyable. This is also a great option 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 eliminates the need for an additional piece of furniture, and gives it a a sleeker appearance. It's important to remember that angled ladders can be difficult for younger children 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 is a good option for these rooms. If you are planning to build a bunk from scratch consider the height of the ceiling as well as what will be above. A higher ceiling can allow for a larger bunk while a lower ceiling will restrict the dimensions of the bunk.
While the ideal bunk for children's needs will be contingent on their age, a bunk can also be a great choice for adults looking to make 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-sized bed and an extra-large bed, so it's an alternative to the traditional bedroom furniture.