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

If your child is ready to move from cribs to bigger beds, select a style that makes them feel empowered. A DIY cactus wall mural from A Beautiful Mess is just the solution.

Adult bunk bedroom ideas are equally appealing. Multi-functional elements like a desk integrated into the structure, or a trundle bunk beds can maximize space while maintaining a modern look.

Loft Beds

Bunk beds are the perfect sleeping solution for kids ' rooms, primary bedrooms or guest spaces. They can combine two or more beds in one unit, which frees up floor space for study, play or storage. There are a myriad of ways to dress bunk beds in a stylish way. If you choose a classic full-over-full version or a twin-over-twin arrangement, or a loft bed that has desk, these chic bunk bed ideas will help you create an unique sleeping space.

The basic design of bunk beds is an excellent option for families with children. It features the twin bed on top and a large mattress below. The lower level is free to be used for other furniture such as an office or storage. There are also bunk beds that have an incline or ladder for easy access to the top bed. Some childrens bunk bed beds come with a slide or a tower to provide additional excitement.

If you're looking for a modern idea for bunk beds, consider a wooden platform frame with an elegant design and neutral finishes. The frame is easily updated with colorful patterns or pops of color. You can pair it with matching bedding and accent furniture to create a cohesive look. This basic bunk bed, from @thejamielynnshow is decorated with a wreath to make it fresh and festive. This colorful treehouse loft by @pocketfulofpaint is bright and cheerful in her daughters' bedroom with a rainbow-colored ombre rug.

If you're looking for a fun and unique bunk bed, turn to your preferred store for unique castle or playhouse styles that can be customised with curtains, murals and other embellishments. There's also a study loft that has a desk or workspace beneath. This is ideal for adults and teens who want to turn their bedroom into a useful workspace.

If you have plenty of floor space and a custom-built bunk space will offer plenty of sleeping 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, allowing the kids to sleep high while leaving the floor space for play and dining.

Platform Beds

Consider childrens bunk bed beds that have platforms for contemporary minimalist designs that are perfect for industrial apartments and contemporary homes. These types of bed frames eliminate the requirement for a box spring and instead provide a sturdy base that consists of solid wood or slats of wood. This makes bunk beds less expensive, depending on their design. However, they might not be the best choice for people who sleep heavier and require more firm mattress bases.

Platform beds can be styled in a number of different ways. Some beds have simple headboards and feetboards that give them a minimalist, sleek design. They work well in any room. Some come with storage drawers built into them for added utility, which is useful in small apartments and bedrooms. Some have sconces built into each bunk for reading lights which is a great idea in a bedroom where the natural light isn't abundant.

Solid-wood platform beds are a good investment. They can last for a long time. Wood is also a durable material that can resist scratches and dent. If you opt for a wooden slatbed bed the mattress cover will help keep it clean and free of mildew and mold.

Since a platform bed doesn't have a box spring, it's also an excellent option for reducing space in smaller spaces like lofts and studios. It allows the full mattress to occupy less space on the floor, which makes it easier to maneuver around the room. It also makes the room appear larger by creating a larger visual space.

A platform bed can be used with any mattress. This includes innerspring, hybrid, and memory foam. You'll need to ensure that the slats don't come too close to avoid the mattress from sagging.

If you're on a tight budget you can build your own bed frame for your platform at home. You'll need a basic wood or metal bed frame, as well as plywood sheets cut to the size of your mattress. Join the slats with wood glue or a nail gun, or screws. If you're concerned that the slats' durability not being enough, you can add a layer of reinforced slats over them to provide more support and stability.

Ladder Bunks

Bunk beds can be an ideal solution to add extra sleeping space to a small room without sacrificing the floor space. Select a bunk bed with a ladder instead of a staircase for a stylish and functional design. Ladders are a minimal space on the floor and provide the safety of climbing for kids of all different ages. Choose an angled ladder that includes hand holes to allow children to grab onto and climb up to the bed.

A bunk with a ladder is also suitable if you intend on rearranging the room's layout in the future, as 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 come in different lengths, widths, and heights based on the dimensions of your room.

Some kids might initially feel uncomfortable or uneasy sleeping in a bunk bed, with the mattress's head up against their ceiling as they're naive to the feeling of having a bed so close to the 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 adjust to the high of their new bed and avoid any issues.

The design of a bunk bed may also impact the climbing experience with stairs adding more steps to the climb, and usually needing more space to stand than a ladder. Stairs are also more difficult to move, which makes them less suitable for families who tend to move homes often.

To alleviate these concerns the bunk beds that have ladders can offer the convenience of climbing. They can also be a great option for older children who are willing to give up their toddler-style steps for something more compact. This mezzanine-style childrens bunk beds bed by Katharine poole is a great choice with a lively beach theme and features an escalator to allow children to easily reach the top, while providing a cozy area for playing, reading or studying.

Storage Bunks

Some bunk beds go beyond just saving space. Beds with built-in storage are a practical touch for kids rooms, and also give children a space to store items like books, toys and other linens. Beds with desks are a perfect option for kids who want to work and play in the same 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 danger of falling.

The simple wood bunk bed looks great in a neutral room, but you can also add a fun colour, like this green shade that makes the bedroom feel comfortable and fresh. This bunk set is suitable for both boys and girls. It comes with a striped mattress cover as well as wall art to match, and a headboard with stripes. If you are making a bunk bed to a shared room, choose dark to withstand the rigors of washing and use.

If you have an area that is larger enough to accommodate a queen-sized mattress, consider installing a mezzanine floor above the bunks to create an epic play area. A lofted bedroom comes with an integrated desk, cool balcony, and a mezzanine reading space. If your space is tall enough, you can also consider an arrangement of three bunk beds for adults and kids alike.

Bunks that have stairs are a great storage solution for small spaces, particularly when they have drawers that are the right size to store bedding and other items. Here, a unique farmhouse bunk with natural wood ladder and trim blends an elegant look with plenty of storage space for children to keep their rooms clean and organized.

Whatever the style of the room is, a bunk bed with storage drawers can be an ideal feature for any bedroom for a child. This minimalist design from an DIY blogger is a great example of how a bunk bed can serve as a focal point while keeping its style in control.