How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are a comfortable and space-efficient way to sleep in children's rooms. They're also a great choice for guest rooms and vacation homes where the ceilings are high, but the floor space is limited.
The right combination of details transforms bunk beds into fashionable sleeping spaces. For instance the bunks in this bedroom with an ocean theme are painted by hand using Porter's Paints 'Mariner' to complement the color scheme of the room.
Space-Saving
Bunk beds are perfect to accommodate a large family, or two children in the same space. They can save space by stacking bed frames on over another. This arrangement gives more floor space to be used for furniture or play. It is ideal for small rooms or lofted spaces that need more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of designs. From sleek, modern metal designs to classic wooden designs. Many bunk beds come with an incorporated stairway that can be used to reduce the footprint. A curving staircase is an excellent alternative for those who have a small bedroom. A set of steep steps is ideal for homes that are confined in storage space.
Bunk beds are an excellent way to add the look and feel of a space. Bunk beds look fantastic in neutral shades like light grey and navy. The neutral hues can be dressed up with themed decor to add some extra style, like an adventure-inspired bunk room that reminds you of an escape to the woods or a heavenly cloud-themed space. If you're looking to add some bright colors, try choosing brighter shades for the top bunk and softer shades for the bottom bunk.
If you're building a bunk area from scratch, you need to carefully consider how the layout will impact the room. Use blue painter's tape to mark out the silhouette of your bunk beds on the wall and then take measurements of the distance between the beds and any fixed features such as 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 best size frame for your space.
Once you've settled on a layout for your bunk consider adding additional functional elements. For instance Ms. Keenan often builds a reading light that has a switch inside every bunk. It lets each child read without disrupting the person in the middle. There's also a small shelf on each bunk, where children can place books or glasses.
Comfortable Climbing
Not even the most adventurous children can sleep in a high bed if climbing up and down it feels hard or unsafe. "The most important thing is to make sure the bunk bed is equipped with an adequate ladder that's connected to the side of the bunk," says interior designer Brynne Flowers, founder of John Martine in Salt Lake City. "Stairs aren't as spacious however they're the most safety features for younger children."
The safest choice is a fixed ladder that has simple rungs that attach to the bed's side. Angled ladders, which can be easier to climb than straight ones, might work better for older kids and teens. Test the bunk using blue painter’s tape. Make sure there is enough room to walk around.
Another alternative is a built-in staircase that attaches to the bottom bunk, or under each mattress on the top and lower levels. These are typically the safest and most large, however they may require more time to set up than an independent ladder. "Look for stairs that have wide, solid railings for stairways and an angled, low step," advises child safety expert Dr. Moriarty, who also recommends that bunk beds be supported by wood slats instead of wire or thin boards to avoid accidents.
If you are looking for a bunk that can expand with your kids, opt for one that has a removable trundle. This lets you add an extra twin bed to accommodate guests or sleepovers without taking up more floor space in the room. (Be aware that a trundle will only be able to fit if the bunk below is a twin, not a full.)
A popular choice for both Fenton and writer Alex Morris, the Oeuf Perch bunk is a stylish option that can be divided into an loft bed and a standard twin. It's the largest option on our list, however Fenton describes it as "a tank" that's "built to last." The sleek design is stylish and does not feel too babyish. It's also not too babyish for teens. The beds can be removed at any time if they decide they don't need a bunk bed.
Flexibility
When it comes to bunk design, the possibilities are endless. You can easily add style without sacrificing the functionality of these beds, whether you're designing for a kid room, a main bedroom, or a guest space. Bunk beds can be an attractive focal point in the room and create a unique play area or function as a fun storage solution. Your bunk beds can become a focal piece, based on the overall design of your room.
Many of today's bunk beds provide a variety of configurations, materials, finishes and colors that will suit any style. In best bunk bed , a variety of bunks come in styles that range from bohemian to the beach and even sombre. Choose a color scheme or fabric and mix it with pillows, curtains, and artwork to give your children's bedroom the look of a bunk bed that fits their individual style.
The ladder on a bunk bed can be a significant factor in the appearance of the room. Most off-the-shelf bunks come with a fixed ladder but there are some that can be purchased with the ladder placed on either side of the shorter end of the bed. Bunks with the ladder on the short end can leave the lower bunk unlocked, making it ideal for adults. It also gives the room a minimalist appearance.
You could consider a bunk bed with a shape that is not traditional, such as a L-shaped one. Gil notes that these bunks are perfect for rooms with low ceilings as they require less space. These bunks can be outfitted with a small desk beneath. This is a great choice for children who want to study in the bed.
You can also choose an individual built bunk with stairs built right into the frame. These types of bunks are commonly used in hotels and are considered to be the most "grown-up" option on the market. They're incredibly sturdy and are offered in a variety of colors from Room & Board.
There are also convertible bunks, which can be converted from twin-overtwin to full-size bed or vice versa. These are an excellent alternative for older children who don't want to share their bedroom or parents with guests.
Storage
Depending on the design, bunk beds can offer plenty of storage for clothing and bedding. Find designs that feature drawers or shelving built into the structure, or add standalone units on either side of the bunks. These are particularly useful in smaller rooms, since they maximize space without making the bunks feel tight or cluttered.
Some manufacturers incorporate built-in storage into the bed, such as this Oeuf Perch bunk that offers two storage spaces that are spacious on each side of the upper loft. These designs are great for families with siblings sharing a room since each child can keep their personal belongings close at hand while also preventing the dreaded piles of shared belongings.
In addition to drawers or shelves, other smart bunk bed ideas include incorporating storage in the headboards. The addition of baskets or bins to the ends of the headboards keep books within easy reach, which makes reading at night much more enjoyable and more enjoyable. This method is also useful in shared bedrooms, as children can keep their favourite titles organized and readily accessible.
A ladder can be incorporated into the bunks. This solution eliminates the need for a separate furniture piece and creates an elegant look. It is important to keep in mind that angled ladders are difficult for young children to climb. This type of bunk bed is typically reserved for teenagers or older children.
Bunk beds can work in any kind of space including attics and bonus rooms that are typically awkwardly designed. A custom-built bunk bed could be the best option for these rooms. If you're planning to build a bunk from scratch, take into consideration the height of the ceiling and what will be above it. A higher ceiling allows for a bigger bunk, but a lower ceiling will limit the dimensions of the bunk.
While the ideal bunk for the needs of a child will depend on his or her age, a bunk can be a great option for adults who are looking to reduce space and add a bit of class to their guest bedroom. This stylish 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 traditional bedroom furniture.