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Need to Sleep a Crowd? Try These Nostalgic Bunk Room Ideas
We’re talking built-in slides, queen-size mattresses, Chippendale-style railing...
Despite their scene-stealing cameos in movies such as Some Like It Hot, Big, and The Parent Trap, it was the military’s need to sleep large numbers of soldiers that truly popularized the bunk bed as we know it today. The first known usage of bunk (shortened from bunker) was in the 1700s, referring to a ship’s sleeping berth. Almost a century later, people began “to bunk,” making the word an anthimeria. (Don’t worry, we looked up the word too.)
Recently, the bunk room has experienced a bit of a resurgence—so much so that even boutique hotels are embracing the trend. But what is it about this traditional twin-over-twin setup that still tugs at our heartstrings, regardless of our age? For one, nostalgia. “My two brothers and I have so many good memories of being crammed together in one room,” says homeowner Josh McCullock, who DIY’d a bunk bed in his Oklahoma farmhouse for his own kids for that very reason. If you weren’t lucky enough to grow up with a bunk bed, you likely encountered them at summer camp, and camp nostalgia may be the strongest nostalgia there is.
But, bunk beds are also practical. With their vertical orientation, bunk beds take up less floor space allowing for more floor space for in-room recreation. And if you own a property where you’re frequently hosting family and friends, bunk beds are a great choice for a guest room or to accommodate a whole crew of cousins, not to mention facilitate memory-making of the stay-up-late, tell-ghost-stories-with-a-flashlight sort. (Note: For maximum comfort, allow for at least 35 inches of space between bed tiers.)
Below you’ll find inspiration for bunk rooms of all sorts (including spaces with built-in single bunks), but take note: The bunk beds of today are far less rustic than those of Camp Whatsitsname. We’re talking bunks with queen-size mattresses, whimsical cutouts and millwork, built-in charging stations, and—no biggie—playground-worthy slides. There’s no doubt you’re going to want one. The only remaining question is: Top or bottom bunk?
For more inspiration on decorating kids’ spaces:
Rethink an Overlooked Corner
Upgrade any bedroom into a bunk room by turning an empty corner into a completely enclosed built-in bunk bed with its own ceiling and millwork endcaps. Painting the room’s walls, trim, and millwork all the same hue (such as this pretty blue) adds warmth and actually helps a small room feel larger. For this Texas room, designer Meredith Ellis also took advantage of the bunk’s end wall by adding built-in bookshelves.
Get the Look:
Wall and Bunk Bed Paint Color: Aquitaine by Sherwin-Williams
RELATED: The 60+ Best Blue Paint Colors for Every Room in Your House
Create a Wrap-Around Look
When a low ceiling doesn’t allow stacked bunks, take your lead from the window seat and wrap your room with cozy built-in bench beds. For these beach-house bunks, designer Elizabeth Benedict used beadboard knee wall “headboards” to provide coziness and privacy (read: no middle-of-the-night kicks in the head!) while still keeping the small room light and airy. Extras like recessed cubbies and sconces add to the retreat factor, as does a starry ceiling motif. Tip: Raise the bed platform high enough to allow for under-bed drawers or, in the case of this front bed, a trundle.
Ride the Rails with Train Bunks
Before there were freestanding bunk beds, there were sleeping berths, the stacked and curtained (called a lee cloth) beds lining sleeping compartments of trains and ships. The design looks right at home on solid ground as well, as in this bunk room in the home of designer and television personality Grace Mitchell. Bulk-head lights and checkered privacy curtains complete the look.
Keep it Clean
In this crisp and modern bunk room designed by Nicole Green Design House, a graphic Chippendale pattern railing adds an air of sophistication, as does the all-white palette. Built-in drawers maximize the hardworking footprint.
RELATED: The 20 Best Warm White Paint Colors for Every Room in the House
Add a Slide
As evidenced by this whimsical room by designer Andrew Howard, a few extra bells and whistles will turn a sleepy bunk into around-the-clock fun and games. A recessed shelf nook for each bed corrals favorite books and toys, while a built-in slide equals a mosquito-free trip to the park. The blue ceiling and striking floor offer plenty to write home about, too.
Get the Look:
Ceiling Paint Color: Azure Water by Benjamin Moore
Wall and Bunk Bed Paint Color: White Dove by Benjamin Moore
Add a Coastal Accent
For a nod to the nautical in a beach house, a wooden boat oar vintage or new—makes a playful rail on the top bunks. Designer Ruthie Sommers, continued the nautical theme in this cheery space with additional oars and sailboat art.
RELATED: Beach House Decor Ideas That Will Make Major Waves in Any Interior
Hang a Rope Ladder
For a treehouse-like touch, take a note from designer Ashley Gilbreath and consider using a rope ladder in lieu of a standard fixed ladder. Keep it secure and steady with a line clamp.
Get the Look:
Rope Ladder: Rope Ladder from Amazon
Consider Curtains
Just like with your windows, bunk bed curtains provide not only privacy and light blockage for catching shut eye, but they’re also finishing details that give your room some welcomed color and pattern. California-based Reath Design conceived this clever bunk bed that transforms an iconic Western bandana print into patterned privacy curtains. A high-contrast green ladder and mustard-colored accent pillows play well with all the paisley.
For an easy DIY, install single curtain rods to the front of each bunk, then attach clip-on curtain rings to your hemmed pieces of fabric.
Reclaim the Attic
Turn that unused attic space into fun guest quarters by lining the opposing walls with built-in twin daybeds. Take a cue from this attic bunk room by designer Erika Powell of Urban Grace Interiors and keep the design simple, but then add a punch of color. Erika accentuated the room’s quirky architecture by anchoring the space with shiplap wainscoting, then topping it with a whimsical wallpaper on the sloped upper walls and narrow ceiling.
RELATED: The 25 Best Green Paint Colors That’ll Liven Up Any Room
Look to the Farm
The farmhouse standard split-rail fence works as a stylish bunk bed railing for any style. Extend the vertical boards for a more finished look. This cozy space by designer Andrew Howard maintains a whimsical spirit courtesy of a paint spatter wallcovering.
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Channel the Barracks
If your room allows, go wide, not high, for a “more is merrier” sleeping situation. A row of identical twin metal beds made up tight immediately brings to mind nostalgic images of military barracks, summer-camp tents, and prep-school dorm rooms. Here, Emily Turner Barker and Marie Turner Carson of M. Elle Design elevated the look with canvas head- and footboard slipcovers and a mismatched assortment of antique trunks.
RELATED: Decorating Ideas for Kids’ Rooms That You’ll Both Love
Go Bigger with the Beds
Instead of traditional twin-size bunk beds, the homeowners of this Wyoming property decided to build six queen-size versions. The room also contains two twin beds, bringing the sleeping total in this space alone to 14 people. Talk about a slumber party! Each sleeping space also features a hollowed-out alcove with its own outlet for recharging mobile devices and a custom sconce for late-night reading. Guests can sleep easy in the upper bunks thanks to the custom iron safeguards. Bonus: They provide a rail for sliding ladders.
Choose a U-Shape Configuration
Designed by Susana Simponpietri of Chango & Co., this cozy U-shape orientation is made that much cozier with buffalo check bedding and “Glacier” Pendleton blankets. To provide sleepover guests with autonomy over “lights out,” choose modern sconces that have both style and substance, like individual on/off buttons, and a diffuser ideal for night-time reading.
Add Barn Doors
Four full-size beds on bottom and four twins on top make for plenty of sleeping space when cousins come to visit this colorful Scandi-inspired property on Michigan's Magician Lake. “It’s magical,” says homeowner Megan Bonner. “I can’t believe how many people can fit in that room!” (That would be 12, technically.) Draperies in a bold pattern add privacy to each bunk, and a red barn door only reinforces the fun factor.
Incorporate Stealth Storage
Calling all cousins! In this Texas getaway, a breezy bunk room is fully equipped for memory-making. Bonus: The steps up to the bunks serve up clever drawer storage.
RELATED: Tour More of this Sprawling and Stylish Texas Farmhouse that Can Sleep 27 People. We Want an Invite!
Aim High
When the ceiling height allows, a three-bunk setup is a great way to maximize floor space, as is the case in this cute Midwestern boys’ room designed by homeowner Helena Ernst.
RELATED: Tour More of this Colorful Wisconsin Farmhouse that is Filled with Family-Friendly DIY Ideas
Use Every Inch
In this upstate New York lake house, a smartly appointed, space-maximizing kids’ bunk room features built-in cubbies that house toys. The right-size ladders were made from a single tall ladder sawed in half.
RELATED: 50+ Best Bedroom Paint Color Ideas
Line 'Em Up
Designed by architect Jamie Pfeffer of Pfeffer Torode, this Tennessee cabin’s gut renovation included adding a second-story bunk room lined with five built-in beds. The industrial sconces make reference to the cabin’s farmland locale and play off the red stripes of the wool throws and vintage grain sack pillows. Artwork collected over the years outfits the walls alongside artifacts such as a cowbell and a group of nautical flags.
RELATED: Tour More of this Tennessee Log Cabin that was Transformed Into a Just-Modern-Enough Family Retreat
Embrace Reclaimed Wood
In clothing designer Jenni Kayne’s Lake Tahoe cabin, her kids’ bunks are made of reclaimed wood, which reinforces the home's modern rustic feel. (The same finish is also seen on the home’s kitchen cabinets.) Matching flannel pajamas help complete the whole picture.
RELATED: See How a Cool California Fashion Designer Approaches Cabin Style
Incorporate Antique Charm
With its wood tones and curvy detailing, this cabin bunk bed feels like a storied antique. A trunk-turned-nightstand adds even more old-fashioned charm while serving up extra storage in the small Alabama lake house designed by Ashley Gilbreath.
RELATED: 50+ Lake House Decorating Ideas for a Laid-Back Look
Rachel Barrett is the Editor-in-Chief of Country Living. She can't pass up a vintage seascape, drives an '89 Woody Wagoneer (that is, when it'll start), and hopes to buy you a lemonade at a future Country Living Fair.
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