The Best Bunk Bed Ideas to Dress Up Your Kids' Beds
When little ones are ready to transition from cribs to big kid beds choose a style that makes them feel empowered. A DIY cactus wall mural from A Beautiful Mess will do the trick.
Ideas for adult bunk bedrooms are equally appealing. Multi-functional elements such as desks built into the structure or trundle beds beneath the bunks allow you to maximize space while maintaining a clean, modern look.
Loft Beds
Bunk beds are the perfect sleeping solution for kids ' rooms as well as guest bedrooms and primary spaces. They can combine two or more beds into one unit, freeing up floor space for study, play or storage. There are a variety of ways to design bunk beds. Whether you opt for a classic full-over-full version or a twin-overtwin configuration, or a loft bed that has desk, these chic bunk bed designs will help you design an unique sleeping space.
The basic design of bunk beds is an excellent choice for most families. It has the standard twin on top and a large mattress below and leaves the lower bed free for other furniture like an office or storage. You can find bunk beds that come with stairs or a ladder to allow you to get to the top bed. Some bunk bed designs have an incline or tower for more excitement.
If you're looking for an innovative bunk bed, consider a clean-lined wooden platform frame with neutral colors that are easily updated with patterns or pops of color. Combine it with bedding and furniture for a cohesive style. This basic bunk bed from @thejamielynnshow can be decorated for Christmas by adding a wreath and garland to make it look fresh and festive. This bright treehouse loft from @pocketfulofpaint is bright and cheerful in her daughter's bedroom, with a rainbow-colored rug.
Shop at your favorite store to find a playhouse or castle style bunk bed that you can personalize with curtains, murals and other embellishments. You can also look for an office loft bed that features an office or desk beneath, which is great for teens or adults who want to convert their bedroom into a functional workspace.
If you have lots of floor space and a custom-built bunk space will offer plenty of sleeping and play space for several children. A mezzanine balcony was constructed above the built-in beds in this East London house designed by Hunting For George. This allows children to be up high, while still having plenty of floor space for dining and playing.
Platform Beds
For a sleek, modern style that is perfect for modern homes and industrial spaces look into bunk beds that have a platform. These types of bed frames do away with the requirement for box springs, instead offering solid foundations made of either solid wood or wooden slats. Depending on best budget bunk beds , this may also make these beds more affordable. They may not be appropriate for heavier sleepers that need a firmer base.
Platform beds are simple to decorate in a variety ways. Some beds feature simple feetboards and headboards that give them a minimalist, sleek design. They are suitable for any room. Some come with storage drawers built in for extra functionality, which is especially useful in smaller bedrooms and apartments. And some have sconces that are built into the bunks for reading light which is a great idea in a bedroom where natural lighting is limited.
If you choose to buy a solid wood platform bed, it could be a fantastic investment that will last for many years to come. Wood is a strong and abrasive material. If you choose to purchase a wooden slat bunk bed it's a smart idea to use a mattress protector to keep it looking clean and free from mildew and mold.
Since platforms don't have a box spring, it's a great space-saving option for smaller spaces like lofts and studios. It allows the full mattress to be used up in less floor space, which makes it easier to maneuver around the space. It can even make a room appear larger by creating a more spacious visual space.
A platform bed can be used with any mattress. This includes hybrid, innerspring, and memory foam. However, you'll want to make sure the slats aren't too close together to prevent the mattress from sagging as time passes.
If you're on a budget you can easily build your own platform bed frame at home. All you need is a basic metal or wood bed frame and plywood sheets cut to the size of the mattress. Attach the slats to the frame using wood glue as well as a nail gun or screws. If you're concerned about the slats' strength not being enough, add the reinforcing slats to provide more support and stability.
Ladder Bunks
Bunk beds are excellent options for adding additional sleeping space to an area that isn't big enough to sacrifice the floor space. Pick a bunk bed that has ladder instead of staircase for a chic and practical design. Ladders take up minimal space on the floor and provide an enjoyable and safe climbing experience for kids of all age groups. To make it easier to climb you can choose an angled ladder that has hand hole cutouts that help kids grab onto to climb up into bed.

A bunk with a ladder is also ideal for rearranging the room's layout in the future, as the option to move the ladder up or away from the footboard or at the end of the bed allows for the greatest flexibility. Ladders come in a variety of lengths, widths, and heights to suit your particular room including twin-over full, twin-over-twin queen-over-queen, and more.
Some children may feel uncomfortable initially, as they're not used to having beds that are sits close to their ceiling. For these kids, it can be helpful to set up an area with an un-level bunk so that they have a chance to become comfortable with the size of their bed and avoid any potential issues.
The design of a bunk bed could also impact the climbing experience by adding steps to the climb and often require more space for standing than a ladder. Stairs are also more difficult to move which makes them less ideal for families that move between homes frequently.
To help ease these concerns, bunk beds with ladders can offer an easier climb. They can also be ideal for children who are ready to let go of their toddler-style steps and opt for something that is more simple. This mezzanine style bunk bed from Katharine poole features a fun beach theme and uses stairs that let kids easily climb to the top of the bed while creating a cozy space for playing, reading or studying.
Storage Bunks
There are many kinds of bunk beds that go one step beyond just securing space on the floor. Beds with built-in storage are a practical touch for kids rooms, and also give children a place to stash things like books, toys, and other linens. Beds with desks offer the possibility of having two purposes, letting children play and work in the same room. Storage on the stairs 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.
The simple wooden bunk bed is a great choice for a neutral room, but you can also make it more attractive by adding a fun colour, like this green shade that makes the bedroom feel comfortable and fresh. This set of bunk beds is suitable for both girls and boys. It comes with an upholstered mattress cover with stripes as well as wall art to match, and a striped headboard. If you are making a bunk bed to an area that is shared, pick dark colors to withstand the rigors of washing and use.
If you're working with an area that is larger enough to accommodate a queen-sized mattress Consider adding a mezzanine above the bunks to create a fantastic play area. A lofted room includes a built-in desk cool balcony, and mezzanine reading space. If your space is large enough, you can try a triple bunk bed arrangement for children and adults.
Bunks with stairs can double as a handy storage solution for small bedrooms particularly if you design each stair with drawers that are a perfect size for storing bedding and other items. Here's a unique farmhouse-style bunk bed that has natural wood trim and ladder that blends a classic design with plenty of storage to help kids keep their room neat and tidy.
No matter what the style of the room has, a bunk bed that has storage drawers is a great option for any child's bedroom. This minimalist design by a DIY blogger illustrates how a bunk bed can be a focal point but still keeping its style.