Space Savers: Bunking in Style
Good Design and a Sense of Fun Take Bunk Beds to New Heights
Whether you are outfitting your summer cabin or beach house to maximize the guests you can fit, trying to utilize the most space in your own children's bedrooms, or dreaming of ways to make your college dorm bunks seem less institutional — go vertical. Anyone who has slept in a bunk bed can attest to how much fun it is. With the summer visiting season on its way, here are some ways to maximize sleeping space and living room, too.
Build them in. Simple built-in bunk beds with uniform wood, with simple unadorned bedding, and thoughtful lighting is appropriate for adults or mature teenagers sharing a room. The grown up color scheme of grays and purple asks that occupants be respectful of the space and each other.
Create mini rooms. A more elaborate structure that creates four mini rooms with stairs, dedicated wall lights, shelving niches and elaborate detailing can only be done in a large enough room with tall ceilings. The large gray painted structure takes on architectural identity in its scale. The red mirror adds a little punch.
Individualize each space. A smaller space and free standing furniture still allows for individualization. Decals with quotes for each sleeping bed, wood paneled wall with a tree shaped coat hanger create a cabin-retreat vibe without being too overt.
More decals and bright decorations enliven the space and make this bedroom feel less like a dormitory.
Create activity zones. By stacking the beds, a separation of sleep and study can be created using each zone for a specific function and not giving up too much square footage for either.
One of my favorite uses for a bunk bed is the lofted-bed-plus-desk combination. This works really well in the dorm where you don't necessarily want to sleep under/over a new roommate. Each occupant gets his own sleeping and working space.
Connect two bunks. An L-shaped bunk-bed configuration is an interesting way to fit even more sleepers in a smaller room.
Theme it. Don't be afraid to have fun with the idea and pick a theme. Wouldn't this nautical theme be terrific in either a beach house or a children's room? The round windows function as portholes.
Add a little adventure. A green forest-inspired room would work well in a mountain cabin retreat or a child's room.
Make it fun. Indulgent parents might even allow slides in lieu of ladders to promote bunking.
Here's a funny reinterpretation of the ladder for a very creative household.
Next: More Ideas for Bunking Up
Browse: Bunk beds in our products section
Next: More Ideas for Bunking Up
Browse: Bunk beds in our products section
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