How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design

Bunk beds are a fun option for a shared kids' bedroom or a guest room. They can also add storage and make a space feel bigger.

Some bunk beds come with ladders that Fenton claims are more comfortable to climb than stairways. Others have trundles at the bottom for extra sleepovers. Some bunks are able to accommodate twin XL and full mattresses, making them ideal for older children and adults.

1. Keep It Simple

A bunk bed does not have to be the feature in the room; in fact, it's more beneficial to use it as a background piece which allows other elements such as storage, artwork and other furniture to take center stage. This simple bunk designfeaturing beds with headboards that match and footboards -is a great illustration.

Many bunk beds are built as part of the wall, which makes them feel less like an accessory and more of a permanent fixture in the room. But even though built-in bunks look stunning, you can still find stunning freestanding designs. This one is constructed out of wood, but it utilizes pipe fittings to build the ladder and railing. You can build similar structures using Single Socket Tee, Flange Elbow and 90 Degree Elbow fittings from Kee Klamp.

Bunk beds are a great solution for a shared bedroom, especially if you have a small home. Consider a staggered bed design that lets two people sleep on the top bunk, yet allows plenty of space below for storage, play, and study. This l-shaped bunk bed for instance, offers plenty of space under the bed and also offers roomy enough nooks for each kid to set up a side table -- something that may not work as well with standard built-in bunk beds.

2. Adding Extra Storage

If you're creating your own bunk beds or settling on a pre-built alternative, clever storage solutions can turn your sleeping space into a highly functional and stylish room. These useful additions include stair-side cabinets that offer a handy storage space for clothes and other items without compromising the visual appeal of a bunk bed, and wall-mounted shelves that are ideal for storing books, toys, and decorative items.

Drawers that fit under the frame are another great way to add more storage to a bunkbed. These compartments are small enough to house out-of-season clothes, bedding or even blankets and books. They're also hidden from view, they won't hinder the design of the bedroom.

Consider models that have a desk built into the bottom bunk, if you want your bunk bed to be even more efficient. This is a great idea for bedrooms for teenagers and also works in small rooms. If you're a bit not able to find enough desk space, consider installing a freestanding table near the bunks, to provide an additional area to work and study. You can also opt for a staggered bed that allows three children to be accommodated in a compact space by placing two twin beds above the size of a bed.

3. The addition of a workstation

Bunk beds are great for both children and adults. Bunk beds can be a great way to save space and bring a sense of fun to your space. You can personalize your bunk bed to suit the design of your bedroom by making some simple changes.

One of the best childrens bunk beds advantages of bunk beds is that they can easily be used as a workstation or desk. This is an excellent option for kids that are getting into school age and require a place to work or study. A lot of bunk beds have a built-in desk, so all you have to do is take it out when your child needs to complete some work, and then put it away when they're done.

Consider using a Kee Klamp Kit to add a modern workspace to your bunk bed. This rustic-style bunk bed features a twin over queen loft bed, with a black ladder and an integrated workstation underneath, complete with an entire length desk, a wood-look divider and convenient shelving.

4. Create a Princess Themed Bed

Bunk beds are a great option for a bedroom for a child regardless of whether they're intended for guests or siblings. Since they are often the focal point of the room, you'll want them to be attractive. To ensure that your bunks fit into the space and aesthetic of the rest of your bedroom Begin by measuring your space and determining the best deals on bunk beds dimensions you can achieve. Make sure to take into account the height of the ceiling particularly when you have children who will be using the top bunk. This can be risky, particularly if there is an overhead fan in the vicinity.

Many of our favorite bunk beds can be made into two beds to meet the growing needs of your child. This twin-over-full bed for instance, comes with a simple, sturdy build and four different colors for the finish making it easy to find one that is compatible with your kids' room's decor.

If you want a bunk that is both fun and functional look into this twin-over-full version with a slide built in. You can put a trundle on the bottom for sleepovers, or simply use the upper bunk as an entertainment center with an adjustable TV stand that can be pulled out. The solid wood construction and timeless design ensures that this bunk will look great even after your children are tweens and teens, too.

5. Keep It Neutral

Bunk beds are the perfect opportunity to design a room that's both functional and kid-friendly and one of the most effective ways to do this is to keep your colors neutral. This bunk bed is a blend of traditional and modern components, in neutral shades such as gray, white and blue. It will not date with your child's age. It also has a drawer underneath the lower bunk that can be used as an extra twin trundle bed for sleepovers which makes it an ideal option for a shared bedroom for two children.

Pastels are a fantastic choice for bunk rooms, because they give you the pleasure of color but still keep things cool and stylish. Kelly Hartley from Hartley Home designed this bunk room with a mix of pale greens, smokey grays, and cloud whites to give the beds a serene appearance. The bedding that is in the same color scheme can be used to bring the room together. Kids (and parents) alike will love the design.

It's important to think about how you'll make use of the space when selecting a bunkbed. Choose a loft bed with chairs and a desk built in underneath to give your children's beds a more sophisticated look. This classic wood bunk by @bluedreamslady also has a storage compartment that's big enough to hold extra books and toys.

6. Adding a Pop of Color

Many kids' bunk bed designs are geared for toddlers and elementary school-aged children, but it doesn't mean that adults shouldn't too benefit from this space-saving solution. A best bunk beds for teenagers bed is a fantastic option for a sophisticated adult's bedroom, particularly if the design is toned down and has a minimal color scheme. This West Elm x Pottery Bar modern-day mid-century twin bed would look great in a neutral bedroom with lots of white and natural wood furnishings.

Bunk beds work in any room, including attics and bonus rooms with slanted ceilings. Marnie Custom Homes' custom-built design is best wooden bunk beds for rooms that have an odd shape. However DIY solutions can be attractive. Pick a bunk bed made to order with railings that are designed to protect you from bruises and bumps while climbing the stairs.

A bunk bed can be used to create an exciting theme for a child's bedroom. Create a forest hideout for girls or boys by incorporating trees and woodland creatures, or add some bright color with a nautical look. A Scandi-inspired bunk bed can appear sleek and modern in the shades of grey, blue, and white, as you can see in this stunning new holiday home by Georgina Jeffries.

7. Mixing It Up

Bunk beds aren't just intended for kids' rooms. A modern bunk bed is an ideal option for a bedroom that is designed for adults.

When you choose the right bunk bed for your space, take into consideration the overall aesthetic of the room. Pick from a variety of styles, such as bohemian, classic and coastal. Take the time to select the one that best bunk beds for teens fits your style. Play around with the design of your room and see how you can incorporate the bunk bed into your room.

If you have a queen-over-queen bunk bed, put an upholstered bench at the bottom of the lower mattress. This will create a cozy space to read or relax and will help separate the two beds visually.

A staircase can be used to make your bunk beds look less juvenile. This instantly gives your room a more elegant appearance and is a safe choice for older children. You can also decorate the staircase to match the theme of your child's room like this nautical bedroom by Raili Clasen.