How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are an efficient and comfortable option for sleeping in children's bedrooms. They are also a great choice for guest rooms and vacation homes where ceilings are high but the floor space is constrained.
Addition of the right details transforms bunk beds into elegant 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
If they're used to accommodate a large family or a couple of children in the same space bunk beds are able to make space by stacking one bed frame on top of another. This arrangement allows for more floor space to be used for furniture or play. It's a great solution for smaller rooms or lofted spaces that require more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds come in a wide range of designs. From sleek, modern metal designs to classic wooden designs. Many also feature an inbuilt staircase that reduces the footprint of the structure. A spiral staircase is a good alternative for those who have small bedrooms, while an integrated set of stairs is perfect for homes with a limited storage space.
Bunk beds can be a part of the aesthetic of a room, too when you select the right color scheme and styling. Bunk beds look stunning in neutral shades like light grey and navy. The neutral color scheme can also be adorned with themed decor to add some extra style, like an adventure-themed bunk space that reminds you of the forest hideout or a romantic cloud-themed room. If you're looking to add a little color, choose brighter shades for top bunk and softer colors for bottom bunk.
If you're building a bunk space from scratch, you need to carefully consider the impact of the layout on your space. Use blue painter's tape to mark the outline 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 help you determine the dimensions of the frame and how close it will be to other furniture.
After you've decided on a bunk design consider adding other functional elements. For example, Ms. Keenan often builds a reading light with a switch on each bunk. It lets each child read without disturbing the person sitting on top. She also likes having a small ledge on each bunk, where kids can place glasses or books.
Comfortable Climbing
Not even the most adventurous children can sleep in a high bed when climbing up and down it feels hard or unsafe. "The most important thing to do is make sure the bunk bed has a sturdy ladder that's attached to the bunk's side," says interior designer Brynne Flowers, founder of John Martine in Salt Lake City. "Stairs aren't as space-efficient, but they offer the best security feature for children younger than."
The most secure option is a fixed ladder that has simple rungs that are attached to the side of the bed. Angled ladders, which may be more attainable than straight ones, might be more suitable for older kids and teens. But be sure to test out the bunk with blue painter's tape to see 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 of the top and bottom levels or attaches to the bunk below is another great alternative. These tend to be the safest and most large, however they may require more setup time than a freestanding ladder. Dr. Moriarty recommends looking for stairs that have solid, wide rails and a low, round step. He also suggests that bunk beds are anchored by wood slats, rather than wires or boards that are thin, to prevent accidents.
Find an option with a bunk bed and a removable trundle. This lets you add an extra twin bed for sleepovers or guests without taking up floor space in the room. (Be aware that a trundle can only be suitable if the bunk on the bottom is twin and not a full.)
A popular choice for both Fenton and writer Alex Morris, the Oeuf Perch bunk is a contemporary option that separates into a loft bed and a regular twin bed. Fenton calls this the "heaviest" choice on our list. It's "built to last." The sleek design is elegant and does not feel too babyish. It's also not too babyish for teenagers. The beds can be removed later if they decide they don't require bunk beds.
Flexibility
There are plenty of options to consider when making bunk beds. Whether you're designing a kids room, primary bedroom, or guest room, you can easily make these beds look stylish without sacrificing functionality. Bunk beds can be an ideal focal point for a room or create a fun play space, or serve as a fun storage solution. Depending on my response look you're looking for, your bunk beds can be a standout piece that can be a part of the overall design plan.
A lot of bunk beds today come with a variety of designs as well as finishes, materials and colors that will suit any design. In fact, many bunks come in styles ranging from bohemian to oceanic and even moody. To give your children's bedroom a bunk bed look that suits their personalities pick a color or fabric theme and match it with accessories such as curtains, pillows and artwork.
The ladder on a bunk bed could be a significant factor in the way the room appears. Most bunk beds come with an adjustable ladder. Some can be ordered to have the ladder on either side of short end. Bunks that have the ladder positioned on the short end leave the lower bunk unopened which is great for adults and can provide the room a minimalist design.
Think about a bunk bed in a shape that is 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. They can be fitted with a small desk underneath. This is a great choice for kids who prefer to study in the bed.
You can also choose a bunk that is custom-built with stairs built right into the frame. These bunks are commonly used in hotels and are the most "grown-up option. Room & Board offers a variety of colors and incredibly sturdy bunk beds.
There are also convertible bunks, that can be converted from twin-overtwin to full-size bed or reverse. These can be a good option for older siblings who do not want to share their room or parents who need to accommodate guests.
Storage
Depending on the style depending on the design, bunk beds can provide plenty of storage space for clothing and bedding. Look for designs that use shelves or drawers that are built into the structure or add standalone units on either side of the bunks. These options are particularly useful in small rooms as they maximize the space and don't make the bunks feel unorganized or cramped.
Some manufacturers build storage into the bed itself like this Oeuf Perch bunk that offers two storage spaces that are spacious on either side of the upper loft. These designs are perfect for families with siblings sharing a room, as each kid can keep their personal items to hand while also helping to prevent the dreaded piles of shared belongings.
Other smart bunk bed ideas as well as shelves and drawers, include adding storage to headboards. By adding baskets or bins at the edges of the headboards keeps books easily accessible making reading at night much more enjoyable and more enjoyable. This is also a great option for bedrooms with shared spaces because it lets kids keep their most loved books easily accessible and organized.
A ladder can be integrated into the bunks. This eliminates the need for an extra furniture piece and gives a sleeker look. However, it's important to be aware that angled ladders are more difficult for children younger than to climb, which is why this kind of bunk is usually reserved for older children or teens.
Bunk beds can be used in almost any type of space including bonus rooms and attics that are often awkwardly shaped. A custom-built bunk bed could be the best option for these spaces. If you're planning to build a bunk from scratch consider the ceiling's height as well as what will be above. A higher ceiling will allow for a higher-quality bunk, while a shorter ceiling will restrict the size of the bunk below it.
The best bunk bed for a child will depend on their age. However, best bunk beds for adults uk can also be a good option for adults who wish to make space and add a touch of elegance to a guest bedroom. This chic bunk from Max & Lily is available in several finishes and separates into a twin-sized bed and a full-size bed, so it can serve as an alternative to the standard bedroom furniture.