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 ideal for guest rooms and vacation homes where ceilings are high but the floor space is small.
The right accessories can transform bunk beds into stylish sleeping spaces. For example, the bunks in this bedroom with an ocean theme are painted with Porter's Paints 'Mariner' to complement the room's color palette.
Space-Saving
Whether they're used to accommodate an entire family or a couple of children in the same room bunk beds can make space by stacking one bed frame on top of another. This arrangement frees up the floor space for play areas and furniture and is a great solution for cramped rooms or lofted areas that require more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds are available in a wide range of designs. From sleek, modern metal designs to classic wooden designs. A majority of bunk beds come with an integrated stairwell that minimizes the footprint. A curved ladder is a fun alternative for those with smaller bedrooms, and an integrated set of steep staircases is great for homes with limited storage space.
Bunk beds can be a part of a room's aesthetic, too, if you choose the right color scheme and style. Bunk beds look great in neutral hues like navy and light grey. For a little more flair, you can dress up the neutral colour scheme by adding themed decor. For instance, a bunk room with a theme of adventure could be designed to look like a forest hideout or a space inspired by clouds. If you want to mix in a few colors, consider selecting brighter colors for the top bunk and softer hues for the bottom bunk.
When you are building a bunk room from scratch, you should carefully consider the impact of the layout on your space. Mark out the shape of your bunk beds with blue painter's tape on the wall. Then, take a measurement of the distance between them and any fixed features, such as windows, closets and doors. This will give you an idea of how close the bed will be to other furniture and help you choose the appropriate size frame for your space.
Once you've decided on a bunk design Consider adding additional functional elements. Ms. Keenan, for example is a frequent user of the reading lamp with a switch on every bunk. It's a great method for each kid to read quietly without disturbing the person above them. She also likes to include a small ledge on each bunk, where children can set their books or glasses.
Comfortable Climbing
Even the most adventurous kids won't sleep in a high-rise when climbing up and down is difficult or unsafe. Interior designer Brynne Flower, the founder of John Martine Salt Lake City, states that the most crucial factor to consider is to ensure the bunk bed comes with a sturdy ladder that is attached to the side. "Stairs aren't as space-efficient, but they offer the most safety features for children younger than."
The safest choice is a fixed ladder that has simple rungs attached to the bed's side. For teens and older children, angled ladders may be more comfortable to climb. Make sure you test out the bunk with blue painter's tape to determine how close it is to any fixed elements like doors or windows, and that there's enough room to move around.
Another great alternative is a built-in staircase that attaches to the bottom bunk, or under each mattress on the upper and lower levels. These are the most spacious and safest, however they require more time to construct than the ladder that is able to stand on its own. "Look for stairs that have wide, solid railings for stairways and a low, rounded step," advises child safety expert Dr. Moriarty, who also recommends that bunk beds be supported by slats of wood instead of wire or thin boards to prevent accidents.
Find a bunk bed that has an adjustable trundle. This lets you add an extra twin bed to accommodate sleepovers or guests without taking up more space on the floor. A trundle is only available only if the bunk on the bottom of your room is a twin.
A favourite of both Fenton and writer Alex Morris, the Oeuf Perch bunk is a modern option that separates into a loft bed and a standard twin. Fenton describes it as the "heaviest" choice on our list. It's "built to last." The sleek design is stylish and does not feel too babyish. It's also not too babyish for teens. And the beds can be removed later on if they decide that they don't need a bunk bed.
Flexibility
There are many possibilities when it comes to creating bunk beds. Whether you're designing a kids room, primary bedroom or guest space, you can easily design these beds with style without sacrificing function. Bunk beds can create a focal point in a room and create a unique play area or act as a useful storage solution. Your bunk beds can be a statement piece, based on the overall style of your room.
A lot of bunk beds today provide a variety of configurations as well as finishes, materials and colors to suit any design. Many bunk beds are available in various styles, from bohemian to coastal to sombre. To give your child's bedroom a 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 make a big difference in how the room looks. Most bunks on the shelves come with a fixed ladder but some can be ordered with the ladder positioned on either side of the short end of the bed. Bunks with ladders at the shorter end can leave the lower bunk open which makes it suitable for adults. It also gives the room a minimalist appearance.
Consider a bunk bed in a shape that is not traditional, such as a L-shaped one. Gil says that these bunks work best for rooms with low ceilings as they make use of less space. These bunks can be outfitted with a small desk beneath. This is a great solution for kids who prefer to study in their bed.
You can also choose an individual built bunk with stairs built into the frame. These bunks are commonly used in hotels and are the most "grown-up option. They're extremely durable and offered in a variety of colors from Room & Board.
If you're looking for a temporary option, you can also consider convertible bunks that can convert from twin-over-twin to full-size beds and vice versa. They are a great alternative for older children who don't want to share their bedroom or parents who have guests.
Stores
Depending on the style the bunk beds will provide plenty of storage space for clothes and bedding. Look for designs with shelves or drawers built into the structure, or standalone units on either side of the bed. These are especially useful in small rooms as they maximize the space and ensure that the bunks don't feel unorganized or cramped.
bunk beds best have built-in storage in the bed, such as this Oeuf Perch loft that has two large storage spaces on both on the upper level. These designs are great for siblings who share the bedroom, as they allow each child to keep their personal belongings in close proximity, while avoiding the common "piles" of belongings shared.
In addition to drawers and shelves, other clever bunk bed ideas include incorporating storage in the headboards. The addition of baskets or bins to the ends of the headboards keep books in easy reach, which makes reading at bedtime much easier and more enjoyable. This is also a great option in bedrooms that are shared, since kids can keep their favorite books organized and easily accessible.
Another option is integrating an integrated ladder into the bunks. This solution eliminates the need for a separate furniture piece and gives a more sleek appearance. It is important to keep in mind that angled ladders are difficult for young children to climb. This type of bunk bed is usually reserved for teens or older children.
Bunk beds can work in just about any type of space such as bonus rooms and attics which are usually awkwardly shaped. In these situations, a custom-built configuration might be the best option to create a practical and stylish bunk room. If you're planning to build a bunk from scratch consider the height of the ceiling as well as the height of the ceiling that will be above. A higher ceiling will allow for a larger bunk while a lower ceiling can restrict the dimensions of the bunk.
While the ideal bunk for a child's needs will depend on their age, a bunk can be a great option for adults who want to reduce space and add a bit of charm to a guest bedroom. The stylish bunk from Max & Lily is available in a variety of finishes and can be separated into a twin-size bed and an extra-large bed, so it can serve as a versatile alternative to conventional bedroom furniture.