A bunk bed is the perfect solution for small apartments, or the times when we have to clear floor space and still have sleeping accommodations. People tend to think of bunk beds as something that is placed in kids rooms so kids can share a room but nothing could be more wrong than to limit the use of a bunk bed to such a small task.

Most of the images we see are for single bunk beds and from that we get this limited view of them. The fact is that they come in double size as well. A double bunk is great for young couples who might live in a studio apartment. (This type of bed is referred to as a loft bed but many people call them bunk beds). They can have their bed on top and use the space below for living or storing. Another problem in studios is the fact that they never have enough closet space. With a wider bunk, a closet can be built below, or a white bookcase could be added, with the light color making the space look bigger.Besides deciding how you will use your bunk bed to design and personalize your room, you need to know a few things to help you with an easy start.

• First you should know that assembly will be needed. Your bed will be delivered unassembled, but assembly is fast and easy for the average person.
• Then before you put it together you should decide where you are going to place it. Not any spot will do. It is unsafe to put a bunk bed near a window or near a ceiling light. It would also be safer to consider the rest of the furniture in the room. If you have pieces with sharp edges, it would be better not to place them near the bed.
• Another consideration is the ladder. The location of the ladder is not very important as most bunk beds will facilitate placement anywhere, but it should be wide enough to fit your feet. Usually 8 to 10 inches is considered a good width. You will find angled ladders and straight up ones. That is a question of preference and style, more than anything else.
• One important thing to check out before buying is the height of your ceiling. If you cannot sit on your bunk bed it will not be comfortable. You should know the maximum height of the platform then add the space needed to sit comfortably.
• Prices will vary widely from place to place, and based on style and materials. You can find a basic bunk bed for as little as $150 and some elaborate ones with additional furnishing can cost up to more than $1300. Your needs and your budget should be the deciding factor.
• From a design point of view, it is fair to say that bunk beds are very modern looking and most will fit a contemporary design better than they would a classic home. However some dark wood frames are available and could fit in a more conventional style. If your home is contemporary then you have a very wide selection. From natural wood, to sleek metal, to painted wood of metal in the brightest of colors, anything can be accomplished.

What ever your reasons for buying a bunk bed, whether you want to free up some space in a studio apartment, or a child's room, it is a good idea to find out what you are really getting into before you buy one.

A bunk bed will usually be delivered to you in pieces, the good news is that it is easy to assemble, and it does not take a whole lot of time. Bunk beds are available in all price ranges, however like the saying goes you get what you pay for. A good looking one can add a lot of flair to a room. Remember that bunk beds are not just for kids that they can be used by anyone who needs to free up some space.

You can also find a double bunk bed more appropriately called a loft bed. This type of bed is ideal for young couples who don't have a lot of space in a small apartment. It is functional, a desk or a sofa futon that can serve double duty as an occasional guest bed can be placed below.

Choosing a bunk bed is a little different from choosing a regular bed, specially if you are furnishing a child's room. You can follow these few tips to ensure. that you will get something that will serve you well. A double top bunk could provide space below to accommodate a closet if storage space is lacking.

Safety: First a bunk bed should not be placed haphazardly. You do not want to place it  near a window or near a ceiling light or fan, specially if the bed will be used by a child who could touch it. You should not have furniture with sharp angles right next to it. A preferred location might be in a corner of a room, where a child would feel more secure.

About the steps to climb in the top bunk, some are straight, some are at angle. What is important is that they should be sufficiently wide to accommodate comfortable climbing. They should be between 81/2 and 101/2 inches.

Materials can be anything that you like and that will look best in your room. There are some very elegant looking wood bunk beds, even some made from exotic woods like teak. Often the less expensive ones will be made of pine. You can also find some in metal, with any finish you want, chrome, brushed steel, or painted in any color.

Measure the height of your room before you start shopping, because you should be able to sit on the top bunk to be comfortable. Most of the time ceilings in stores are higher than in people's home and you could be fooled by that. A bunk bed without sufficient head space is a very uncomfortable piece of furniture you will not keep very long.

Lighting a room with bunk beds is better done with lights in three areas of the room. This allows light to be well distributed.

Regardless of your situation if you are looking to save floor space a bunk bed is a good solution. Before going from store to store you can get a good idea of what is available on line, and already define your needs, likes and dislikes. With that information and a few images you can, if you have not ordered on line, or if you prefer to buy locally, go to your local furniture dealers and get started on your room re-decorating project. Stores like Ikea have great looking furniture in all price ranges and cater to a young population's taste.