14 Clever Ways to Take Your Kid’s Bunk Bed to the Next Level
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Two years ago, my son William (then four) told me in no uncertain terms that he and I were going to write a book about bunk beds. I’d just published my first book, The Little Book of Living Small, and a particularly cool L-shaped bunk bed in my book had ignited his passion. I created a Pinterest board and started a saved collection on Instagram to gather bunk bed inspo for him, and a funny thing happened. In humoring my son, I realized what a wide world of bunk beds there was… and I actually did end up writing a book about bunk beds, aptly titled The Bunk Bed Book.
In researching and gathering the 115 bedrooms that appear in my book, I learned A LOT about bunk beds – and sadly, not every amazing bed and nugget of bunk wisdom could fit in the book. Because books need to remain evergreen for years, I couldn’t share all of my favorite bunk beds to buy. Nor could I include the many amazing accessories that are available to outfit your bunk beds. From easy-to-make bedding to battery powered lamps, there are a ton of great finds that can make the bunk bed experience even better for both kids and their parents. Here are 14 products I love to trick out your bunks:
Bedding
There is no denying that making a bunk bed is hard – so hard, that I joked that my book should come with a warning sticker that told prospective bunk owners that bunk beds are rarely as beautifully made as they are in photos. My best advice is to keep things simple, but specialized bedding can help.
Lighting
Whether you opt for a clip lamp, a wall-mounted sconce, or a battery-powered option, your kid will need something to light their bunk. Here are some affordable options that don’t require the help of an electrician:
Pockets & Caddies
In addition to light, kids need a place to stash their stuff. Soft, fabric pockets and caddies are a great option because they are affordable and don’t require any tools to install.
Shelves & Storage
A wall-mounted book ledge is another way to add bedside storage quickly and easily.
Curtains
Curtains can go a long way towards making a kid’s bunk feel like a private space in a shared bedroom. Some bunk manufacturers will sell a bed with a curtain included, but if not, you can commission simple drapes and hang them up with Command hooks or a tension rod.
