Cozy Bunks and Builtins: Inspiring Looks

Lofts, sleeping alcoves, nooks, daybeds, trundles, architecturally magnificent custom bunks–so many interpretations of them in this eclectic collection. Check out beautiful Cozy Bunks and Builtins to see the creative ways both small and large spaces are utilized for cozy sleeping quarters.

Cozy BUNKS and BUILTINS & Bed Nook Ideas

From modern to Old World and fantasy to practical, this round up of ideas will help if you are considering a cozy sleeping area for a guest room, play room, or kids room.

John Martine Studio designed bedroom with built in bunk beds (Photo by Liss Mabey). #bunkbeds
John Martine Studio (Photo: Liss Mabey) – Bunks and builtins to inspire your bunk rooms

I can’t stop staring at the sophisticated simplicity and beauty of this design above!

Beautiful bunk room in 2019 Southern Living Idea House. #bunkrooms #bunkbeds
2019 Southern Living Idea House – Bunks and Built-ins to Inspire Your Bunk Rooms

We’ll also peek at Laura Fenton’s incredible book on the subject to see work from talented designers with names you will likely recognize.

Beautiful bed nooks designed by McAlpine House in AD. #bednooks
AD – McAlpine House – Bunks and Builtins to inspire your bunk rooms

What is your personal history with bunks? Mine is definitely summer camp, thin mattresses, creaky bed springs, and itchy wool blankets.

Bunk room with rustic chic mountain loge style at Yellowstone Club - design by Ken Fulk in Elle Decor; photo by Douglas Friedman.
Elle Decor – Design: Ken Fulk/Photo: Douglas Friedman

Bed nooks like this unforgettable one by Nicky Haslam for a Holland Park home are about as far from my camp experience as you can get!

Nicky Haslam designed beddroom with built in bed nook - AD. #bednooks
Nicky Haslam in AD

I hope these ideas from beautifully designed bedrooms get your wheels turning, and I highly recommend THE BUNK BED BOOK for a wealth of inspiration.

What is it About Bunks & Nostalgia?

Custom bunk beds with moody deep green and, an arch, and curtains - from The Bunk Bed Book (Gibbs Smith, 2022) by Laura Fenton. #bunkbeds
Photo: Sarah Sherman Samuel from THE BUNK BED BOOK (Gibbs Smith, 2022) by Laura Fenton

The magic of bunks, lofts, and cozy nooks has been captured in THE BUNK BED BOOK by Laura Fenton:

The Bunk Bed Book (Gibbs Smith, 2022) by Laura Fenton - cover
THE BUNK BED BOOK (Gibbs Smith, 2022) by Laura Fenton

Have childhood memories associated with bunk beds? So many of us do!

House shaped bunk bed from The Bunk Bed Book (Gibbs Smith, 2022) by Laura Fenton. #bunkbeds
Photo: The Contented Nest – from THE BUNK BED BOOK (Gibbs Smith, 2022) by Laura Fenton

There’s just something about the intimacy and nostalgia of bunks that taps into thoughts of relaxation, vacation, reading, and childhood.

Need Ideas for Custom Bunk Beds?

You’ll be awed by the innovative designs in this book. Bunks are often the right choice for a room short on space, yet after seeing these creative examples, you’ll probably agree they can add architectural interest and whimsy to rooms of any size.

Cutaways in the plywood fronting create a ladder to lower sleeping birth in this imaginative architectural bunk space - photo by Annie Schlechter for The Bunk Bed Book (Gibbs Smith, 2022) by Laura Fenton. #bunkbeds
I want to be six years old again and have my very own spaceship and itty bitty Panton chair! Photo: Annie Schlechter – from THE BUNK BED BOOK (Gibbs Smith, 2022) by Laura Fenton

These bunks below with their bold blue were one of my favorites in the book and were designed by Suzanne Kasler. Don’t you love those shaded sconces for reading? I can imagine this design truly standing the test of time…not too childish and an easy transition into a guest room.

Bold blue bunk room designed by Suzanne Kasler in The Bunk Bed Book (Gibbs Smith, 2022) by Laura Fenton. #bunkbeds
Design: Suzanne Kasler, Photo: Francesco Lagnese – from THE BUNK BED BOOK (Gibbs Smith, 2022) by Laura Fenton

Need Help Imagining Possibilities for a Small Bedroom?

We tend to associate top bunks with designs close to the ceiling, but low, L-shaped bunks are a safe alternative. Ceilings are not always lofty in small spaces, and not all kids are keen on heights.

L-shaped custom bunks with cross wool blankets in red and blue -from The Bunk Bed Book (Gibbs Smith, 2022) by Laura Fenton. #bunkbeds
Photo: Frederic Vasseur – from THE BUNK BED BOOK (Gibbs Smith, 2022) by Laura Fenton

Another design element I love about the minimal bunk room above? The wood paneling adds textural interest and character to the otherwise simply appointed bedroom.

Are Bunk Beds the Answer to Narrow Bedrooms?

Do these designs have you rethinking bunks for smaller, narrow bedrooms? Because this book helps us to freshly conceptualize vertical space. Steps as drawer storage and creating a cozy retreat with fabric is all kinds of brilliant:

Custom bunk beds by Katie Ridder have drawers built into the stairs - from The Bunk Bed Book (Gibbs Smith, 2022) by Laura Fenton. #bunkbeds
Design: Katie Ridder, Photo: Eric Piasecki – from THE BUNK BED BOOK (Gibbs Smith, 2022) by Laura Fenton

Oh, the memories to be made in a bunk room as beautifully designed as that!

Friendship quote by Michele of Hello Lovely Studio. #friendsquote #friendshipquote

More Brilliant Bunk Bed Designs

When you imagine what sorts of factors and elements add up to cozy factor in a cozy bunk room or bed nook, what comes to mind?

Beautiful bunk bed design by Light and Dwell. #bunkbeds
Light and Dwell

Woodsy warmth is one direction to go. Romantic fabric canopies (evocative of childhood forts and tents) are another option.

Small bedroom with built-in bunks designed by Bria Hammel. #bunkrooms
Bria Hammel

Even simple mosquito net fabric swagged with delicate white lights can create a vibe. And if beaded board makes your heart sing, maybe this will inspire:

Beautiful custom bunk beds, bead board walls, and a deep blue ceiling - design by Marie Flanigan. Photo by Julie Soefer.
Design: Marie Flanigan Interiors; Photo: Julie Soefer

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Here’s what I dreamed up for a possible cozy nook:

Psssst. If this mood board above strikes you as kids room or nursery-exclusive, do remember adults love cozy spaces too, and it’s more than okay for a guest bedroom to feel youthful!

Anne Lamott unplugged quote about rest on Hello Lovely Studio. #annelamott #personalgrowthquotes #workquotes #restquotes
Custom bunk bed designs as well as ideas for cozy nooks!

One More Inspiration for Creating Cozy

The Bunk Bed Book provides plenty of inspiration for custom bunks, but here’s a glimpse of a cozy minimal custom home where every detail was considered. It’s so different! I share this not because it could be duplicated but because it is a study of thoughtfully utilizing vertical space.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
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Cross Back Dining Chair
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Mohair Throw
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White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
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Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
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Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
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Boheme Madera Bench
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Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing