Designing a bunk room is a unique challenge that combines functionality and creativity. Recently, we had the pleasure of designing a bunk room for one of our clients’ second homes in the beautiful Virginia Mountains. As this is a ski home, the goal was to maximize the space for guests and create a fun area for their teens and their friends to stay. We want to share with you a few key takeaways about planning a custom bunk room.
Maximizing Space
This is probably the main reason for having a bunk room at all… you want more space for your guests. Custom bunk rooms are a great solution for accommodating more people. We are seeing bunk rooms more and more in luxury interiors, especially vacation homes. Bunks are not just for the kids anymore; they can be a great space for friends and family visiting as well. We designed this bunk room with our clients’ teens in mind, creating a versatile space that they, and their friends, won’t outgrow. The bunks feature full beds on the bottom and twin beds above, providing ample room for guests.
Essential Elements
Custom bunk rooms are about creating more sleeping space, but you also want them to be functional for everyone staying there. Here are a few essential elements we think you should consider when planning your own space:
- Lighting: Each bunk area should have its own light source. No one wants to climb down from their bunk to turn off a light and climb back up in the dark! For this space, we included sconces for each bunk. Each sconce has its own switch that can be accessed from the bunk itself – no climbing around in the dark! We also added an outlet in each bunk so that each guest has their own space to charge phones, tablets, etc.
- In-Bunk Storage: Each bunk has its own niche for placing belongings. A niche almost acts as a nightstand, which is especially important for those using the upper bunks! It doesn’t have to be a niche per se; you can do a shelving unit in the center between the bunks or simply create a headboard-like ledge where guests can set up their belongings.
- General Storage: Where will all your guests put their clothes, shoes, and suitcases? That is a major consideration when designing a space meant to sleep more than the typical 1-2 people. This bunk room is not huge, so there was no room for any sort of dresser. We ended up adding 3 large drawers underneath each bunk. On the opposite wall to the bunks, there is a built-in bench with an additional 2 drawers and open shelving above.
Making It Fun
A bunk room should be more than just a place to sleep; it should be a fun and inviting space that guests will love. Keep it playful and cozy to make the room feel welcoming.
Designing a bunk room is all about balancing practicality with creativity. Whether you’re designing a bunk room for a mountain retreat or a beach house, these tips can help you create a space that is both functional and fun!
Stay Inspired,
The Margery Wedderburn Interiors Team