Bunk Bed Decorating Tips

When it comes to maximizing space, nothing is more convenient than a bunk bed. For children especially, bunk beds are the stuff of dreams not to mention that they are exceptionally practical when friends or guests are sleeping over. Bunk beds generally consist of a top bed and a bottom bed stacked on top of each other thus allowing you to maximize your floor space. That said, bunk beds still tend to dominate the decor of a room, so care has to be taken when integrating them along with the rest of the furniture.

Bunk bed sets are now available in a variety of styles and finishes. You can choose from the classic bunk bed style that consists of two beds on top of each other with a ladder connecting them or you can look at more contemporary options such as loft beds. Loft beds can be very practical as they include a bed placed at a height along with a lower level that may feature a desk, some storage shelves and even a cupboard. Fun accessories such as steps to the top bunk or a slide are available in some model. Loft beds provide a compact unit for a room and save plenty of floor space thus making them an ideal alternative if you have a space crunch. Other bunk bed furniture designs include top and bottom beds at perpendicular angles at each other or a top bunk and a bottom futon to add to the fun factor.

Today, you can get bunk bed furniture sets in a variety of different finishes as well. Most bunk beds come in wood finishes that range from natural to dark woods. For people who want something younger and more modern looking, there are bunks available in metal or plastic as well. Choose a color and a finish that goes with the rest of the bedroom decor. A general rule of thumb is to choose lighter finishes for a more feminine girly feel and darker tones for a boys room.

Bunk beds offer a great canvas for your creativity. Their sheer size makes them the focal point in any room, so you can really go all out and decorate them as you please. Some great ideas include draping a net on the overhead bunk to make it seem like a princess canopy bed or painting a mural around the bed making it look like a tree house. The possibilities are endless so ask your child for his or her inputs and have a blast!

Before you do go out and buy your bunk beds just keep a few things in mind regarding safety. Since kids normally use bunk beds, you have to take extra care to make sure that the beds are made of high quality materials with smooth finishings. Check for things such as sturdy handrails that go all around the bed and are of an adequate height and that all the nuts and bolts on the bed are fastened tightly. Never allow your kids to jump on a bunk bed and place the bed far away from a window or an air vent in a room. Kids below 6 should not be allowed to sleep on the top bunk too. These are just some tips to allow you and your family to maximize the fun and minimize the risks of adding a bunk bed to your home decor.