Beautiful and original ideas for arranging bunk beds
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Since additional space is of great value in modern apartments, its equipment should be approached very wisely, used not only horizontally, but also vertically. Bunk beds can add a fun and active feel to a room, while at the same time helping to compact a room and maximize space.
Bunk beds are a real boon for children's rooms, although for the safety of children in such rooms it is still better to use ordinary single-tier beds. However, they can become a real highlight for an adult room or living room. Thanks to their aesthetics and ergonomics, they can fit perfectly into any interior and can be combined with many styles and designs.
If you plan to have a bunk bed or several such beds in the room, then you should think about using shelves and drawers, which will not only artistically complement the interior design, but will also become a very convenient place to store things. The shapes, styles, designs and sizes of modern bunk beds are very diverse.
When choosing or designing a bunk bed, it is important to remember not only about maximizing space savings, but also about the shape and appearance. When it comes to a child's room, the shape of the bed is extremely important.
When choosing and equipping any furniture, and bunk beds in particular, it is worth remembering that there is no “one solution for all” principle. The main aspect of their choice is the beds’ ability to save space; at the same time, we should not forget that such an element of the interior must also fit harmoniously into it and meet the specific requirements for a children’s bedroom. An interesting way to organize a room are non-standard designs and built-in furniture sections, which are created individually for each room, taking into account its size and features.
The idea of using built-in sections of bunk beds is becoming increasingly popular not only among large families, but also for country houses and family holiday homes. Often, bunk beds add originality to a boring, ordinary interior and imbue the room with a summer atmosphere of relaxation and fun.
Popular today are both classic bunk beds with the first and second “floors”, and modernized ones - with a folding lift-up bed. Some bed designs use the space under the bottom bed as “storage” for your child’s belongings and toys. It will help keep the room perfectly clean.
In some bunk beds, in addition to storage space under the lower bed, there are also steps that can be occupied by things too. You can go even further and design an entire section with a cabinet and even a study table.
Of course, in children's rooms a well-equipped space is very important. But few children will put up with dull and boring room decor. Therefore, you can make a bunk bed not just a place to sleep and relax, but something unique and fun. A rope, a ladder, a slide, a lower bed on wheels - all this can turn an ordinary bed into a place for entertainment.
Many will say that bunk beds are not for adults. Well, maybe students in a dormitory can relax on such beds. However, today, more and more often, stylish designs of bunk beds are used in the interior of rooms for adults. For example, for two friends living in the same room, this solution will be simply ideal. And to turn such an interior element into something original and stylish, you just need to show a little imagination.
When it comes to styles and themes that suit adult rooms with bunk beds, don't forget about rustic.
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Children's bunk bed
With the arrival of their second child, his parents begin to think about an additional crib. And for a small bedroom, the most ideal option would be to buy a children's bunk bed .
Today, our domestic furniture manufacturer does not lag behind Western companies in terms of production quality. And your imagination will help you create a bunk bed of any shape - it could be a pirate ship with decks for boys, or a castle for real princess girls. And such themed beds can come in handy in a bedroom where one child is in charge. A bunk bed will help free up space for children's games. Although it itself can become a place for a child’s active recreation. In turn, this will teach children to properly organize their time, setting aside time for both sleep and children's fun.
What you should pay attention to when choosing a children's bunk bed :
- Natural materials. The bed should be environmentally friendly and made from solid wood or high quality plywood.
- Mattress made of natural fabrics and high-quality fillings.
- Second floor security. Perhaps the first thing that worries parents is that the child might fall out of the second tier of the bed while sleeping. For this purpose, there are special limiters or handrails.
- Ladder. A ladder or steps, which should not be too steep, will help your child climb up independently.
- Safe corners. In any children's room, especially where the child spends a lot of time playing, there should be no dangerous corners that he can bump into.
See you again!
DIY bunk bed for children: master class from an experienced furniture maker with photos and videos
Earlier I already told you how I made a crib. How I made a crib. Now it’s time to make a bunk bed with your own hands.
Modern apartments do not always allow you to create a spacious and comfortable space for two kids at once. Therefore, the use of this type of furniture will allow you not only to use every extra centimeter, but also to spend the saved money on other useful purchases.
And so, after studying a whole bunch of useful material, I decided to give my kids a comfortable and safe place to sleep, and to share my personal experience with you.
Types of beds
Depending on the available space, different models can be selected:
Model | Description | Photo |
Practical minimalism | Most often, this model consists of two beds, some additionally have drawers or a chest of drawers in the stairs | |
Sports facility | The second tier is complemented by a slide or wall bars with equipment: swings, rope, net, which is important for the development of boys and girls | |
High bed | Used in a small room for older children, so as not to clutter it with furniture; a variation is a bed with a pull-out tier. It has small dimensions during the day, and at night allows you to get two sleeping places | |
Bed with plenty of space | It will be useful if there are three or more children, and it is not possible to allocate a place for everyone. It is made in the form of a pull-out bed or a three-tier, more complex design with the addition of a third bed | |
Furniture transformer | Transformable bed with table. The table top slides in to make room for the bed | |
Loft bed | Some bed models are designed for one child. The second tier is used as a sleeping place, and the first serves as a work or play space. Equipped with a table or made in the form of a house, ship, tent, etc. |
Furniture that can be transformed is a godsend for small rooms, when you don’t want to turn it into a bedroom, and where it will be convenient to meet with friends and study. During the day it can be a sofa, and in the evening - two beds.
Some beds can be transformed into a wardrobe, which can significantly save useful space. The loft bed has several possible options. On the ground floor there can be a mini-dressing room, a work area, a high chest of drawers for things, etc. It is better to make a bunk bed with your own hands from wood, this material is the most environmentally friendly. Subject to high-quality assembly and welding, it can be made of metal, but in this case, the open parts of the structure must be protected with soft sheathing.
Selecting material: advantages and disadvantages
For me, the reliability and safety of the material is of great importance. For my wooden bunk bed model, I considered the following material options:
- The most reliable and durable material is solid wood. Despite all its visual appeal, it is difficult to work with such material without good skills and I had to abandon this idea.
- Lumber is much more accessible and easier to process. We select only well-dried specimens. When drying, cracks may appear, the shape may change, and even pests may appear.
- MDF is very practical to work with. Very good appearance and decent quality. There are laminated samples. For an inexperienced craftsman and in the absence of a good tool, a little advice - order sawing according to the sketch, the edges will come out much neater.
- Chipboard is useful for making some parts of the bed.
- The furniture board is attractive in appearance, but it is extremely difficult to work with.
For those who are afraid of difficulty, I’ll say right away that if you have at least some woodworking skills and hands, you will definitely succeed!
Choosing design and construction
Before starting to make a bunk bed, I had to decide on the design of the future product. After a short search, enough sketches and drawings were prepared that can be found on the Internet.
I chose from several of the most common options. The simplest in execution and almost close to the classics is the traditional model.
The advantage of this type of product is its ease of manufacture. It can be done by anyone who knows how to handle tools at least a little. A minimum number of parts and no complicated assembly steps. In addition, this model is made of wood, which is extremely important for the health of children.
If out of two children one is aged 6-9 years or a little older, or if there is not enough space in the room to install chairs, take a closer look at the model with a sofa.
If there are three kids in your house at once, pay attention to the model with drawers. They will act as stairs.
I even came across a sketch of a bed for a small group of four or more children. Of course, the process of making it is much more complicated, but the result is worth it.
If you want to fit your child's workspace and bed into a relatively small area, pay attention to the loft bed.
What should be the ideal crib?
Ideal children's furniture should have the following qualities:
- made from natural, safe materials;
- have a “breathable” design;
- have enhanced strength;
- do not have sharp corners, protrusions or other dangerous elements;
- have a smooth, polished surface to eliminate the risk of splinters and scratches;
- match the height and weight of the child;
- protect the baby from falling;
- have high functionality (in addition to the sleeping place, there are also sections for storing things).
Baby crib diagram Baby crib
Benefits of making a baby bed yourself.
- You are confident in the quality of the materials from which the crib is made, since you choose them yourself and work with them yourself. For store-bought products, this parameter is not always obvious.
- You develop the design of the bed taking into account the individual needs and characteristics of the child (if any), the dimensions and stylistic orientation of the room.
- You can independently test the strength of the bed structure during the manufacturing process and ultimately be sure that jumping on the mattress will not end in breaking the furniture.
- You save significantly if you compare the cost of a home-made bed with store prices;
- You get real pleasure by creating furniture for your son or daughter with your own hands.
How to make a children's bunk bed with your own hands
If you, like me, decided to solve the problem of sleeping places for babies on your own, I recommend taking it step by step.
I divided the entire manufacturing process into several sequential steps:
- At first, our family council worked on choosing a model, because finding a compromise between the desires of the future owners of the bed and the dad’s abilities is quite difficult.
- Prepared drawings and diagrams for making the model.
- I calculated how much and what material might be needed.
- I went to buy materials. If there are boys growing up in your family, I recommend taking them with you. My heroes, after preparing together, were looking forward to the result with special impatience.
- Prepared all the necessary tools.
- I cut out the parts according to the sketches.
- I started assembling the frame.
- Next I assembled the back, side walls, stairs and legs.
- Completed the assembly.
For his product, he paid special attention to the issue of safety: the frame is strong, the walls on the sides are very reliable, it’s easy to climb the stairs.
Preparatory stage
Before drawing up the model, I chose the place where the bed would be placed and thought about how to attach the ladder. After this, the dimensions of the model were calculated.
Important! Remember that the bed itself will be larger than the bed by 8 centimeters in length and 10 in width. Leave another 4.5 centimeters on the side of the stairs.
For safety reasons, I calculated the height correctly. It can get quite stuffy at the top. In addition, active children love to jump on the top tier of the bed. Therefore, do not make the top shelf very high.
As for the distances between the sleeping places, I left enough distance for an adult to sit at full height. I left enough space under the lower tier for children to make hiding places and store things.
My bed was designed for a room with two and a half meter ceilings. The mattresses chosen were quite dense, 20 centimeters. I prepared the length of the bed to be 1.8 centimeters, width 0.8 meters, because I plan to use the bed for a long time.
Drawings and diagrams
I prepared the drawings for my bunk bed with my own hands and very carefully. Each part and stage of work was divided into detailed drawings. I indicated the dimensions as accurately as possible, so I was pleased with the result of the finished work.
What data did you indicate in your drawings?
- what size should it be;
- a detailed diagram according to which the structure was assembled;
- how the nodes were connected;
- how exactly and in what order to assemble each part;
- what size were the parts and spare parts for fastening?
Calculation of the quantity of materials
To build the bars (slats) on which the mattress will lie, I needed a board. Its size was 1.8 centimeters by 14 centimeters. For each floor I took nine strips. This approach has paid off, and even several jumpers do not harm the structure.
Decoration of the structure
The most enjoyable part of the job is creating the decor. The classic option: saturate with stain and varnish the structure.
You can use paint of any texture, cover the legs with twine and paint the structure, imitating, for example, a ship, or apply any pattern. It all depends on the tastes and preferences of your children and your wishes.
As you can see, creating a bed with your own hands is not so difficult. I had the opportunity to experience this first hand. What is important is that quite a lot of money was saved, and I have confidence in the reliability and quality of the product.
How to make a bunk bed with your own hands
How to make a bunk bed with your own hands? A question that is relevant for residents of small apartments who want to organize sleeping places conveniently and on a budget. Not in all cases, the size of the room allows you to place several beds at once, and in this case, the best solution would be to install a bunk bed.
A bunk bed is well suited not only for children's sleep, but also fully meets the needs of adults - the main thing is to take into account the parameters of those who will use the furniture. This design can be ordered from professional furniture makers or made by yourself using the instructions. We will talk about this in more detail today.
How to make a bunk bed with your own hands
Decorating a crib for the baby's arrival
Purchasing a crib for a newborn is an important stage in arranging a little person’s room. Now happy parents are presented with many models that can satisfy any whim. And in order to combine modern design, mother’s tenderness and baby’s comfort within a child’s bed, we have collected ideas and tips on how to decorate a crib for newborns with your own hands.
Advantages and disadvantages of beds with two tiers
If you have a very small apartment or dormitory, the issue of organizing sleeping places and other areas becomes acute, especially if the whole family only has the space of one room. It is in this case that it is advisable to create a bed on two floors. So, parents can sleep on the first tier, and the child on the second.
An example of organizing a small room
By using a bunk bed you can achieve the following:
- providing a complete sleeping area for all residents;
- rational zoning of a small room;
- creating a truly unique interior with functional elements.
As experts note, such products have a large number of advantages:
- the opportunity to get additional space that can be used for personal purposes;
- beds of this type have an unusual appearance, so they will become a unique decoration for any interior;
- If you install orthopedic mattresses in such a structure, it will meet all comfort standards.
A bunk bed can be very stylish and laconic
Of course, there are certain disadvantages of such beds. For example, it is not always safe to put a small child to sleep on the top tier - in this case, it is necessary to provide strong, high sides.
In addition, the stairs must be safe. It is advisable to mount it at an angle, despite the fact that such a design will take up more space, because if it falls, you can get serious injuries. If an adult will sleep on the second tier, a “flat” staircase is quite acceptable, but for children it is better to choose the “slide” option.
Example of a bed with a safety ladder with storage drawers underneath the steps
Layout of tiers
The “floors” of the bed are located one above the other or offset to the side - then under the upper tier there is a built-in wardrobe, a child’s workplace. If there is sufficient space, the lower bunk is positioned perpendicular to the upper one - cross to cross. The two-story structure should be chosen at such a height that there is at least a meter from the top bunk to the ceiling; it would be comfortable to sit under it and tidy up the bed. The lower floor can be wide, folding, and is often home to the child’s “office.” Also, an additional part can be pulled out from under the lower cot, making the space double.
Bunk beds for two children
When children are different ages, the youngest child usually sleeps on the bottom bunk. To save space, the design is equipped with drawers under the bottom of the lower berth. If the staircase is made with spans, the boxes are located there. Compact storage spaces are also made under the upper “floor”. The bed can perform the function of zoning - on both sides of it there will be separate play areas and work areas for each of the children. If children are of different sexes, they are more than seven years old, then separate places for changing clothes should be equipped in the room.
Bunk beds for parent and child
In this case, the lower tier can be a single bed, a double bed - while the little man is small, the mother can sleep next to him. Afterwards more children will appear, the eldest will go upstairs to sleep. In another option, the child sleeps on the lower tier, the parent sleeps upstairs. In a modern small studio apartment, a family of three can fit on a two-story bed - below, on a double bed, parents, child upstairs. If it is a spacious loft bed, then the parents will be located at the top and the children at the bottom.
In large houses, where there are often many guests, a two-tier structure can be intended entirely for adults. On the lower tier, instead of a regular bed, there is a double folding sofa.
Beds with two tiers for use by one child
A loft bed is more suitable for decorating a teenager's bedroom. A big boy, a girl can easily climb up and won’t be afraid to sleep on the second “floor.” Under the plane of the bed there is a table for a computer, writing work, a built-in wardrobe for clothes, shelves for books, CDs, and souvenirs. The height of a teenage mattress should be 12-15 cm. Younger children will also be equipped with a sports and play area - a slide, tent houses, horizontal bars, and other decorations. It is advisable that the above-described parts be removed - as the baby grows, they are replaced by others.
Transformable beds
There are structures in which the height of the second “floor”, the length of both is adjustable - the crib grows with the children. In some models, one or both shelves can be raised vertically to the wall during the day - like on a train - and used for sleeping at night. The lower one will “turn” into a table or a folding narrow sofa during the daytime. If there are three children, there is an additional plane under the lower bunk. At night it pulls out, forming an additional sleeping place, during the day it “hides”; the mattress lying on it at night becomes a backrest, like on a sofa, when morning comes.
Bunk beds for children
A children's room with a bunk bed is convenient. There are several advantages. Firstly, it saves space. And it’s not always a matter of small area, although this is a common problem. After all, even in a spacious room, it is advisable to leave as much free space as possible for outdoor games and toys. Secondly, you can organize the space in a more orderly manner: make drawers at the bottom, attach or add a cabinet to the side. Thirdly, the kids like this environment. And for both girls and boys. Moreover, you can build a children’s bed with your own hands in a couple of days.
Children's room with bunk bed
What can be additionally equipped with bunk beds for teenagers
Additional options for a bunk bed can significantly increase its functionality. The work or play area can be located on the lower floor, while the second floor is reserved for sleeping. The work area contains a table and storage systems (cabinets, chests of drawers, shelves). drawers that pull out are placed on steps.
If the semi-basement floor is used to locate a place to sleep, the “attic” is allocated for a play or sports area. The Swedish wall, which simultaneously works as a ladder, can be located in the very center or sides of the bed. Under the base there are often spacious drawers in which the child can store his toys, bedroom accessories or clothes.
Bunk beds fit perfectly into the classic style of a children's room. Variable design allows the use of such interior items as a playground and a place for comfortable relaxation. The furniture looks presentable, meeting all the important needs of modern teenagers.
If you are concerned about the topic of a bed with two tiers for a boy with a play area. Follow the link.
How to make your bed perfectly
Custom bunk beds for children
Constructions
There are many varieties of children's bunk beds. And it's not about the size, but about the designs. Let's start with the principles of construction:
- The basis of the structure is a frame made of timber, to which all other parts are attached: sides, railings. The bars must be higher than the level of the upper lounger by the height of the back or sides. To ensure safety, the height should be at least 40 cm from the top edge of the mattress.
The design is based on four vertical beams, to which all other parts are already attached.
Two identical beds are placed on top of each other and fastened together
A two-story loft bed is a great solution for a small space or competitive children.
Corner arrangement of berths
2-story bed with offset sleeping places
Roll-out double-decker bed is safer for children
The choice of designs is great, but that's not all. Stairs add further variety. They can be ordinary, like on a wall bars, or in the form of steps or boxes stacked on top of each other. The most economical option is conventional: they require little material and take up little space. But you can put things in a ladder of drawers, like in a chest of drawers, which is also practical. And such steps are even more reliable: you can attach high railings to them to make them even safer.
Staircase option with drawers
Stairs made of rungs or steps can be located in front - along the long side of the beds. At the same time, they are sometimes made in the center, sometimes on the right or left. Another option is stairs from the end. They are also made vertical, and then they take up almost no space, and sometimes at an angle. It’s easier to climb on these, but it’s not always possible to place them: the space doesn’t allow it, and it’s easy to get caught on the protruding legs.
Rules for choosing a bed for teenagers
By request, the next article will be on the topic - a bed with two tiers for teenagers with a work area. We believe you will like it.
A high-quality bed on 2 floors for 2 teenagers is distinguished by a reliable frame, a solid foundation for a place to sleep and a comfortable orthopedic mattress. Mother and father must pay special attention to the safety level of the furniture. In addition to high-quality stairs and fastenings, special fencing will be needed. The sides fix the mattress in a good position, protecting the child from falling. It is better to take into account the height of the structure. On average it is 165-175 cm.
Frame
The frame of a bunk bed is made of metal, solid wood or composite wood. If your budget is unlimited, you should buy beds with a frame made of hardwood (ash, cherry or oak). They are valued for their increased strength, excellent decorative effect and environmental friendliness. Beds made from laminated chipboard are inexpensive and convenient. Metal furniture looks great, but it will have to be additionally secured to the floor.
In the next article we will talk about the topic - a bed with two tiers with a table for work for a child who goes to school. Let's try to describe this topic in more detail.
Features of places to sleep
Solid and orthopedic (latoflex) bases allow you to create a great place to sleep. It must support the weight of a mattress and two children at the same time. The lower sleeping bed is actively used as a sofa; in other words, during the day, children play on it together and receive guests.
The possible size of a bed for a teenager is 180-190 cm in length, 50 cm in height and 90 cm in width. Orthopedic bases are better for children's beds, as they allow you to create comfortable conditions during sleep, improve the anatomical properties of the mattress and extend its service life.
Requirements for the upper tier
Children who have reached school age should be allowed to sleep on the second tier. To increase safety, sides and handrails are used. It is not recommended to remove them, as they are additionally used to secure the mattress.
Rules for choosing a non-hazardous bunk bed:
- The second floor must support the weight of an adult.
- All fastenings must be secure.
- The optimal height of limiters with a length of 20 cm is 35 cm.
- There should be free space between the sleeping area and the ceiling.
During installation, special attention will have to be paid to the fastening mechanisms. The frame must withstand the constant load that appears during children's games. The structural elements are connected with bolts that are attached to the base of the bed or the wall, if we are talking about built-in furniture models. Less commonly, frame elements are fixed with wooden locks, glue or welding. The frame manufacturer issues a quality document that guarantees the safety of the furniture for the health of the child.
Stairs
The main element of the design of a bunk bed is a ladder made of metal, wood or thick ropes. Metal products are considered practical, but they are inferior in terms of safety to similar wood models. A reliable ladder is attached to the bed frame or placed in the form of steps with railings. It is recommended to use monolithic, wide and angled structures with an anti-slip coating.
Mattress – what are they and which one is wiser to choose?
Since the size of a bunk bed for teenagers does not differ from the size of a regular place to sleep, the mattress should be chosen according to biometric and orthopedic indicators. In addition to recommendations from specialists, the needs of children are taken into account, including their age, height and weight.
Recommendations for choosing a mattress:
If you are concerned about the topic of a bed with two tiers for children over 4 years old. Follow the link.
- Orthopedic systems help relax muscles. The use of such products ensures the prevention of significant diseases of the spine.
- For a growing body, it is worth using an elastic sleeping bed on an independent spring block. At rest, the body will occupy the correct anatomical position. A springless latex mattress would also be a good option. This filler is designed to follow the contours of the sleeper's body.
- Instead of filling and upholstery, environmentally friendly, breathable and hypoallergenic materials should be used. Synthetics must be abandoned.
- The size of the sleeping area directly depends on the size of the bed base. Teenagers grow quickly, so you can purchase a mattress model with a small margin.
- If a child has weight problems, the process of buying a mattress becomes much more difficult. For overweight children, you need to buy hard products with a block of reinforced springs, while thin teenagers will need soft mattresses.
There is no need to save money when buying a mattress. Although a clean filler in an eco-friendly and natural design, a free spring block and a removable cover raises the price, a sound sleep depends on the high-quality parameters of the sleeping place.
What materials are they made from?
For the frame, they mainly use wooden beads or make it from boards. Here are the options below. All other elements can be made from boards. This material is natural, but working with it is not easy and takes a long time: every detail requires careful processing, and there are many of them, since the boards are usually not wide, otherwise such a bed will look rough. If you have any skills, it's worth a try. If not, better use other materials.
Two-level beds for children can be made from wood
It is faster to build a bunk bed with your own hands if the parts are cut out of sheet material: chipboard, MDF or plywood. It is better to take laminated chipboard; the same can be found in plywood. It can also be painted: if you take birch furniture plywood. She looks good. It is only important to saw off evenly so that there are no chips along the edge.
Chipboard edges can be treated with special tapes. They are self-adhesive; they are glued through a rag using a regular iron. Only these materials have an unpleasant feature: their production uses a binder that releases formaldehyde into the air. Since the substance is harmful, its quantity is monitored and regulated. For the manufacture of children's furniture, fiberboard and plywood with emission class E1 are allowed. In terms of the amount of substance released, it is no more harmful than wood.
Drawings with dimensions
Regarding how big or small to make the bed when children are still small. In principle, you can immediately install a full-size bed. It just seems like it will take a long time for them to grow up. In fact, before you know it, “children’s” sizes will become small. And then the problem arises: where to put the old bed. Naturally, it’s a shame to throw it away, but used furniture doesn’t sell very well. Therefore, recommendations: make a standard size bed right away: 1*2 m or so.
Frame drawing for a bunk bed
Drawing of a double-decker bed frame and necessary materials
Drawing of a bunk bed with dimensions
Corner bed drawing
Corner bunk bed
Bunk bed with wardrobe
Stairs to bunk beds
Drawing of stairs for bunk beds