Ideas for Built in Bunk Beds

Retractable Bunk Beds

• "Disappearing" wall beds are beds normally attached on one side to hinges built into a wall. When you want to hide the bed you simply strip the bed linens, lift the far end and push the bed into the wall where it locks in place. Disappearing beds have been around for years, so why not integrate this space-saving technique into your built-in bunk bed design? In order to conceal your beds in the wall you need to build a recessed space so that the bottoms of the retracted beds lie flush with the wall. If this solution is not an option you can build an entertainment center or series of shelves around the bed space to be flush with it. Sites such as flyingbeds.com have many different styles of retractable beds and provide information about how to set up and support your design. Retractable bunks offer a solution to the problem of bedrooms that serve different functions during the day.

Amenities

• If you want to create a cozy yet roomy feel to your built-in bunk beds make sure you keep in mind comfort and functionality. Think of the spaces for your bunk beds as very large shelves recessed into the wall. These shelves should have extra space for keeping a clock and other miscellaneous items. You may want to install additional shelves for books. Install track lighting in ceiling and side panels and drape some kind of curtain or shade over the front of the bunk to add an even cozier, tucked-in quality to the space. Or you can take a cue from Japan's "capsule" hotels and add amenities such as televisions, refrigerators and coffee makers.

Sunken Beds

• You've probably seen sunken living rooms or bedrooms. Why not do the same with your built-in bunk bed space? Often two bunk beds will not get the job done. If you have more than two children, or if you or your children often have overnight guests, adding an extra bunk at ground level will save you space and give you more options. By adding a bed space either at floor level or several inches or feet below, you can install a second bed at normal height and build a third bed several feet higher. With this space-saving technique you may even be able to squeeze in a fourth bunk, depending on the height of your ceiling. Due to heating issues and other considerations, a sunken bed may be a better idea on a second or third floor.