Bunk beds are such a great idea. They help maximize space in a shared room, they give each child their own place to sleep, and can make a cluttered and cramped room look open and organized… that is, of course, if you can figure out which one to get.
The kids have their preferences, you have your list of “musts,” and your bank account can only stretch so far. What’s a parent to do?
These problems are exactly why I’m offering up this list of dozens of unique and fun bunk bed ideas. Regardless of your DIY prowess, your budget, or your kids’ demands, there will be something to fit the bill on this list. Good luck in your search, and have fun planning your children’s new room!
Classic, yet Modern
Looking for a designer imposter? Here’s a DIY tutorial on how to make a Land of Nod lookalike for a fraction of the cost. This design sticks with simple lines and would work well in any room! Visit source…
Source: ana-white.com
Lumberjack Bunks
How cute is this? This woodsy, outdoorsy themed bed makes excellent use of corner space and even created a fun reading nook beneath the upper bed. Learn how to make this set for your kids! Visit source…
Source: theprojectgirl.com
Playhouse, Dreamhouse
This sweet little setup takes the frame of a playhouse and slides two bunk beds into it. No more fighting about bedtime! In fact, it might be hard to convince the kids to come out! Visit source…
Source: theruggedrooster.com
Industrial, Metal Pipes Bed
This bed looks like something off a space station, or right out of a sci-fi movie. Follow these plans to use industrial piping to add that futuristic look to your kid’s bedroom. Perfect for little video gamers! Visit source…
Source: cherishedbliss.com
Back to Basics
If you’re looking for a straight-ahead, basic how-to guide, here it is! This blog will walk you through the entire bunk bed building process (with pictures!), so you can design the perfect sleep space. Visit source…
Source: jayscustomcreations.com
Smart Storage Built In!
I love anything with built-in storage, and this bed makes great use of the space under the lower bunk. Learn how to create a slide-out drawer with a professional finish on this blog. Visit source…
Source: diynetwork.com
Budget, DIY Bunk Beds
This couple had to make the best use of both space saving and budget, and they did a great job! Read their DIY process for creating these incredible built-in bunk beds for under $700! Visit source…
Source: chrislovesjulia.com
Side Folding Murphy Bunks
Talk about the ultimate space saver! These bunk beds also double as side-folding murphy beds! Those looking to downsize, or those who already have serious space issues to contend with should definitely check this out! Visit source…
Source: diynetwork.com
Minimalist Bunk Bed
Those looking for the bare basics should begin here. Note that there are no rails on this bed, so it’s only appropriate for older children, but this could be a great DIY solution! Visit source…
Source: instructables.com
Triple Bunk Designs
Fitting two kids in one room can be challenging. Fitting three is going to require some creativity. Luckily, you’ll find it here on this DIY guide to the triple bunk! Visit source…
Source: theownerbuildernetwork.co
Triple Bunks, Another Option
This triple bunk design features all three beds along the seam wall and facing in the same direction. Depending on your room layout, this design plan may work better than others. Take a look! Visit source…
Source: familymaven.io
Floating Bunks
This clever design hides all of the supports for the beds, giving them the illusion of floating. This plan calls for a full-size mattress on the bottom, and a twin size mattress on top. Visit source…
Source: eastcoastcreativeblog.com
John Deere Bunk Beds
This family brings us on a build along journey as they make bunk beds resembling a John Deere tractor. How cute is this? Perfect for your little farmers. Visit source…
Source: rangersteve.wordpress.com
Cottage Dream House Beds
Absolutely amazing! Here are plans for bunk beds hidden within a fairytale cottage. Everything from window boxes to siding, to adorable little birdhouses are represented. Visit source…
Source: birdsandsoap.com
Volkswagon Bus Beds
Bus bunks! Your little flower children can now sleep in the wooden replica of a Volkswagen minibus. Fun, bright, colorful, and whimsical. I love this design. Visit source…
Source: homejelly.com
Built-in Toddler Bunks
Making really incredible use of closet space, this clever family made room for their little ones by creating these built-in kids bunk beds. Great idea for larger families. Visit source…
Source: theycallmegranola.wordpress.com
Castle Loft Bed
Sometimes, it’s not necessarily the bunk beds that you need, but a kids loft bed. This sweet design shows you how to build one that looks like a medieval castle. It’s cute, and it maximizes your space. Visit source…
Source: remodelaholic.com
Minecraft Fort Bed
Got a little humor in your life? They will absolutely flip for this Minecraft-inspired bed and fort. A step-by-step guide takes you through the process of creating one of your own. Visit source…
Source: therusticwillow.com
DIY Bunk Beds with Stairs
What I love about this design are the stairs. There a little more stable than the traditional ladder, but these also double as small storage shelves. Brilliant! Visit source…
Source: suburbanwifecitylife.com
Modular and Modern
These modern and simplistic bunk beds look like one of the cool finds at IKEA, but you can actually gather the materials and make them yourself. The minimalist profile makes these easy to fit into any room. Visit source…
Source: pneumaticaddict.com
Beach House Bunks
Here is a cool design which can help accommodate multiple kids in smaller bedrooms (like at a beach house). The top bunk has that cool floating effect, while the bottom bunk blends with the surrounding woodwork. Visit source…
Source: younghouselove.com
Staggered Triple Bunk Bed Plans
These carpentry plans will walk you through how to build a set of three staggered wooden bunk beds arranged in a corner. These are designed to fit twin size mattresses and are anchored to the wall for extra security . Visit source…
Source: karakaejames.com
Ikea Hack Bunk Beds
This family did some creative construction using items available at IKEA to create a cool bunk bed idea with stairs. This is an excellent solution for kids transitioning from toddler beds to bigger beds. Visit source…
Source: mamageek.co.uk
Cottage Loft Bed
These plans will walk you through how to replicate the (very expensive) cottage loft bed available through Pottery Barn. Doing it this way will only be a fraction of the cost! Visit source…
Source: infarrantlycreative.net
Superhero Loft Bed
First off, this is adorable. Secondly… how fun is the slide? I love that this bed has two options for up and down – a step ladder, and that incredible slide. Definitely check this one out. Visit source…
Source: dadbuiltthis.blogspot.com
From Bunk Bed to Loft Bed
This tutorial will walk you through how to convert a set of bunk beds to a loft bed with desk and storage space underneath. This can be helpful for parents who need more floor space, but not quite so much sleeping space . Visit source…
Source: prettyhandygirl.com
Bunk Bed Fun Fort
By creating custom curtains, the bottom bunk becomes a fort/play area. These plans have a full-size mattress on the bottom and a twin size mattress on top. A really fun idea! Visit source…
Source: mesewcrazy.com
Bunk Beds with Built-in Cabinets
I don’t think you can ask for a more complete sleep/storage solution than this. These bunk beds also incorporate shelving, cabinets, and under bed to storage spaces. Visit source…
Source: hgtv.com
Take Your Pick
This site offers nine different plans and layouts for DIY bunk beds. This might be a good place to start if you’re having trouble deciding how you want to set up the room. This can help you narrow things down. Visit source…
Source: diyhowto.org
Wall to Wall Bunk Beds
Here are some plans for a custom built-in bunk beds created as part of a larger room renovation. Those with the capacity to take on a bigger project might get a lot out of this tutorial. Visit source…
Source: impatientlycrafty.com
Simple Bunks, Lots of Storage
These simple bunk beds have a few surprises hidden inside. Generous under bed storage drawers help tidy up, and each step offers its pull out drawer as well. A really great storage and sleep solution! Visit source…
Source: houseupdated.com
Clubhouse Loft
This loft bed design incorporates a storage/work area below, and the place up top for sleeping, and for play. Just think of all the quiet reading that could happen in a bed like this! So cute! Visit source…
Source: buildsomething.com
Junior Loft Bed
A kid-sized loft bed complete with stairs for easy and safe up and down. This smaller bed is more maneuverable and less of a commitment then built-ins. This might be a good option for kids transitioning between smaller and larger beds. Visit source…
Source: lowes.com
Build a Loft Bed
This website will walk you through how to build a loft bed. The site is created by Black and Decker, so you know they have experience with building! Visit source…
Source: blackanddecker.com
Toddler Bunk Beds
A from-scratch building plan which offers you several different options for how to arrange smaller bunkbeds. These are good for young kids, as they are not full-sized beds. Visit source…
Source: buildeazy.com
Classic Wood Bunks with Sturdy Ladder
These bunks are built using construction grade lumber for extra security. The latter on this design also juts out at an angle, making it a little less tricky to navigate in the dark. Visit source…
Source: canadianhomeworkshop.com
The Ultimate Castle Bunk
This bed set up has everything! Two bunks, stairs, storage shelves, and a slide. Kids will actually want to go to bed. Expect sleepovers at your house to be a huge hit with this amazing design! Visit source…
Source: instructables.com
Ikea Bunk to Loft Hack
Here’s a fun idea using pre-cut and pre-drilled IKEA lumber. This family purchased a bunk bed but made a few modifications to turn it into a loft bed with a creative play area underneath. Visit source…
Source: twothirtyfivedesigns.com
Build a Closet Loft
This family absolutely maximized their available space by incorporating a loft bed into a large, existing closet. Close can still hang underneath the bed, and storage bins can be overhead. Very clever! Visit source…
Source: biggerthanthethreeofus.com
Treehouse Bed
Built to resemble a log cabin very peaceful lake, this slightly elevated loft bed looks like a ton of fun. For those quiet moments where it’s not quite bedtime, check out the hammock strung beneath the loft. Visit source…
Source: babygizmo.com
Loft Bed with Desk and Storage
Gotta love this design! This higher loft bed design allows plenty of room underneath for a complete desk set up, as well as several drawers for storage. Perfect for a grade school age child for sleep, play, and homework. Visit source…
Source: jenwoodhouse.com
DIY Frugal Loft Bed
Purchasing lumber can be expensive, so this family figured out a design which could be built for under $100. Those on a tight budget should definitely see what they did to get some ideas. Visit source…
Source: funcheaporfree.com
Rope Ladder Nautical Loft
This mid-height loft bed incorporates a rope ladder, and a small space underneath the bed for reading, or play. This tutorial will walk you through how to build this yourself. Visit source…
Source: thehandmadehome.net
Loft Bed with Shelving and Desk
This is a full height loft bed designed to accommodate lots of shelving underneath, and a complete desk set up. The desk is not attached, so it can easily be moved if necessary. Visit source…
Source: ana-white.com
Summer House Bunk Beds
This bunk bed set up is designed to look like a beach house. The lower, full-size mattress, and the upper, twin size mattress are both turned into “floors” of this adorable little cottage. Visit source…
Source: ana-white.com
Classic Americana
This bunkbed design is classic, traditional, and familiar. The unisex nature of the project would make this perfect for either boys or girls. Visit source…
Source: buildsomething.com
Triple Bunk Beds with Storage Drawers
Another take on the triple bunkbed design, but this one features storage drawers beneath the second bunk. Helpful for increasing sleeping space, and storage space too! Visit source…
Source: thehandmadedress.blogspot.com
Platform Dresser Bed
Here’s a unique building plan we haven’t seen yet: a platform bed incorporated into a dresser. This really cool design can help save you a lot of floorspace, while still fitting a full-size bed and dresser into the room. Visit source…
Source: shanty-2-chic.com
Loft Bed Barn
The sliding barn doors on this loft bed are absolutely stunning! This full height loft allows plenty of room underneath for chairs, bookshelves, playspace, etc. Very attractive design! Visit source…
Source: jenwoodhouse.com
L-Shaped Loft Beds
These joined loft beds allow both kids to be on the “top bunk,” while those also get to have storage space underneath. This half-height loft set up is appropriate for younger and older kids sharing a room. Visit source…
Source: notjustahousewife.net
Loft Bed and Bench
What an original idea! This is a design for a loft bed with cool, flared out sides (almost like a boat), with a built-in wooden bench underneath. Visit source…
Source: paulsplayhouses.com
Staggered DIY Bunk Beds
Here’s a cool design walkthrough for bunk beds facing opposite directions. This works well when building into a corner, giving you that extra bit of floor space. Visit source…
Source: moneygenius.ca
Loft Plus Bunk
I like this idea a lot. It basically requires you to only build a loft bed while sliding a twin size bed underneath to create extra sleeping space. Great for those who don’t want to work completely from scratch, or those who already have a twin bed in place. Visit source…
Source: dltk-kids.com
Build Your Own Bunks Guide
This step-by-step guide offers plenty of measurements, pictures, and how-to information. Great for those who are still a bit unsure of their carpentry skills. Very helpful information! Visit source…
Source: cheapesthouseontheblock.com
Modern Loft with a Built-in Desk
A sleek, modern loft bed design, complete with stairs, and a built-in desk with extra shelving underneath. A really terrific use of space, and an attractive, simplistic design. Visit source…
Source: hgtv.com
Toddler Bunk Beds
Whether you have twins or kids close together in age, sometimes younger children need to share a room and sleeping space. Here’s an excellent plan for accommodating toddlers in a bunk bed. Visit source…
Source: smallishblog.com
Toddler Loft Bed and Play Table
This low loft bed is appropriately sized for a toddler, and comes with plans for a play space and play table underneath. Cute, compact design which will really help save space. Visit source…
Source: thedesignconfidential.com
Ikea Hack Triple Bunk
Here’s another great IKEA hack. Using beds readily available from IKEA, you can build a stacked triple bunk bed out of provided materials. Visit source…
Source: ikeahackers.net
Toddler Bed and Couch
We all know how toddlers take (or more to the point, don’t take) to bedtime. It might make things easier if their bed is also a comfy couch where they can sit up, read, play quietly, and hopefully… eventually… sleep. Visit source…
Source: buildandcreatehome.com
Upholstered Toddler Beds
Toddlers have a way of bumping into everything, this bed design creates an entirely soft, totally upholstered sleeping space. Visit source…
Source: designsponge.com
From Crib to Loft Bed
Not looking to buy all new materials? Never fear! This tutorial teaches you how to turn your child’s old crib into a low toddler loft bed. They get to feel that they are in a “big kid bed” and you get some extra storage space underneath. Visit source…
Source: adrielbooker.com
Triple Bunks – with Headroom
Triple bunk beds are very cool, but they can sometimes be very short on Headroom. This clever family figured out a design that maximizes headroom for all three sleepers. Visit source…
Source: muchbiggerthanme.blogspot.com
Storage Platform Bed
A smart idea. By raising a bed up to the level of a low loft and adding three steps, you create lots of storage underneath the bed. Great idea! Visit source…
Source: ohyesblog.wordpress.com
Hopefully, this list of bunk bed and loft bed ideas got your DIY thoughts cooking. Did you find something in here that gave you great ideas for your own home? I would love to hear about your plans in the comments! Also, be sure to share this list with friends who may be struggling with the same decision you are.
