How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds can be a great addition to a shared kids bedroom or guest room. They can also offer extra storage space and make the room seem larger.
Some bunks have ladders (which Fenton says are easier to climb than stairs) and some even have trundles at the bottom which allow for sleepovers. Some bunks can fit twin XL mattresses and full mattresses, which makes them great for older children and adults.
1. Keep It Simple
A bunk bed doesn't need to be the main feature in the room. In fact, it's usually better to keep it as a background piece which allows other elements such as artwork, storage and other furnishings to take center stage. This simple bunk designthat includes beds with matching headboards and footboards -is a great illustration.
Many bunk beds are built into walls. This makes them appear less as an addition, and more like permanent fixtures in the room. Although built-in beds can look stunning but there are also stunning freestanding designs. This one, for instance, is made from wood but uses pipe fittings to make the ladder and railing. You can construct similar structures using the Single Socket Tee, Flange Elbow and 90 Degree Elbow fittings from Kee Klamp.
Bunk beds are an ideal option for a bedroom that is shared especially if you have an apartment that is small. To maximize space, consider the staggered style that can sleep two on the top bed, yet leaves plenty of floor space below to play, studying and storage. This l-shaped bed, for instance provides ample space beneath the lower bed. It also has enough room for each child to set up a small side table.
2. Adding Extra Storage
If you're building bunk beds from scratch or settling on a pre-built solution, innovative storage solutions can transform your sleeping space into a functional and stylish space. These handy accessories include stair-side cabinets that offer a handy storage area for clothes and other things without sacrificing the aesthetics of a bunk bed design, and shelves on the wall that are ideal for storing toys, books and other items of decor.
Drawers that can be tucked under the frame are a fantastic way to add storage space to a bunk bed. These small compartments can be used to store out-of-season clothes, bedding, or even blankets and books. And because best bunk beds for teens hidden from view, they don't hinder the design of the bedroom.
Look for models that have a desk built into the bottom bunk if you wish for your bunk bed to be more efficient. This is a great choice for bedrooms of teenagers and also works in small rooms. If you do not have enough space for a desk you can install a freestanding desk near the bunks to provide an additional place to work or study. You can also consider a staggered bunk. This is a well-liked option that allows children to sleep three people in a small space by putting two twin beds on top of an entire bottom bed.
3. Addition of a Workstation
Bunk beds aren't just for kids; they can be ideal for adults, too. Bunk beds can be a great option to reduce space and provide a fun element to your space. You can personalize your bunk bed to fit the style of your bedroom with just a few minor changes.
One of the best things about bunk beds is that they can double as a work station or desk. This is an excellent option for kids who are getting ready to go to school and require an area where they can study or complete their homework. Many bunk beds come with an integrated desk and all you need to do is roll it out when your child needs to complete some work, and then take it back to put it away when they're finished.
If you're looking for a unique method to make your bed into a bunk, consider using a Kee Klamp kit to add modern workstations to your setup. This rustic-style bunk bed features the twin over queen size loft bed that has a black ladder and a workstation beneath, which includes a full length desk, wood look divider and convenient shelving.
4. Adding a Princess-Themed Bed
Bunk beds are a great feature for any child's room regardless of whether for siblings or the occasional guest. As they're usually an important focal point in the room, you'll want them to look amazing. To make sure that your bunks fit within the space and look of the other rooms Begin by taking measurements and determining the best dimensions you'll be able to work with. Be sure to take into account the height of your ceiling, particularly if your kids will be in the top bunk since this could be risky for young children (especially when there is a ceiling fan nearby).
A lot of our favorite bunk beds can also be converted into two separate beds to meet your growing child's needs. This twin-over-full-bed is a good example. It has an easy, sturdy construction and four different finish colors which makes it easy to find one that will complement your kids' room's decor.
This twin-over-full-size bunk bed with slide is both fun and functional. You can put an trundle at the bottom for sleepovers or simply use the upper bunk as an entertainment area with a pullout TV stand. 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 offer the opportunity to create a practical and kid-friendly room. One of the easiest methods to achieve this is to keep your colour palette neutral. This bunk bed blends modern and traditional elements with neutral shades of gray, blue and white that will not be out of style as your child gets older. It has a drawer under the lower bunk that can be used to store a twin trundle that can be used for sleepovers. This is a great option for a shared room for two kids.
Pastels are perfect for bunk rooms as they can add color and excitement and keep the room stylish and cool. Kelly Hartley from Hartley Home designed this bunk room with a mix of pale greens, smokey grays, and cloud whites to create a calm appearance. Topping the beds with bedding that is similar to the color scheme makes the entire room look cohesive to create a style that children (and parents) will love.
When you're choosing a bunk bed, you need to think about how you will use the space. If you'd like your child's beds to function as a study or office area, choose the loft model with a built-in desk and chair for a smarter look. This classic wood bunk by Bluedreamslady also comes with a storage compartment that's big enough to accommodate additional books and toys.
6. A little pop of Color
The majority of bunk beds are made for children in elementary school. However adults too can benefit from this space-saving solution. A bunk bed can even work in a sophisticated adult bedroom, particularly when the design is subdued by a simple color scheme and a few accents. This West Elm x Pottery Bar modern-day mid-century twin bed would look great in a neutral bedroom with lots of natural wood and white furniture.
Bunk beds are suitable for any room, including attics or bonus rooms with slanted roofs. A custom-built-in design such as this one crafted by Marnie Custom Homes works best for rooms with a strange shape however, a DIY design can also be stylish. Make sure to select a sturdy, custom-made bunk bed with built-in railings to prevent bumps and bruises when climbing the stairs to the top.
A bunk bed is a great opportunity to decorate a kid's room around a fun theme. Make a hideaway for the forest with trees and woodland animals for girls or boys, or add some bright colors with a nautical theme. In a palette of grey, blue and white, a Scandi-inspired bed can appear sleek, modern, and stylish, as shown in the stunning new home for the holidays designed by Georgina Jeffreys.
7. Mixing It Up

While bunk beds are great for rooms for children but they don't have to be limited to that demographic. A modern bunk bed is a fantastic solution for an adult's bedroom.
Be aware of the overall appearance of the space when picking the right bunk beds. Pick from a variety of styles, such as traditional, bohemian and coastal. Make sure you select the one that best fits your personal style. Play around with the design of your room and see how you can incorporate the bunk bed into your room.
For example, if you have a queen-over-queen bunk bed, consider adding an upholstered bench at the bottom of the bed below. This will provide a space to read, relax or both. It can also help visually separate the two bunk beds.
A staircase can be used to make your bunk beds appear less juvenile. This instantly gives the room a more elegant look, and it's also a safer option for children who are older. Furthermore, you can decorate the staircase in a way that suits your child's room theme, like this nautical bedroom from Raili Clasen.