Whether they come in singles, doubles or multiples, bunks are a clever solution for packing more sleeping options into less living space. Plus, bunk beds bring out our inner Peter Pan and images of tree houses and the interior of pirate ships. Just because they’re fun, bunk beds don’t have to be limited to summer camp and dorm rooms.
Many AT writers have wistfully written about their desperate hope for bunk beds as children. And why not? We know a couple of little boys who would trade in their entire Hotwheel collection for a set of bunk beds. The appeal does not go away at any age and the practicality of bunk beds is very real (even if Mom disapproves).
Imagine writing a letter to Mom, explaining the many wonderful uses of bunk beds. . .
1. Squeeze a bunk bed and a study area in one small space.
2. Turn a closet into a tiny guest room with one or two built-in bunks.
3. Combine sleeping for four in one room of the vacation house (or loft with lots of roommates).
4. Fit built-in bunks into oddly shaped spaces like gabled attics.
5. Suspend bunks so they can be removed or folded up against the wall.
6. House a closet under a bunk (like Zoey Deschanel as featured in Domino February 2009).
Now, just promise you won’t roll off the top bunk and break your arm. Mom will never let you live that one down no matter how old you are.
What are your thoughts on bunks? Just for kids or totally acceptable for adults? Any brilliant ideas for incorporating bunks into your small space?
Related Posts:
La Literal Bunk Beds
Bunk Beds: Then and Now
Vacation Inspired Bunk Built-in Bunk Beds
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Erica's Tiny Two-Bedroom
Juan's Garage Turned Modern Guest House
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The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
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The Eight-Step Home Cure 
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bunk beds and trundle beds aren't the same thing.
good ideas for vacation homes or kids rooms, not sure I'd want to live with them in a main living area all the time.
I love the bedding in the 5th photo, the blue/green leaf patterned duvet. Anyone have any idea who makes that or where to find it?
As far as bunk beds - after falling out of mine in college, I have a bit of a phobia.
The main concern should be that whatever bunks you purchase (or have made) are safe and sturdy (there have been problems with this). Younger kids should have guardrails on the top.
My guys had a bunk bed that looked like a fire engine. Loved it!
Yes, we realize trundles and bunks are not the same. The first pic does have more of a trundle set up, but the focus of the post is compact, built-in beds.
Chimera: that bedding might be by Dwell. I'm sure I have seen it somewhere before, or at least the fabric.
The bunk in the fourth pic freaks me out. I'm so unsteady on my feet when I wake up, I have fallen out of my low bed onto the floor! I would so need a guardrail on that bunk! I really like the bunks in the fifth pic, and with the nice curtains.
I love the built in beds. If you do have frequent child visitors the family room bunks would be great. Especially for naps!