The Best Bunk Bed Ideas to Dress Up Your Kids' Beds

If your child is ready to move from cribs to bigger beds, pick a design that makes them feel empowered. A cactus-themed mural that you can make yourself from A Beautiful Mess is just the ticket.

Adult bunk bedroom ideas are equally appealing. Multi-functional elements like desks that are integrated into the structure, or a trundle bed under the bunks can maximize space while maintaining the modern style.

Loft Beds

Bunk beds are the perfect sleeping solution for children's rooms, primary bedrooms or guest spaces. They combine two or more beds in one unit, allowing floor space for play, study or storage. There are a variety of ways to design bunk beds. These stylish bunk bed ideas can make a unique sleeping nook, whether you choose a full-overfull configuration, a twin over twin configuration, or a loft with a desk.

The basic design of bunk beds is a good option for most families. It features a twin bed on top and a large mattress below. The lower part is free to be used for other furniture such as storage or a desk. You can also find best detachable bunk beds beds with a staircase or ladder for easy access to the top bed. Some bunk bed designs include an incline or tower for extra enjoyment.

If you're looking for a contemporary bunk bed, consider a sleek wooden platform frame that has neutral finishes which can be easily updated with patterns or pops of color. Mix it with accessories furniture and bedding that complement each other for a harmonious design. This basic bunk bed from @thejamielynnshow is dressed up for Christmas by adding a wreath and garland to make it feel fresh and festive. The bright treehouse loft from @pocketfulofpaint looks bright and cheerful in her daughter's room with an ombre rug with rainbows to complement.

If you're looking for a fun and unique bunk bed, turn to your favorite store for unique castle or playhouse styles that can be customised with curtains, murals and other embellishments. You can also look for an office loft bed that has a desk or work area beneath, which is great for adults or teens who wish to transform their bedroom into a functional workspace.

If you have lots of floor space, a bunk room built to order can provide plenty of sleeping space and play space for multiple children. A mezzanine balcony has been added above these built-in bunks in this East London home designed by Hunting for George and allows the kids to sleep high while making the floor space for play and dining.

Platform Beds

Consider bunk beds that have platforms for an elegant minimalist design that is ideal for industrial and modern homes. These kinds of bed frames eliminate the requirement for a box spring and instead provide an extremely solid base made of either solid wood or wooden slats. This can also make the bunk beds more affordable, dependent on the design. However, they might not be suitable for heavier sleepers who need a firmer mattress base.

Platform beds can be styled in a number of different ways. Some have simple headboards and footboards that give a sleek, minimal look that works well in any room. Some are equipped with storage drawers into the walls for additional functionality, which is particularly useful in small bedrooms and apartments. And some have sconces built in to each bunk for reading lights which is a great idea in a bedroom in which natural light is scarce.

If you opt for an solid-wood platform bed it could be a fantastic investment that will last for many years to come. Wood is a durable and tough material. If you decide to go with a wooden slat bunk bed it's a smart idea apply a mattress protector to keep it clean and free from mold and mildew.

Platform beds are an excellent option for saving space in smaller rooms like lofts and studio apartments. It allows the full mattress to take up less floor space, which makes it easier to maneuver around the space. And it can even make a room feel bigger by creating more open visual space.

Another benefit of platforms is that it works with nearly any mattress, including innerspring, memory foam, and hybrid. You'll need to ensure that the slats aren't too close to avoid the mattress sagging.

If you're on a budget, you can easily make your own platform bed frame 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 are worried that the slats won't be sturdy enough, you could add strengthening slats to the top. This will provide more support and stability.

Ladder Bunks

Bunk beds are a great solution for adding additional sleeping space to a small room without sacrificing the floor space. If you want a bunk bed that is as stylish as it is practical, choose one with a ladder rather than an escalator. Ladders are an excellent option to make space and also provide a safe climbing area for children of all different ages. To further ease the climb, opt for 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 if you plan on changing the layout of your room in the future, since the option of moving the ladder up to or away from the footboard or at the end of the bed provides the greatest flexibility. Ladders are available in a variety of lengths, widths, and heights depending on the size of your room.

Some children might initially be uncomfortable or uncomfortable sleeping in a bunk bed, with the top of their mattress up against their ceiling because they're not used to the feeling of a bed that's so close to overhead. It could be beneficial for them to put up a low bunk in their room, so they can become accustomed to the height and avoid any issues.

The layout of the bunk bed can influence the experience of climbing. Stairs are a step higher and often require more space to stand on than ladders. Stairs are also more difficult to move which makes them less suited to families that tend to move frequently between homes.

To ease these worries, bunk beds with ladders offer a more convenient climb. They can also be an excellent option for children who are ready to let go of their toddler-style steps for something more streamlined. This mezzanine-style bunk bed by Katharine poole features a fun beach theme. It also has an escalator to let children easily reach the top level while also creating a cozy space to read, play or studying.

Storage Bunks

Some bunk beds go further than just a space-saving feature. Beds with storage built in are an ideal addition to children's rooms. They also offer an area for children to store their belongings such as books, toys, and extra linens. Beds with desks provide a dual-purpose solution, letting children work and play in one space. Stair storage is another smart choice, combining safety with a modern design to make it easier for children to get to the top bunk, while minimizing the chance of falling.

The simple wooden bunk bed looks great in a neutral space however, you can add a fun colour, like this green shade that makes the bedroom feel cozy and fresh. A striped mattress cover and matching wall art adds even more color to the room and makes this set suitable for a boy or girl. If you're making a bunk bed to the shared space, select a dark finish to withstand frequent washing and use.

Consider adding a mezzanine over the bunk beds to create a play area if you have room that is large enough to accommodate a queen-sized bed. A lofted bedroom has a built in desk, cool balcony, and a mezzanine reading space. If your room is large enough, you can also try out the triple bunk arrangement that is suitable for kids and adults alike.

Bunks that have stairs can serve as a great storage solution for bedrooms with small spaces particularly when you design each step with drawers that are the perfect size to store bedding and other things. Here's a unique, farmhouse-style bunk bed with a natural wood trim and ladder that combines an elegant design with plenty of storage space to help kids keep their room neat and tidy.

Putting together the bunk bed with drawers is an excellent method to create a modern and sleek bunk arrangement in any child's room, no matter the style of the bedroom. This minimalist design from a DIY blogger is the perfect illustration of how the bunk bed can be used as a focal point while keeping its design in check.