How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds are an efficient and comfortable option for sleeping in children's bedrooms. They're ideal for guest rooms and vacation homes where ceilings are high but the floor space is constrained.
The addition of the right elements transforms bunk beds to fashionable sleeping spaces. For example, the bunks in this ocean-themed bedroom are handpainted with Porter's Paints 'Mariner' to complement the room's palette.
Space-Saving
Bunk beds are perfect to accommodate families of all sizes, or two kids in the same space. They reduce space by stacking a bed frame on over another. This configuration allows for more floor space to be used for furniture or play. It is a great solution for small rooms or lofted areas that require more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds are available in different styles, from sleek modern metal to timeless wood designs. They also come with a built-in staircase that minimizes the footprint of the structure. A spiral staircase is a fantastic alternative for those with a small bedroom. An integrated set of steep steps is perfect for homes that are confined in storage space.
Bunk beds can add to the aesthetic of a room, too, if you choose the right color scheme and design. Bunk beds look great in neutral colors like navy and light grey. The neutral colors can be dressed up with themed decor to add an extra touch of flair, such as an adventure-themed bunk space that brings to mind an escape to the woods or a romantic cloud-themed room. If you're looking to add a little color, opt for brighter hues for the top bunk and more neutral colors for bottom bunks.
If you're building a bunk area from scratch, it's crucial to consider the impact of the layout on the room. Draw out the design of your bunk beds with blue painter's taps on the wall. Then, measure best bunk beds for teenager between them and any fixed features such as doors, windows, or closets. This will help you decide the size of the frame as well as how close it will be to the other furniture.
After you've chosen a bunk design that you like, think about adding other features that are functional. Ms. Keenan, for example is a frequent user of an reading lamp with a switch on each bunk. This allows every child to read quietly, without disturbing the person on top. She also has an extra shelf on each bunk, where children can put glasses or books.
Comfortable Climbing
Even the most adventurous children aren't likely to sleep on top if climbing up and down feels difficult or unsafe. Interior designer Brynne Flower, who is the founder of John Martine Salt Lake City, says that the most important thing to do is to make sure the bunk bed comes with a sturdy ladder that is attached to the side. "Stairs aren't as spacious but they are the best safety feature for children younger than."
A fixed ladder with basic ladders attached to the sides of the bunk is generally the safest option. For teenagers and older children, angled ladders may be easier to climb. Test the bunk using blue painter's tape. Make sure there's enough space for walking around.
A built-in ladder that goes under the mattress on the top and bottom levels or connects to the bunk below is another great alternative. They are generally the most secure and spacious, but they do require more setup time than a freestanding ladder. "Look for stairs that have sturdy, wide stair rails and a low, rounded step," advises child safety expert Dr. best bunk beds for teenagers , who also recommends that bunk beds be supported by wood slats rather than wire or thin boards to avoid accidents.
Find a bunk bed with a removable trundle. This lets you have an extra twin bed in your room for guests or sleepovers without taking up any more space. Trundles can only be used if the bottom bunk of your room is a twin.
A favourite of both Fenton and writer Alex Morris, the Oeuf Perch bunk is a contemporary option that is divided into a loft bed and a standard twin bed. It's the most heavy option on our list, however Fenton calls it "a tank" that's "built to last." The sleek design is stylish and doesn't feel babyish. It's also not too babyish for teenagers. The beds can be removed later on if they decide they don't require bunk beds.
Flexibility
When it comes to bunk design, the possibilities are endless. You can easily add style but not sacrifice the practicality of the beds, no matter if you're designing a children room, a main bedroom, or even a guest room. Bunk beds are an excellent way to create an area of focus, a play space, or storage solution. Your bunk beds can become a focal piece, based on the overall style of your room.
Bunk beds come in a range of designs, finishes, colors and materials. In reality, a lot of bunks come in styles that range from bohemian, coastal and even moody. Pick a theme or fabric, and then combine it with curtains, pillows and artwork to create your kids' bedrooms the look of a bunk bed that fits their personality.
The ladder on a bunk bed can be a significant factor in the appearance of the room. 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 that have the ladder on the short end can leave the lower bunk unlocked which makes it suitable for adults. It also creates an uncluttered look.
Another option is to consider a non-traditional shape for your bunks, such as an L-shaped model. These bunks take up less space on the floor and are great for rooms with low ceilings, notes Gil. They can be fitted with a small desk underneath. This is a great solution for kids who wish to study in the bed.
You can also choose a custom-built bunk with stairs built into the sides of the frame. These types of bunks are typically used in hotels, and are considered the most "grown-up" option available on the market. They're extremely sturdy and are available in a wide range of colors from Room & Board.
There are also convertible bunks, which can be transformed from twin-overtwin to full-size bed, or vice versa. They can be a great choice for older siblings who do not wish to share their rooms or parents who must accommodate guests.
Storage
Depending on the style the bunk beds will provide plenty of storage for clothing and bedding. Look for designs that use shelves or drawers that are built into the structure or add standalone units on either side of the bunks. These options are particularly useful in small rooms as they maximize the space and do not make the bunks appear overcrowded or cramped.
Some manufacturers build storage into the bed like this Oeuf Perch bunk that offers two spacious storage compartments on either side of the upper loft. These designs are perfect for siblings sharing a room because each child can keep personal items close to hand while also preventing the dreaded piles of shared belongings.
In addition to drawers or shelves, other clever bunk bed designs include incorporating storage in the headboards. Baskets or bins placed at the end of the headboards allow you to reach books, making reading before bed more enjoyable. This is also a great option in shared bedrooms, as kids can keep their favorite books organized and easily accessible.
A ladder can be incorporated into the bunks. This option eliminates an extra piece of furniture, and gives it a a sleeker appearance. But, it's important to be aware that angled ladders can be more difficult for children who are younger to climb, and this kind of bunk is usually reserved for older kids or teenagers.
Bunk beds are a great option for any space, including attics or bonus rooms with unusual shapes. A custom-built bunk bed configuration is a good option for these rooms. If you're planning to build a bunk from scratch think about the height of your ceiling and the height above it. A higher ceiling can permit a loftier bunk, while a lower ceiling will limit the size of the bunk below it.
The right bunk bed for a child is contingent on their age. However, a bunk bed can also be an excellent choice for adults who want to reduce space and add some style to a guest bedroom. This elegant Max & Lily bunk is available in a variety of designs and can be divided into a twin bed or a full bed. It's a great alternative to standard furniture for bedrooms.