Is 2024 the Year of the Bunk Bed?

Bunk beds evoke nostalgic memories of camp and carefree childhood days filled with fun, friends, and play: With such heartwarming associations, it's no wonder they never really go out of style—along with the fact that they're sensational space savers, adding them to your kids' room seems like a no brainer.

But this year, we're seeing these sleep-away camp beds in a whole new light. They're starting to show up everywhere, from upscale vacation homes to luxury apartments, and they're not just for the kids anymore.

With these new upgrades, it's out with the basic bunks and in with sleek custom sleeping arrangements complete with hidden storage, built-in lighting, and amenities you never even dreamed of at slumber parties.

If this trend is tempting but you're not sure how to get started, we have expert tips for determining if you should add a bunk bed to your home—and how to make it a stylish statement.

Why Bunk Beds Are Trending Now

While bunk beds are nothing new, this new, interior designer-approved approach gives them a fresh revamp.

“Kids and adults alike are utilizing bunk beds like they never went out of style,” says Molly Heartfield, founder of Heart & Company, a Boston-based design firm. “You might be surprised to hear that more luxury bunk beds are becoming increasingly incorporated into amazing homes by the day.”

Today’s bunk beds bring the elevated, high-end style, and many are custom or at least customized versions of store-bought bunks. Interior designers are creating custom niches for them, complete with reading lights, built-in spots for drinks, and loads of storage, giving them a permanent and intentional feeling—very different from the bunks added to small spaces as a way to “make do” in a shared room or temporary situation.

Of course, bunk beds are still practical and create a space for a number of uses.

“Bunk beds offer flexibility to growing families, families that love to host guests, or individuals looking to make their space more multifunctional,” Heartfield says—the reason you'll never really see them disappear.

How to Incorporate an Upscale Bunk Bed Into Your Space

While this trend at its core is a fun way to maximize your space, you need to make sure it's practical for your home before ~jumping~ into it. Make sure to consider the size of your room and location of doors and windows.

"In order to have a functional bunk bed in your space, you will need at least 8 to 9 feet minimum to sleep comfortably," Heartfield says. "Anything under that height will be uncomfortable getting up and down from the top bunk. Check all those boxes, and you can begin to develop a layout that adds character while also maximizing your space through unique design elements."

Designing your personalized bunks is the fun part, but before you get too wrapped up in it, think about your lifestyle and how you plan to use them. Is it an everyday sleeping spot, or do you only plan to use it when you're hosting sleepovers or out-of-town guests?

If you're opting for a bunk as your primary bed, make sure that all the everyday essentials are covered: a small lamp for nighttime reading, a spot to place a book, and a glass of water all make it feel like a cozy little nook. If you want to add a curtain for privacy or more built-in drawers or shelves for storage, this adds to the sense that it's truly your own personal space.

For guests, think about the amenities you'd usually find in a hotel room. Include a designated spot for a suitcase or labeled drawers so guests can easily find items like towels and additional blankets without having to ask. You can even take it to a more luxurious level for adult guests by adding a small drawer with some miniature toiletries or even a candle to relax with at the end of the night.

If this is more of an occasional sleeping space, you may also want to consider how the room will be used when you don't have guests so you can maximize the space. Heartfield recommends adding a workstation under a lofted bed or creating a twin bunk over a full or queen for a child's sleepover guests.

"For kids, this offers a unique space to have sleepovers, make forts, anything their creative hearts desire," Heartfield says. "Incorporating cubbies and cabinets to an elevated storage design, one can utilize fun ideas to keep your kids organized while creating an individualized space for them."  

Grownups are probably looking for more practical items like USB ports and charging stations. They may also appreciate an extra-long twin, which gives them a bit more space to move around and is better sized for most adults. You may also want to splurge on nicer sheets and duvet covers to give the space a more luxe style and a little extra comfort.