Bunk beds are an excellent idea for your children’s room, especially if you have two kids who are sharing the same space. Not only will your kids adore their new bunk beds (such a fun addition to their bedrooms), but you will also love the fact that these beds are space-saving and functional too. Bunk beds also make it possible to create additional storage solutions below or next to the bed unit.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re looking for bunk bed ideas.
1. Get an Understanding of the Space Available
Typically, a bunk bed has a footprint of around 6 feet by 3 feet. You should know where to place the bed in the room for optimal utilisation of the space available. Should the ladder be on the left or the right side? If there is a ceiling fan in the room, is it far enough so that your child will not inadvertently get hurt if the fan is rotating? There should be enough space on the top bunk so that your child can sit up comfortably without bumping against the ceiling.
2. Extra Storage or Trundle Bed Below
If your kids have friends over for sleepovers often, a trundle bed below the lower unit is a handy idea. A trundle bed is essentially an additional bed on wheels, like a drawer, that you can roll out when needed. You can also use the space below the bed for storage drawers, or add an extra storage unit at the foot or head of the bed so your kids can store books for bedside reading. 
3. Plan the Lighting Well
Does your child like to read or work in bed? Then plan for a reading light for each bed, which can be turned on or off from the bed. If your little one is afraid of the dark, then a night lamp in any corner of the room is a good idea. Look for a lamp in the shape of a castle, planets or star for example, and you can ensure they have the most peaceful dreams ever.
4. Keep Your Child’s Safety in Mind
Whatever may be the material you use, the construction of the bunk beds should be stable and sturdy so that your little ones are safe. Make sure that the upper bed has safety rails on the side to prevent falls. Over the long run, wood-framed beds are longer lasting than metal beds. Also, do ensure that corners and edges are not sharp so that your children don’t hurt themselves. 
5. Sustainable Design
Children grow up all too soon, so it makes sense to design your bunk beds in such a way that you can dismantle them to create two adult side-by-side beds, suitable for later use. Also, do make sure that the material you use is durable and environmentally friendly. The paint or laminate you pick should also be non-toxic and child-friendly.
6. Bunk Bed with Steps Instead of a Ladder
Most bunk beds use a ladder to access the top bunk, simply because it is the most space-saving and economical design. If you do have enough space in the room, however, you can create steps along one side. These will make it easier for your child to climb up and down. You could even plan for drawers below each step if you want additional storage.
7. Bunk Beds That Double up as a Play Area
You can get as creative as you like with your kids’ room, and this imaginative bunk bed is a case in point. You could install a slide so your kids can slide down to the ground. You could cordon off each bed with side flaps creating private play spaces. Or you could create a mini-basketball area for your little LeBron by installing hoops on the side of the bed. Make sure that you plan for drawers below the lower bed for toys and extra storage.
8. Fitted Bunk Beds with Storage
This neat end-to-end fitted solution has two bunk beds with storage units and drawers alongside the entire length of the wall. Great for a room with not a lot of space.
9. Bunk Beds with a Desk and Storage Below
You can also design the bed so that the study desk and storage are tucked neatly below, leaving the rest of the room free for your child to do his own thing. Consider having hooks on one side so that your child can hang up school bags or baskets. 
Your child’s room needs careful planning, and a lot of creativity and ingenuity to get it just right! Bunk beds will free up the room so your kids can have all the space they need to have fun. Need help? The HomeLane team is always around to give you customised ideas, thoughtful designs and on-time delivery.
