The Best Bunk Bed Ideas to Dress Up Your Kids' Beds
If your child is ready to transition from cribs to bigger beds, select a style that allows them to feel confident. A DIY cactus wall mural from A Beautiful Mess will do the trick.
Bunk bedroom ideas for adults could be just as cool. Multi-functional components like a desk integrated into the structure, or trundle bed under the bunks can maximize space while maintaining an elegant look.
Loft Beds
Bunk beds are a great solution for bedrooms, whether they are for children's rooms, bedrooms for primary use or guest rooms. They blend two or three beds into a single unit and free up floor space to be used for storage, play or even study. There are a myriad of ways to dress bunk beds in a stylish way. These chic bunk bed ideas can help you create an original sleeping space, regardless of whether you select a full-overfull layout or a twin-over-twin arrangement, or a loft with desk.
The basic bunk bed design is a fantastic option for families of all sizes. It features a twin bed on top and a large mattress below. The lower part can be used for other furniture such as an office or storage. There are bunk beds with stairs or a ladder to allow you to get to the top bed. Some bunk beds come with a slide or tower for additional fun.
If you're looking for an innovative bunk bed design, think about an elegant wooden platform frame that has neutral colors which can be easily updated with patterns or pops of color. Mix it with accessories furniture and bedding that coordinates for a cohesive design. This basic bunk bed from @thejamielynnshow has been decorated to celebrate Christmas with a wreath and garland to make it appear festive and fresh. This bright treehouse loft from @pocketfulofpaint is bright and cheerful in her daughter's bedroom with a rainbow-colored ombre rug.
Visit your local store to find a castle or playhouse style bunk bed that you can customize with curtains, murals, and other accessories. There's also a study loft with a desk or workspace underneath. This is perfect for teens and adults who wish to turn their bedroom into a useful workspace.
If you have plenty of floor space and a bunk room designed according to your specifications will offer enough sleeping and play space for several children. A mezzanine balcony has been constructed above the built-in beds in this East London house designed by Hunting For George. This lets the children sleep high up while still having plenty of floor space for eating and playing.
Platform Beds
Consider bunk beds with platforms to create an elegant minimalist design that is ideal for industrial and modern homes. These bed frames don't require a box spring, but instead offer a sturdy base composed of solid wood or wooden slats. This can also make the bunk beds more affordable, depending on their design. They may not be suitable for larger sleepers who require a more firm base.
Platform beds are simple to style in a variety of ways. Some have simple headboards and footboards for minimalist, sleek design that is suitable for any room. Some are equipped with storage drawers into them for added functionality, which is especially useful in small bedrooms and apartments. Some have sconces built into each bunk to provide reading light which is a great idea for bedrooms where natural lighting is limited.
Solid-wood platform beds are an excellent investment. They will last for a long time. Wood is a durable and resistant material. And if you go with a wooden slat bunk bed, it's a smart idea to apply a mattress protector to keep it clean and free of mold and mildew.
Platform beds are a great option to save space in smaller rooms like lofts and studio apartments. It allows for a full-size mattress to be placed in a smaller space on the floor, making it easier to move around the space. And it can even make a room appear larger by creating a more spacious visual space.
Another advantage of platforms is that it can work with almost any type of mattress including innerspring, memory foam, and hybrid. But, you must ensure that the slats aren't too close to each other to prevent the mattress from sliding as time passes.
If you're budget-conscious you can build your own bed frame for your platform at home. All you require is a basic wood or metal bed frame and plywood sheets cut to the size of the mattress. Attach the slats using wood glue, a nail gun or screws. If you're worried about the slats not being sturdy enough, put an additional layer of reinforcing slats to provide more support and stability.
Ladder Bunks
Bunk beds can be excellent options for adding extra sleeping space to an area that isn't big enough to sacrifice the floor space. Pick a bunk bed that has an incline instead of a staircase for a stylish and practical design. Ladders are a great way to save space and also provide a safe climbing space for children of all age groups. To make it easier to climb you can choose an angled ladder with hand holes that kids grab onto to pull themselves up to bed.
A bunk with a ladder is also ideal if you plan on changing the layout of your room in the near future, since the option to move the ladder up to or away from the footboard or the end of the bed gives ultimate flexibility. Ladders are available in a variety of sizes, widths and lengths to fit your particular space such as twin-over-twin, twin over full queen-over-queen and many more.
Some children may feel uncomfortable initially, as they're not used to a bed that is so close to their ceiling. For children like this, it may be helpful to set up in a room that has an un-level bunk so that they have a chance to become comfortable with the size of their bed and avoid any issues.
The layout of the bunk bed may also affect the climbing experience. Stairs add more steps and usually require more standing space than ladders. Stairs are also more difficult to reposition and move around, making them less suitable for families who move between homes frequently.
To help ease these concerns bunk beds with ladders offer an easier climb. They can also be ideal for bunkbedsstore children who are willing to let go of their toddler-style steps and opt for something more streamlined. This mezzanine bunk bed by Katharine Poole features a fun beach house theme and uses a ladder to allow children to reach the top of the stairs quickly while also creating a cozy spot to read, study or playing.
Storage Bunks
There are many kinds of bunk beds that go a step above simply securing floor space. Beds with storage built in are a great option for kids' rooms. They also offer a place for children to store items such as books or toys, as well as other linens. Beds with desks are an ideal solution that lets children work and play in the same room. Stair storage is another smart choice, combining safety with innovative design to make it easier for children to get to the top bunk while minimizing the danger of falling.
A simple wood bunk bed is a great option for a neutral bedroom or you could opt to make it more attractive by adding a fun shade, like this green hue that makes the room appear fresh and cozy. This set of bunk beds is suitable for both girls and boys. It comes with the mattress cover in a striped pattern, matching wall art, and a striped headboard. If you're making a bunk set to be used in an area that is shared by children choose a dark finish that will endure the rigors of regular washing and use.
If you're working with an area that is larger enough to accommodate a queen-sized mattress you could consider adding a mezzanine level above the bunks to create a fantastic play area. Here, a lofted room features a built-in desk, mezzanine reading nook. If your room is tall enough, you can test a triple bunk arrangement for kids and adults alike.
Bunks with stairs can double as a great storage solution for bedrooms with small spaces, especially when you design each stairway with drawers that are the ideal size for storing bedding and other items. Here, a unique farmhouse bunk with a natural wood ladder and trim blends an elegant design with plenty of storage for children to keep their rooms clean and organized.
Whatever the style of the room is, a bunk bed that has storage drawers can be an excellent addition to any child's bedroom. This minimalist design by a DIY blogger is the perfect example of how the bunk bed can be used as a focal point while keeping its style in check.