How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are an efficient and comfortable solution for sleeping in children's bedrooms. They are also a great option for guest bedrooms or holiday homes, where ceilings are high but the floor space is small.
The right combination of elements transforms bunk beds to stylish sleeping areas. The bunks in this ocean themed bedroom were handpainted with Porter's Paints 'Mariner', which complemented the room's color palette.
Space-Saving
If they're used to accommodate an entire family or a pair of children in the same space bunk beds can save space by stacking one bed frame on top of another. This arrangement frees up floor space to play and other furniture and is a great solution for cramped rooms or lofted spaces that require more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds are available in a wide range of designs. From modern, sleek metal designs to classic wooden 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 stairs is ideal for homes with limited storage space.
Bunk beds are ideal for adding style and color to a space. Neutral colors such as light grey and navy are a stylish option for bunk beds. The neutral hues can be dressed up by incorporating themed decor for a little extra style, like an adventure-themed bunk space that brings to mind a woodland hideout or a dreamy cloud-themed space. If you're looking to mix in a few pops of color, try choosing brighter shades for the top bunk, and more neutral hues for the bottom bunk.
If you're building a bunk space from scratch, it's important to consider the impact of the layout on the room. Use blue painter's adhesive to mark out the silhouette of your bunk beds on the wall and then take measurements of the distance between the beds as well as any fixed features such as windows, closets, or doors. This will help you decide the dimensions of the frame and how close it will be to other furniture.
Once you've settled on a layout for your bunk consider adding other elements that are functional. For example Ms. Keenan often builds a reading light that has a switch inside each bunk. It's a great way for each kid to read quietly without disturbing the person who is above them. She also likes to add a small ledge on each bunk, so that 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 difficult or unsafe. "The most important thing to do is make sure the bunk bed has an adequate ladder that's connected to the side of the bunk," says interior designer Brynne Flowers, who is the founder of John Martine in Salt Lake City. Stairs may not be as space-efficient but they're the safest option for young children.
best low bunk beds fixed ladder with simple rungs that are attached to the side of the bunk is usually the safest choice. Angled ladders, which may be more attainable than straight ones, could work better for older kids and teens. Test the bunk with blue painter’s tape. Make sure there's enough room to walk around.
A built-in ladder that runs under the mattress of the top and bottom levels or connects to the bunk below is another good alternative. These are the most spacious and secure, however they take longer to construct than an individual ladder. "Look for stairs with broad, solid 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 prevent accidents.
Look for an option with a bunk bed and an adjustable trundle. This allows you to have an extra twin bed in your room for sleepovers, guests or other occasions without occupying any more space. Trundles can only be used when the bunk at the bottom of your room is a twin.
A popular choice for both Fenton and writer Alex Morris, the Oeuf Perch bunk is a contemporary option that is divided into an loft bed and a regular twin. It's the largest option on our list, but Fenton describes it as "a tank" that's "built to last." best low bunk beds is stylish and doesn't feel too babyish for teenagers The beds can be separated later on if kids decide they don't need a bunk for themselves anymore.
Flexibility
There are plenty of options to consider when designing bunk beds. Whether you're designing a kids room, a primary bedroom or guest room you can easily make these beds look stylish without sacrificing functionality. Bunk beds can create a focal point in the room or create a fun play space or act as a great storage solution. Your bunk beds can be a striking piece, depending on the overall design of your room.
A lot of bunk beds today offer a range of designs as well as finishes, materials and colors that can be matched to any design. Many bunk beds are available in various styles, from bohemian to coastal to sombre. To give your child's bedroom a look of bunk beds that suits their personalities, choose a theme or color and pair it with accessories like pillows, curtains and artwork.
The ladder of a bunk bed has an important impact on the appearance of a room. Most bunk beds come with a fixed ladder. However, some can be purchased with the ladder either side of the short end. Bunks with a ladder on the shorter end leave the lower bunk unopened, which is ideal for adults and can provide the room a minimalist look.
You could consider a bunk bed with the shape that isn't typical, like an L-shaped one. Gil says that these bunks work best for rooms with low ceilings and make use of less space. They can also come with a desk underneath which makes them an ideal option for children who prefer to study in the bed.
You can also opt for a custom-built bunk with stairs built right into the frame. These bunks are often used in hotels and are the most "grown-up' option available. Room & Board offers a range of colors and durable bunk beds.
There are also convertible bunks that can be converted from twin-overtwins to a full-size bed or the reverse. These are an excellent alternative for older children who don't want their room shared or parents who have guests.
Storage
Bunk beds can provide ample space for clothing and bedding according to their design. Choose designs that incorporate drawers or shelving built into the structure, or add standalone units on either side of the bunks. These types of furniture are particularly helpful in small rooms, as they maximize unused space without making the bunks appear unorganized or cramped.
Some manufacturers offer built-in storage in the bed, like this Oeuf Perch loft that has two large storage compartments on each side of the upper level. These designs are perfect for siblings who share bedrooms, since they let each child keep their personal belongings close by while also preventing the dreaded "piles" of belongings shared.
In addition to drawers and shelves, other smart bunk bed ideas include incorporating storage into the headboards. By adding baskets or bins at the sides of the headboards keep books within easy reach and makes reading at bedtime much easier and more enjoyable. This option is also great for bedrooms with shared spaces as it allows kids to keep their favourite books easily accessible and organized.
Another option is to incorporate an integrated ladder into the bunks. This eliminates the need for an additional furniture piece and gives it a more sleek appearance. It's important to note that angled ladders can be difficult for younger children to climb. This type of bunk bed is typically reserved for older children or teens.
Bunk beds can be used in almost any type of space such as bonus rooms and attics which are usually awkwardly shaped. A custom-built bunk bed configuration could be the best option for these spaces. If you are 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 larger bunk, but a lower ceiling will limit the dimensions of the bunk.
The ideal bunk bed for a child will depend on the child's age. However the bunk bed could also be an excellent choice for adults who want to save some space and add a touch of elegance to a guest bedroom. This stylish Max & Lily bunk is available in a variety of designs and can be divided into a twin bed or a full bed. It's an excellent alternative to standard bedroom furniture.