How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are an efficient and comfortable option for sleeping in children's rooms. They are also an excellent choice for guest rooms and vacation homes where the ceilings are high but the floor space is small.
Addition of the right features transforms bunk beds into elegant sleeping spaces. The bunks in this ocean themed bedroom were painted using Porter's Paints 'Mariner', which helped to complement the room's colors.
Space-Saving
Whether they're utilized to sleep in a large family or two children 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 floor space for play areas and furniture which makes it a perfect solution for cramped rooms or lofted spaces that require more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of designs, from sleek contemporary metal to timeless wood designs. A majority of bunk beds come with a built-in stairway that reduces the footprint. A spiral staircase is a good alternative for those with small bedrooms, while an integrated set of steep staircases is great for homes with limited storage.
Bunk beds are an excellent way to add design and color to an space. Neutral colors like light grey and navy are stylish options for bunk beds. If you want to add a bit of flair you can spice up the neutral scheme with themed décor. For instance an area that is inspired by adventure could be made to look like a woodland hideout or a cloud-themed space. If you're looking to add a little color, opt for brighter shades for top bunk and softer shades for the bottom bunks.
If you're building a bunk area from scratch, it's important to carefully consider the impact of the layout on the room. Mark out the shape of your bunk beds with blue painter's taps on the wall. Then, take best bunk bed ideas of the distance between them, as well as any fixed features such as doors, windows, or closets. This will give you an idea of how close the bed will be to other furniture and will help you select the right size frame for your space.
Once you've decided on a bunk design consider adding additional functional elements. Ms. Keenan, for example, often installs the reading lamp with a switch in each bunk. It lets each child read without disrupting the person in the middle. She also likes to include an extra ledge on each bunk, so that kids can set books or glasses.
Comfortable Climbing
The most daring children will be able to sleep high if climbing to and from it feels difficult or unsafe. Interior designer Brynne Flower, founder of John Martine Salt Lake City, says the most important thing to do is make sure the bunk bed comes with a sturdy ladder tacked to the side. "Stairs aren't as space-efficient however they're the best safety feature for younger children."
The most secure option is a fixed ladder with simple rungs attached to the side of the bed. Angled ladders, which may be more attainable than straight ones, could be more suitable for older children and teens. Make sure you test the bunk using blue painter's tape to see how close it is to any fixed elements such as windows or doors and ensure that there's enough clearance for walking around.
A built-in ladder that runs under the mattress on the upper and lower levels or connects to the bunk below is another excellent alternative. best bunk bed reviews are the biggest and safest, but they take longer to put up than the ladder that is able to stand on its own. "Look for stairs that have sturdy, wide rails for stairways, and an angled, low step," advises child safety expert Dr. Moriarty, who also recommends that bunk beds be supported by wood slats rather than wire or thin boards to avoid accidents.
If you are looking for a bunk that can grow with kids, look for one that has a removable trundle. This lets you add an additional twin bed for guests or sleepovers, without taking up more floor space in the room. (Be aware that a trundle will only fit if the bottom bunk is twin and not a full.)
Fenton and Alex Morris both love the Oeuf Perch Bunk. It is a modern choice that can be made into a loft or a twin bed. It's the heaviest pick on our list, however Fenton describes it as "a tank" that's "built to last." The sleek design is chic and does not feel too babyish. It's also not too childish for teenagers. The beds can be removed at any time if they decide they don't require a bunk bed.
Flexibility
There are plenty of possibilities when it comes to designing bunk beds. You can easily add style but not sacrifice the practicality of these beds, whether you're designing a children' room, a primary bedroom, or a guest room. Bunk beds can be a focal point in rooms or create a fun play space or function as a useful storage solution. Depending on the overall aesthetic you're after your bunk beds can also be a focal point that will tie in with your overall design.
Bunk beds are available in a range of designs, finishes, colors, and materials. A variety of bunk beds are available in various styles, from bohemian to coastal to moody. Choose a color theme or fabric and mix it with pillows, curtains, and artwork to give your kids' bedrooms an appearance that matches the personality of your child.
The ladder on a bunk bed can make a huge difference in the way the room appears. The majority of bunk beds have a fixed ladder. However, some beds can be ordered with the ladder on either side of the short end. Bunks with the ladder on the short side can leave the lower bunk open which makes it suitable for adults. It also gives the room an elegant look.
Another option is to consider a different shape for your bunks, like an L-shaped variant. These bunks take up less floor space and are ideal for rooms with low ceilings, explains Gil. They can also be outfitted with a desk underneath, which can make them the ideal choice for children who wish to work in their beds.
You can also choose a custom-built bunk with stairs that are built into the sides of the frame. These types of bunks are often used in hotels and are considered to be the most "grown-up" option on the market. Room & Board offers a range of colors and durable bunk beds.
There are also convertible bunks, which can be converted from twin-overtwins to a full-size bed or reverse. They are a great alternative for older children who do not want to share their space or parents who have guests.
Storage
Based on the style the bunk beds will provide plenty of storage space for clothing and bedding. Consider designs with shelves or drawers built into the structure, or separate units that are placed on either side of the bed. These kinds of options are especially beneficial in smaller rooms since they make the most of 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 ideal for siblings who share bedrooms, since they let each child keep their personal items close to hand while avoiding the dreaded "piles" of shared belongings.
In addition to drawers or shelves, other clever bunk bed designs include incorporating storage into the headboards. Baskets or bins placed at the ends of headboards make it easy to reach books, which makes reading before bedtime more enjoyable. This is also a great option in shared bedrooms, as children can keep their favorite books organized and easily accessible.
A ladder can be built into the bunks. This solution eliminates an extra piece of furniture and creates more sleek appearance. However, it's important keep in mind that angled ladders may be more difficult for children who are younger to climb, and this type of bunk is usually reserved for older kids or teenagers.
Bunk beds are a great fit in any kind of space such as bonus rooms and attics that are typically awkwardly designed. A custom-built bunk bed configuration may be the best choice for these rooms. If you're considering building a bunk from scratch, think about the height of your ceiling and what will be above it. A higher ceiling can allow for a bigger bunk, while a lower ceiling can limit the dimensions of the bunk.
While the best bunk for a child's needs will depend on their age, a bunk could be a great option for adults looking to save space and add a bit of class to their guest bedroom. This stylish bunk from Max & Lily is available in several finishes and separates into a twin-sized bed and an extra-large bed, so it's an alternative to the traditional furniture for bedrooms.