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

If your child is ready to move from cribs to bigger beds, choose a style that makes them feel empowered. A DIY cactus wall art from A Beautiful Mess will do the trick.

Bunk bedroom ideas for adults could be just as cool. Multi-functional elements like desks that are integrated into the structure, or a trundle bunk beds can maximize space and maintain an elegant look.

Loft Beds

Bunk beds are the ideal solution for bedrooms, whether they're for children's rooms, primary bedrooms, or guest rooms. They combine two or three beds into one unit, and free up floor space to be used for storage, play or even study. There are a myriad of ways to design bunk beds. If you choose traditional full-over-full or a twin-over-twin arrangement, or a loft bed that has desk, these elegant bunk bed ideas can help you create a one-of-a-kind sleeping nook.

The basic design of bunk beds is a good choice for most families. It features the twin bed on top and a mattress of a full size below. The lower part is free to be used for other furniture such as a desk or storage. You can also find bunk beds that have an incline or ladder for easy access to the top bed. Some bunk bed designs have a slide or tower for additional excitement.

If you're looking for a contemporary idea for bunk beds, you can consider a wooden platform frame with a clean line and neutral finishes. This frame is easily updated with colors or patterns. Mix it with accessories furniture and bedding that coordinates for a cohesive appearance. This simple bunk beds usa bed, from @thejamielynnshow, has been dressed up with a wreath to make it a festive and fresh. The bright treehouse loft designed by @pocketfulofpaint is bright and cheerful in her daughter's bedroom with a rainbow-ombre rug.

Visit your local retailer to find a playhouse or castle style bunk bed that can be customized by adding curtains, murals, and other decorations. You can also look for a study loft bed with an office or desk underneath, which is perfect for adults or teens who wish to transform their bedroom into an efficient workspace.

If you have lots of floor space and a custom-built bunk space can provide plenty of sleeping space and play space for a number of 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 enough floor space for dining and playing.

Platform Beds

For a sleek, modern style that is perfect for modern homes and industrial-style apartments look into best bunk beds that have a platform. These bed frames do not require a box spring, but instead offer a sturdy base made of solid wood or wooden slats. Based on the design, this could also make these beds more affordable. However, they may not be ideal for those who are heavier and require a more solid mattress base.

Platform beds are easy to decorate in a variety ways. Some beds have simple feetboards and headboards, giving them a minimalist, sleek look. They are suitable for any room. Others have built-in storage drawers for added functionality that's particularly useful in smaller bedrooms and apartments. Some bunk beds have reading lights built into the bunk, which is ideal for a room with limited natural light.

Solid-wood platform beds are a great investment. They can last for a long time. Wood is also a durable material that can resist scratches and dent. If you choose to purchase a wooden slat bunk, it's a smart idea to apply a mattress protector to keep it looking clean and free of mildew and mold.

Since the platform bed doesn't come with a box spring, it's also an excellent option for reducing space in smaller rooms like lofts and studio apartments. It allows for the full mattress to occupy less area on the floor, making it easier to maneuver around the room. And it can even make a room seem larger by creating more open visual space.

A platform bed can be utilized with any mattress. This includes hybrid, innerspring and memory foam. But, you must ensure that the slats don't sit too close together to stop the mattress from sagging over time.

If you're budget-conscious, you can easily make your own platform bed frame at home. You will need a basic wood or metal bed frame, and plywood sheets cut according to the size of your mattress. Then simply attach the slats to the frame with wood glue and nail gun or screws. If you're concerned about the slats' strength not being enough, put an additional layer of reinforced slats over them to increase support and stability.

Ladder Bunks

Bunk beds are an ideal solution to add more sleeping space in small rooms without having to sacrifice the floor space. If you want a bunk bed that is as stylish as it is practical, go for one with a ladder rather than an escalator. Ladders are a great option to make space and also provide a safe climbing space for children of all ages. To make climbing easier you can choose an angled ladder that has hand hole cutouts that help children grasp onto the ladder to get themselves into the bed.

Ladders are available in a variety of lengths, widths and heights that can be adapted to the space you have in mind. Ladders are available in a variety of lengths, widths and heights to accommodate your specific room including twin-over full, twin-over-twin queen-over-queen, and more.

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 sensation of a bed that's so close overhead. For these kids, it can be beneficial to set up in a room that has an un-level bunk so that they have a chance to get used to the height of their new bed and avoid any problems.

The layout of the bunk bed could also impact the experience of climbing. Stairs add more steps and often require more space for standing than ladders. Stairs can also be more difficult to move, making them less suitable for families who tend to move homes often.

To ease these worries bunk beds with ladders can offer a more convenient climb. They also make a great option for older children who are willing to let go of their toddler-style steps and opt for something more streamlined. This mezzanine-style bunk bed by Katharine poole features a fun beach theme. It also has a staircase to let kids easily climb to the top level while also creating a cozy space for playing, reading or studying.

Storage Bunks

Some bunk beds go above simply storing space. Beds with storage built in are a great addition to children's rooms. They also provide an area for children to store their belongings such as books or toys, as well as other linens. Beds with desks provide the possibility of having two purposes, letting children play and work in one room. Stair storage is an excellent choice that combines safety and innovative design in order to make it easier for kids to climb up the bunk.

A basic wooden bunk bed works well in an uncluttered bedroom or you can opt to dress it up with an exciting shade, like this green shade that makes the room feel fresh and cozy. A striped mattress cover and wall art that matches will add more color to the space which makes this bunk set ideal for both girls and boys. If you're creating a bunk set for an area that is shared by children choose dark-colored finishes that can be able to withstand regular washing and use.

You could consider adding a mezzanine to the bunk beds to create a great play area if you have a big space that can accommodate a queen-sized bed. A lofted bedroom has a built in desk, a cool balcony and a mezzanine reading spot. If your space is large enough, you could consider an arrangement of three bunk beds for children and adults.

Bunks with stairs are an ideal storage solution for small spaces, particularly when they have drawers that are sufficient to store bedding and other things. This unique farmhouse bunk with a natural wood ladder and trim combines an elegant look with plenty of storage space for children to keep their space tidy and neat.

No matter what the style of the room is, a bunk bed that has storage drawers can be a great addition to any child's bedroom. This minimalist design by a DIY blogger is a perfect example of how a bunk bed can serve as an accent piece while keeping its style in control.