How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds offer a comfy and space-efficient solution to sleep in children's rooms. They are also an ideal option for guest bedrooms or holiday homes, where ceilings are high but there is a limited amount of floor space.
Addition of the right features transforms bunk beds into stylish sleeping areas. For example the bunks in this ocean-themed bedroom are painted by hand using Porter's Paints 'Mariner' to complement the color scheme of the room.
Space-Saving
They can be utilized to sleep an entire family or a pair of children in the same room bunk beds are able to save space by stacking one bed frame on top of another. This arrangement gives more floor space that can be used for furniture and play. It's ideal for smaller rooms or lofted spaces that require more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds come in different styles, ranging from sleek modern metal to classic wood designs. Many also feature an integrated staircase that reduces the footprint of the structure. A curved ladder is a fun alternative for those with a smaller bedroom, while an integrated set of steep stairs is perfect for homes with limited storage.
Bunk beds can be a part of the aesthetic of a room, too, if you choose the right color palette and styling. neutral colors such as navy and light grey are stylish options for bunk beds. To add some design you can jazz up the neutral scheme with themed décor. For instance a bunk room that is inspired by adventure could be made to look like a forest hideout or even a cloud-themed room. If you're looking to add a few pops of color, try choosing brighter shades for the top bunk and lighter shades for the bottom bunk.
If you are building a bunk-room from scratch, you must be aware of the impact of the layout of the space. Draw the outline 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 doors, windows, or closets. This will help you determine the dimensions of the frame and how close it will be to other furniture.
After you've chosen a bunk design that you like, consider adding additional functional features. Ms. Keenan, for example often puts an reading lamp with a switch in every bunk. It lets each child read in peace, without disturbing the person on top. She also likes to include a small ledge on each bunk, where kids can set their books or glasses.
Comfortable Climbing
Even the most adventurous children will not sleep high up if climbing up and down is difficult or unsafe. "The most important thing to do is ensure that the bunk bed is equipped with a sturdy ladder that's attached to the side of the bunk," says interior designer Brynne Flowers, founder of John Martine in Salt Lake City. They may not be as space-efficient but they are the safest option for 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. Be sure 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 that there's enough room to move around.
A built-in ladder that goes beneath the mattress of the top and bottom levels or connects to the bunk below is a good alternative. These are the biggest and safest, but they require more time to construct than an individual ladder. Dr. Moriarty recommends looking for stairs that have broad, solid rails and a low, round step. He also suggests that bunk beds be supported by wood slats instead of thin boards or wires to avoid accidents.
For a bunk that will grow with kids, look for one that has an adjustable trundle. This lets you add an extra twin bed to accommodate guests or sleepovers without taking up more space in the room. A trundle can only be used only if the bunk on 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 an additional bed for twins. Fenton describes it as the "heaviest" pick on our list. It's also "built to last." The sleek design is elegant and doesn't feel babyish. It's also not too childish for teens. And the beds can be removed later on if they decide that they no longer need a bunk bed.
Flexibility
When you think about bunk design, the possibilities are endless. Whether you're designing a kids room, a primary bedroom or guest space, you can easily make these beds look stylish without sacrificing function. Bunk beds can be an ideal focal point for rooms and create a unique play area, or serve as a great storage solution. Based on the overall style you're going for, your bunk beds can be a standout piece that can be a part of your entire design scheme.
A lot of bunk beds today provide a variety of designs as well as finishes, materials and colors that can be matched to any style. A variety of bunk beds are available in various designs, from bohemian coastal to moody. To give your children's bedroom a bunk bed look that is a good fit for their personality, choose a color or fabric theme and pair it with accessories like curtains, pillows and artwork.
The ladder on a bunk bed can be a significant factor in the appearance of the room. The majority of bunks that are available off the shelf have a fixed ladder, but some can be ordered with the ladder placed on either side of the shorter 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 can give the room a minimalist look.
Consider a bunk bed in an unusual shape, not typical, like an L-shaped one. Gil says that these bunks are perfect for rooms with low-ceilings and take up less space. They can also come with a desk underneath which makes them a great choice for kids who want to study in the bed.
If you prefer, you can choose a custom-built bunk with stairs built into the sides of the frame. These kinds of bunks are typically employed in hotels and are considered to be the most "grown-up" option on the market. They're extremely sturdy and are offered in a variety of colors from Room & Board.
If you're looking for a more temporary option, you can also consider convertible bunks that convert from twin-over-twin beds into full-size beds and reverse. These are a good option for older siblings who don't want to share their bedroom or parents with guests.
Stores
Based on the style, bunk beds can offer plenty of storage for clothing and bedding. Choose designs that have shelves or drawers that are built into the structure or standalone units on either side of the bed. These kinds of options are especially beneficial in small rooms as they maximize the unused space and don't make the bunks feel overcrowded or cramped.
Some manufacturers integrate storage into the bed, such as this Oeuf Perch bunk that offers two large storage compartments on each side of the upper loft. These designs are great for siblings sharing the bedroom, as they allow each child to keep their personal belongings close by while also preventing the common "piles" of shared belongings.
Other smart bunk bed ideas In addition to drawers and shelves, include incorporating storage into headboards. Baskets or bins at the end of the headboards allow you to reach books, which makes reading before bed more enjoyable. This method is also useful in shared bedrooms, as kids can keep their favorite books in order and easily accessible.
best bunk bed with slide can be incorporated into the bunks. This solution eliminates an extra piece of furniture, and gives it a a sleeker appearance. However, it's important to be aware that angled ladders are more difficult for children who are younger to climb, so this kind of bunk is typically reserved for older kids or teenagers.
Bunk beds are a great option for any space, even attics and bonus rooms with odd shapes. A custom-built bunk bed configuration may be the best choice for these spaces. If you're planning to build a bunk from scratch consider the ceiling's height and what will be above. A higher ceiling allows for a larger bunk, while a lower ceiling will restrict the size of the bunk.
While the right bunk for a child's needs will depend on his or her age, a bunk can also be a good option for adults who are looking to save space and add a bit of class to their guest bedroom. This chic bunk from Max & Lily is available in several finishes and separates into a twin-sized bed as well as a full-size bed, so it's an alternative to the conventional bedroom furniture.