Designer Shares Tips for Building Bunk Rooms

Amber Lewis, founder of Amber Interiors, is sharing her expertise on creating hotel-worthy guest rooms that sleep 4+ adults. Her third monograph, Interiors, features personal stories, insights, and advice on bringing a great room to life. One of the most captivating aspects of the book is the section on bunk rooms, which are functional, customized, and both whimsical and sophisticated.

Lewis notes that bunk beds are a great solution when a client needs space for more people. However, building a bunk room requires careful planning, including considering the room’s height, the intended users, and safety. She emphasizes that this is not a weekend DIY project, but rather “true, genuine construction” that comes with a significant cost.

Designing a Bunk Room

Built-in bunks need to safely hold the weight of the frame, mattress, and bedding, as well as the people using them. Lewis explains that if the bed doesn’t have support on all four corners, it may require engineering with steel and concrete, which would need to tie back into the wall itself. This can result in a structure that weighs around 1,000 pounds.

Adding middle supports or anchoring the beds to two walls can help distribute the weight, but Lewis stresses the importance of hiring a team with engineering expertise. Store-bought bunk beds are often more cost-effective than built-in bunks, which are custom designs that require construction. Lewis recommends buying a set of bunk beds and customizing them to look built-in, rather than trying to cut corners with the design team.

Bunk Rooms for Adults

Lewis also notes that the majority of her clients requesting bunk rooms are actually looking to accommodate adults, not children. These rooms often feature queen beds on the bottom and sometimes a twin on top. She adds that hanging curtains around the bunk can provide adults with privacy while sleeping, and also block out light.

Each bed is equipped with plugs for charging devices, and sometimes a personal Bluetooth speaker for guests to listen to white noise while falling asleep. Reading lamps are also a thoughtful touch. When designing a bunk room for kids, Lewis advises considering their future growth and using larger mattresses, such as twin XL or larger, to ensure they remain comfortable years down the line.

Lewis likes installing removable rails, which can be locked in place initially but tucked away when a child grows up. She also emphasizes the importance of safe access to the top bunk, using ladders that can be climbed by people of all sizes, even in the dark. If possible, a narrow staircase is the sturdiest and safest option.

In terms of maintenance, Lewis recommends keeping the top bunk simple, with just a throw blanket on top of the sheets for everyday use. This makes it easier to smooth sheets and blankets without having to climb across the bed. She also suggests installing a “master off switch” by the door that turns off every light in the room, eliminating the need to pad across each mattress to flick off individual reading lights.

Designing for Function

As Lewis notes, designing a bunk room requires careful consideration of both form and function. By prioritizing safety, comfort, and practicality, it’s possible to create a hotel-worthy guest room that sleeps 4+ adults and meets the needs of users for years to come. Lewis’s approach to bunk room design is centered around creating a space that is both beautiful and functional, with attention to detail and a focus on the user experience.

The process of creating a bunk room involves a range of decisions, from the type of bed to the lighting and decor. Lewis’s expertise and guidance can help with these decisions and create a space that is perfect for guests. With her advice, it’s possible to create a bunk room that is not only functional but also stylish and inviting.

Adding Natural Touches

She also suggests incorporating natural textures, such as wood and plants, to add depth and visual interest to the space. By considering these details, it’s possible to create a bunk room that is truly exceptional.

Practical Considerations

Lewis’s approach to bunk room design prioritizes practicality, with attention to details such as ladder safety and bedding management.