5 Tips to Make Bunk Beds Look Nice and Cute with Pictures & Steps

5 Tips to Make Bunk Beds Look Cute

by Romain R - Updated on January 12, 2023January 12, 2023

Fact checked by Romain R, Sleep Expert

A bunk bed has two or more bed frames that are stored on top of another, creating space for two or more people without occupying additional floor space. Such beds are common in various facilities including hostels, college dormitories, camps, military, prisons, ships, and houses with more kids than bedrooms.

Although bunk beds are quite convenient and accessible all around the world, the design and appearance of a typical bunk bed is not that appealing. Obviously, bunk beds in prisons or military facilities are not expected to be decorated to look cute. However, we do expect bunk beds for colleges, camps, & kid bedrooms to look appealing and inviting.

Here is the list of 5 tips that will make your bunk bed look cute:

Tip 1: Transform the bunk bed using different paint colors
Tip 2: Paint the bunk bed with creative applications and patterns
Tip 3: Use buttoned and padded fabric to decorate the bunk bed frame
Tip 4: Use curtains to create more privacy and make the bunk bed more appealing to kids
Tip 5: Use colorful pillows and as many as you can!

We’ll be discussing these later in the article with regard to. Let’s first discuss some basic background information.

To provide clear and meaningful information regarding bunk beds, the article will be divided into 4 major sections. The following are the topics that will be further discussed throughout the article:

What is a bunk bed?
What is the purpose of a bunk bed?
Where are bunk beds commonly seen?
5 tips to make a bunk bed look cute

Related article:

Our 5 favorite loft/bunk beds
How to make bunk beds and loft beds taller for more storage
10 canopy bed accessories and why you need them

What is a Bunk Bed?

A bunk bed comprises a frame in which two or more beds can be stored. Typically supported by four pillars, bunk beds usually incorporate a ladder to reach the upper bed(s). The top bed(s) are generally enclosed using a fence like barrier to ensure that the sleeper does not fall off the bed.

Not a very cute bunk bed because it is not decorated.

There are various types of bunk beds, several of which are provided in the table below:

Type of a Bunk Bed	Major Characteristics
Standard Bunk Bed	Incorporates two mattresses with the same size stacked one over another;Most popular among all bunk beds.
Triple Bunk Bed	Incorporates three mattresses with the same size stacked one over another;Less popular than one with two identical mattresses.
Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed	Incorporates two twin-size mattresses stacked one over another.
Twin-Over-Full Bunk Bed	Incorporates two mattresses with different size;A full-size mattress on the bottom;A twin-size mattress on the topIt can fit up to three people since the bottom one is larger than in the case of the standard bunk bed.
Loft Bunk Bed	The bunk on the top is designed for sleep;The ‘bunk’ on the bottom is an open space that supposed to be used for storage or be occupied by a desk, drawers, or an additional space to study or work. Loft beds are bunk beds with just 1 bed. Take a look at this detailed guide on loft beds.
L-Shaped Bunk Bed	The bottom and top beds are directed into different angles (one at the right corner and the other one in the left corner);Creates an additional space next to the bottom bed that can be used for storage or other purposes;Not as space-efficient as the previous types of bunk beds.

Related posts:

Bunk bed mattress sizes, how thick of a mattress should you purchase?
How to separate bunk beds and why you may want to.

What is the purpose of a bunk bed?

The purpose of a specific type of bunk bed might vary. The primary purpose of any bunk bed is to provide sleeping space for two people while also allowing space for other furniture etc.

As mentioned earlier, there are different types of bunk beds, including a loft bunk bed. A loft bunk bed is characterized by an open space instead of a bottom bed, meaning that it can function as more than just a bed. Instead, it can create additional space for work/study area, storage, etc. The purpose of an L-shaped bunk bed is quite similar. The fact that two beds are oriented in different directions also creates some extra space.

In the case of regular bunk beds with different bed sizes, the purpose is to create more space for other items or activities as well as accommodate more than two people.

Where are bunk beds commonly used?

Bunk beds are commonly used in small rooms that are supposed to accommodate several people. They are often used in kids’ rooms, prisons, homeless shelters, fire halls, various military organizations, ships, camps, hostels, college dormitories, etc.

Most commonly, families with more kids than bedrooms utilize bunk beds to save space and accommodate more children in the same room. Bunk beds do not only serve space-saving purposes; Rather, a wide variety of sources state that bunk beds strengthen the bond between the children and improve their relationship as well as communication skills.

Bunk beds in summer camps are decorated well

But what if a child does not like the idea of sleeping in a bunk bed since it does not look that cute?

If you want to save up some money but have a cute bunk bed for your children at the same time, the following section will definitely help you!

Related Topic:

How to make bunk bed ladders safe
How to make a loft bed more sturdy

5 tips to make a bunk bed look cute

The visual allure of the bed plays an important role, especially if the bunk bed is used in summer camps, college dormitories, or children’s bedrooms. The reason for this is that children and teenagers generally adore colorful and cute furniture with a wide array of decorations.

Since kids’ rooms represent a very special place in the house, it is essential to decorate and design it accordingly. It has been proven that colorful furniture and various decorations improve children’s imagination and enhance their creativity.

Moreover, designing and creating decorations for the kid’s room is a hilarious process for both kids and parents. Since regular furniture is much cheaper and more durable than the ones with cute ornaments and decorations, it is always a good idea to buy an ordinary bed and then decorate it with your kids.

Here is the list of 5 tips that will make your bunk bed look cute:

Tip 1: Transform the bunk bed using different paint colors
Tip 2: Paint the bunk bed with creative applications and patterns
Tip 3: Use buttoned and padded fabric to decorate the bunk bed frame
Tip 4: Use curtains to create more privacy and make the bunk bed more appealing to kids
Tip 5: Use colorful pillows and as many as you can!

Tip 1 – Transform the bunk bed using different paint colors

It has been proven that early contact with various colors and their identification helps children to form and enhance cognitive skills as well as improve creativity and imagination. Therefore, transforming a regular bunk bed into a colorful and cute one using different paint colors is a great idea!

This transformation will not only make the bed look cute and appealing to your kids but also help them advance their cognition.

The step-by-step instructions for the transformation of a bunk bed is provided below:

Step 1: Choose the type of paint that suits the material that the bunk bed is made of. First, identify the material, is it wood or metal. Then, choose the proper paint for that specific material to make sure that the bed frame will not be damaged with the paint.
Step 2: MOST IMPORTANT STEP! Make sure to choose the color that suits the taste of your kids. Some might prefer blue over pink, and others might love to have a bright yellow bed. Try to pick some bright colors so that the atmosphere in the bedroom is cozy, exciting, and appealing to the kids at the same time.
Step 3: Clean the bed frame, remove dust, dirt, grease, or any imperfection to make sure that the resulting finish is smooth. To do so, use water and regular detergent (dishwashing) and clean the surface a soft sponge.
Step 4: Tape each and every spot that you do not want to paint. This ensures that the final result is accurate and neat. Be aware that you should remove the tape as soon as you finish painting until the paint is still wet. In this way, you will not peel off any paint with the tape.
Step 5: Make sure you also cover the surrounding area with suitable material. Consider the following:
🡪 Canvas drop cloth – ideal for carpet
🡪 Rosin paper – suitable for hardwood, vinyl, tile floors
🡪 Plastic drop cloth – if you prefer a disposable and cheap option
Step 6: Apply a regular white paint before proceeding to the chosen color to make sure that the final color is bright and eye-catching.
Step 7: Apply the chosen color
Step 8: FINAL STEP! Wait for the paint to air dry completely and make sure that there is no smell in the bedroom until you let your kids sleep on the transformed bunk bed.

Use bright colors to make your bunk bed cute

Tip 2 – Paint the bunk bed with creative applications and patterns

Not only bright colors but also various geometric shapes can grab the kid’s attention and have a positive impact on his/her cognition. Early contact with such figures might also lead to the development of interest in scientific subjects, especially mathematics.

Along with the benefits mentioned above, creative application patterns and implementations of various shapes will make a regular bunk bed look cute and engaging.

Here are the step-by-step instructions to decorate the bunk bed with various patterns:

Step 1: Choose which application method is more suitable for you, your kids, and the bunk bed itself. You might prefer stickers over paint or vice versa. Also, pick the colors and patterns that are appealing to your children.
Step 2: In case if you choose to decorate the bunk bed via creative stickers of different shapes and patterns, make sure you pick the one that is suitable for the bed frame material and safe for kids—no need to follow the further instructions.
Step 3: If you prefer painting the bunk bed using various patterns or geometric shapes, you should identify the material that the bunk bed is made of (wood or metal) and choose the paint accordingly. In this way, you ensure that the paint does not damage the bed frame.
Step 4: Use a tape to cover the spots that you do not want to be painted. Also, the implementation of a tape might help you to create exciting patterns and perfect geometric shapes as well.
Step 5: Use suitable material to protect the surrounding area (floor, walls, etc.). Consider the following while choosing the protection material:
🡪 Canvas drop cloth – ideal for carpet
🡪 Rosin paper – suitable for hardwood, vinyl, tile floors
🡪 Plastic drop cloth – if you prefer a disposable and cheap option
Step 6: Apply the paint accurately and remove the tape until the paint is still wet.
Step 7: Make sure the paint is completely dry and there is no smell in the room until you let your kids in!

Tip 3 – Use buttoned and padded fabric to decorate the bunk bed frame

Another way to make a regular bunk bed cute more luxurious and cuter is to decorate the bed frame via the buttoned and padded fabric. Although such bed costs more than a regular one, it is not that hard to DIY.

Padded fabric makes the bed not only look cute but also protects the kids since it is not as firm as a standard bed frame. This option might be most suitable for teen bedrooms.

You can follow the steps provided below to transform a standard bunk bed into a luxurious one:

Step 1: Choose the color and type of fabric that best suits the bedroom and your kids’ taste.
Step 2: Choose the foam and attach it to the bed frame. One of the best options is to use low- or medium-density foams since they are not as firm as high-density foams.
Step 3: Use a staple gun to attach the fabric over the foam. You can also use the staples that match the fabric color so that they are not as noticeable.
Step 4: Pick some cute buttons or nailhead trims and hammer them into the padded fabric that is already attached to the bed frame. This will create a tufted appearance and a more luxurious and cuter look.

Patterned fabrics make bunk beds look cuter

Tip 4 – Use curtains to create more privacy and make the bunk bed more appealing to kids

If you want to make the bunk bed look cute along with creating some privacy for the kids, this tip is definitely for you!

One of the easiest ways to decorate the bunk bed is to simply use some thematic curtains, matching either the walls and the entire design of the room, or featuring your kids’ favorite characters from movies and cartoons. The decoration process is pretty easy and straightforward since you do not really need to worry about damaging the furniture, floor, or walls. The only thing you need to do is to attach the curtains to the bed frame.

The following are the steps you should follow to transform your regular bunk bed into a cozy and cute one:

Step 1: Choose a suitable pattern of the curtain. It can be just a bright color, thematic curtain with cartoon characters, galaxy print, etc. Anything that your kids would appreciate.
Step 2: In case if you want to attach the curtain to the bed frame permanently, take a staple gun and staple the curtain to the bed frame. If you want the curtains to be a temporary decoration, just get a regular rope (any type of strand) and attach it to both ends of the bed frame. Then, take some standard laundry pins and attach the curtain to the rope. In this case, it will be much easier to move or remove the curtain from the bed frame.
Step 3: For the top bed, you can drill a pilot hole and use a wire curtain rod. As soon as the curtain adapters are all set up, you can easily attach the curtain to it, and you are all done!

For more ideas, take a look at our step by step instructions on how to hang curtains on bunk beds.

Curtains add privacy and also make bunk beds cute

Tip 5 – Use colorful pillows and as many as you can!

Last but not least, you can always use some additional decorations, allowing a quick and easy transformation of a regular bunk bed. For instance, you can get some cute pillows and arrange them on a bed.

Kids love pillows, and they will adore the bunk bed full of pillows for sure! Just choose some colorful ones with cute designs, various patterns, shapes, or cartoon characters.

Implementation of pillows not only makes the bunk bed look cute but also grants children an opportunity to have fun!