How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design

Bunk beds can be a great addition to bedrooms shared by children or a guest room. They can also offer additional storage and make the room appear larger.

Some bunks have ladders (which Fenton says are easier to climb than the stairs) and some have trundles on the bottom which allow for sleepovers. Some can even fit twin and full XL mattresses, which makes them great for older kids and adults as well.

1. Keep It Simple

A bunk bed doesn't have to be the centerpiece in the room. In fact, it's often better to keep it as a background feature which allows other elements such as storage, artwork, and other furniture to take center stage. This basic bunk bed design, which features beds that have matching footboards and headboards, is a fantastic example.

A lot of bunk beds are built into walls. This can make them seem less as an addition, and more like permanent fixtures in the room. But even though built-in bunks look stunning but you can also find stunning freestanding designs. This one, for example is constructed from wood yet utilizes pipe fittings to construct the ladder and railing. Kee Klamp fittings such as the Single Socket Tee and Flange Elbow can be used to build similar structures.

Bunk beds are a great solution for a shared bedroom particularly if you live in a smaller space in your home. Consider a staggered bed design that allows two people to sleep on the top bunk, but allows plenty of space below for storage, play, and study. This l-shaped bunk bed for example, provides ample space underneath the bed and also offers roomy enough nooks for every child to put up a table, something that may not work as well with conventional built-in bunk beds.

2. Adding Extra Storage

If you're building bunk beds from scratch or selecting a ready-made alternative, clever storage solutions can transform your bedroom into a highly functional and stylish space. These handy accessories include stair cabinets, which offer a convenient storage space for clothing and other items without compromising the visual appeal of a bunk bed and wall-mounted shelves that are ideal to store books, toys and other decorative items.

Another excellent way to add extra storage to the bunk bed is to use drawers that are designed to fit beneath the frame. These compartments are small enough to house clothing that isn't in season, bedding or even books and blankets. They are hidden and won't affect the style of the bedroom.

Find models with a desk built into the bottom bunk if you want your bunk bed to be even more efficient. This is a great option for bedrooms for teenagers and also works in smaller rooms. If you don't have enough room for a desk you can install a freestanding desk close to the bunks as an extra place to work and study. You can also opt for staggered bunks, which is a popular option that allows children to sleep three people in a small space by putting two twin beds over a full-size bottom bed.

3. The addition of a Workstation

Bunk beds aren't just for kids they can also be great for adults, too. If done correctly they can be practical and stylish, allowing you to reduce space in your bedroom while also adding an enjoyable element to the layout. With a few simple upgrades to make your bunk bed more individual and blend with the style of your room.

Bunk beds are fantastic because they can double as an office desk or workstation. This is an excellent option for kids that are reaching school age and require a place to do their homework or study. A lot of bunk beds have built-in desks, so all you have to do is take it out when your kid needs to do some work and then take it back when they're finished.

If you're looking for a unique method to make your bunk bed, think about using a Kee Klamp kit to add an elegant workstation to your setup. This farmhouse-style bunk bed uses a twin over queen size loft bed with a black ladder and an integrated workstation underneath, complete with a full length desk, a wood-look separator and handy shelving.

4. Make a bed with a princess theme

Bunk beds can be a great addition to a kid's bedroom, whether they are intended for guests or siblings. And, as they're typically the focal point of the room, you'll want them to look stunning. Start by measuring the room and determining the size you're able to work within. Be sure to consider the ceiling's height particularly if you have children who will be using your top bunk. This can be dangerous especially if you have a ceiling fan near by.

Many of our top bunk beds can be converted into two beds to meet the needs of your growing child. This twin-over full bed for instance, is built of a sturdy, simple design and comes in four different finishes so you can easily choose one that will complement the decor of your child's room.

This twin-over-full bed with a slide is both entertaining and practical. You can equip the upper bunk with a pull-out TV stand as a entertainment center or add a trundle to the bottom bunk for sleepovers. The solid wood construction and timeless style means that this bed will still look cool once your children are tweens and teens, too.

5. Maintaining Neutrality

Bunk beds are a great way to create a functional and a child-friendly room. One of the most effective methods to do this is to keep your color palette neutral. This bunk bed combines traditional and modern features with neutral shades of gray, blue and white that will not change as your child gets older. It comes with a drawer underneath the lower bunk which can be used to store a twin trundle that can be used for sleepovers. This is a great option for a shared space for two siblings.

Pastels are great for bunk rooms because they can add color and excitement while keeping the space stylish and cool. Kelly Hartley of Hartley Home designed this bunk room with a mix of light greens, smokey grays and cloud whites to give the beds a tranquil appearance. The bedding that is in the same color palette can be used to tie the room together. Children (and parents) alike will enjoy the style.

It's important to think about the way you intend to make use of the space when selecting a bunkbed. If you want your children's beds to be used as an office or study space, you should choose an loft style with an integrated desk and chair beneath for a sleeker appearance. This classic wooden bunk bed from @bluedreamslady comes with a storage area which is large enough to accommodate books and toys.

6. Add a splash of Color

A lot of bunk beds are designed for toddlers and elementary school-aged children however, this doesn't mean adults cannot too benefit from this space-saving solution. The bunk bed could work in a sophisticated adult bedroom, especially when the style is toned down by a simple color scheme and minimal accents. For example, this West Elm x Pottery Barn modern mid-century twin bunk bed will look lovely in a neutral room with plenty of natural wood and white furniture.

Bunk beds can be used in any room, including attics or bonus rooms with roofs that are slanted. A custom-built design like this one created by Marnie Custom Homes works best cheap bunk beds for rooms with a strange shape however, a DIY option can also be stylish. Make sure you select a sturdy, custom-made bunk bed with built-in railings to avoid bruises and bumps when you climb the stairs to the top.

A best low bunk beds bed is a fantastic opportunity to decorate your child's room with a fun theme. Create a forest hideout for girls or boys by incorporating woodland creatures and trees, or add some vibrant colors with a nautical style. In a color palette of blue, grey, and white, a bed with a Scandi theme can look modern, sleek and chic as seen in the gorgeous new holiday home designed by Georgina Jeffreys.

7. Mixing it up

While bunk beds are great for rooms for children, they don't have to be limited to this particular group of people. A chic bunk bed is a fantastic option for a bedroom that is designed for adults.

When choosing the best bunk beds for teenagers bunk bed for your space, take into consideration the overall design of the room. There are a variety of styles to choose from that include bohemian, classical, and coastal, so take the time to select the one that works best triple bunk with your style. Try experimenting with the style of your room and see how you can incorporate the bunk bed.

If you have a queen-over-queen bunk bed, add an upholstered bench at the bottom of the mattress below. This will create an area for reading, relaxing or both. It can also help visually separate the two bunk beds.

Another option to make your bunk bed appear more adult is to replace an old ladder in favor of stairs. This instantly gives your room a more elegant appearance and is a better choice for older children. You can also decorate the stairs to match the theme of your child's room like this nautical bedroom from Raili Clasen.