Bunk beds are a wonderful thing. Aside from being space-saving, they are fun and can look pretty chic too – when done well. Not convinced? We've sifted through our Livingetc.com archives and pulled out some of the best bunk bed ideas we've come across so far.

Bunk bed design is all about combining a fun, playful vibe with space-saving solutions that help maximise a room's potential. With space at a premium for urban, city homes, it pays to think vertically.

Our bunk bed ideas below range from kids’ rooms to play rooms and even grown-up guest bedrooms. Some of the below built-in bunk beds were designed with adults in mind – there is enough space so you don’t bang your head when getting into bed.

Built-in beds are also great for holiday homes, to accommodate extra sleepers – and they're far more chic and comfortable than a pull-out sofa in the living room. Get inspired by ABD Studio's bunk bed design and give each bunk bed its own curtain for privacy.

To really make the most of every square inch in a room, going bespoke is your best bet as it means that a bed can stretch wall to wall (without leaving award pockets of wasted space), and can be personalised with USB sockets, wall lights, and even built-in trundle drawers or book shelves. To soften the look, make like Katharine Pooley and give each bed an upholstered headboard.

The best bunk bed ideas feature playful and creative designs, from mezzanine balconies and look-out towers to clever concealed storage and a fun slide to get down. In Scenario Architecture's East London house, a bunk bed room was given a mezzanine floor that's only accessible via a climbing wall – with a fireman's pole to come down.

room is tall enough for a triple bunk bed, you could consider switching up the top bunk for a cool mezzanine play balcony – thus keeping floor space clutter-free.

Get inspired by these gorgeous bunk bed ideas...

Arch Appeal

We love the arched surround of this built-in bunk. Get the look: Bunk bed in Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan in Napoleonic Blue and Scandinavian Pink from £5.95 for 120ml, finished with Clear Chalk Paint™ Wax from £5.95. Curtain in Ticking in Graphite £34.95 per metre and Linen Union in English Yellow + Antibes Green £39.95 per metre. Floor in Chalk Paint™ in Old White. All from

Curtain Call

ABD Studio created this chic and elegant bunk bed room for two young girls. Curtains give each bed privacy.

                                

Mezzanine Play Space

If a room is tall enough for a triple bunk bed, you could consider switching up the top bunk for a cool mezzanine play balcony – thus keeping floor space clutter-free. Here a loft play space has been created above the built-in bunks, leaving plenty of floor space to play and creating a calm and un-cluttered vibe. Get the look: The lights are oval brass bulkhead fittings, from £174 each, Davey Lighting at Lighting Matters.

                                

Extra Tall

These built-in bunk beds have been designed with adults in mind – there is enough space so you don’t bang your head when getting into bed. Get the look: Bespoke bunk beds and painted in Farrow & Ball ‘Lichen’. Gareth Handles in Cast Iron, from the home store at marklewisnteriordesign.com Wallpaper, ‘Gilly Flower Blue’, Robert Kime. Linen throw on bed, The Conran Shop. Small bedside shelf from the home store at marklewisnteriordesign.com

                                

Plugged In

These bunk beds are custom made and each has a docking station for Macs or iPads with their own light and headphones. Get the look: The beds were designed by the owner and custom made by Sutherland Furniture. The bedlinen is from The White Company.

                                

Stair Storage

A house-inspired bunk-bed design was created to make use of the full height of this room. An actual staircase leads to the top bunk, which also doubles as fun storage. Get the look: This design is by German brand Jäll & Tofta, which could work with a uk-based carpenter – find one at ratedpeople.com – to realise this design.

                                

Lookout Tower

This bunk space isn't actual a bed, but it makes a super fun play area complete with desk, balcony, slide, and even a separate ladder going up to a lookout tower. A mattress could easily be added to the mezzanine level, transforming this into an epic bunk bed. We also love the blackboard wall which transforms this upper story into a creative zone. Get the look: This bedrooms designed by US-based Raad Studio. Add magnets to the mix with Rust-oleum magnetic chalkboard paint, £13 for 750ml at B&Q.

                                

Symmetrical

Here a ladder is placed in the middle of the mezzanine, freeing up enough space at either end for single beds. The mezzanine level acts as a cool daybed – a space to read, lounge and relax, rather than to sleep. Timber wall cladding covers the ceiling in this charming beach house kid's room. Get the look Fabric (on wall), Equateur by Hermès. Seletti Monkey wall lights, Made in Design.

                                

Upholstered

These gorgeous bunk beds by Katharine Pooley feature upholstered headboards and soft details. Get the look: The Ladder Rail is from Tillys Interiors. The Carpet and Rug are from Colbourns. The Pendant shade is from Cowshed interiors.

                                

a good fit

This was an awkward space, so it was difficult to fit in normal-sized bunk beds. The owners had them made slightly smaller with cupboards either side, allowing more room for train tracks and tea parties. Get the look The bespoke bunk bed and storage unit are by Evoke. The rug is from Heal’s. The Flying Stork artwork is by Tamar Mogendorff at Bobo Kids. The Eames Elephant is from The Conran Shop.

                                

Nautical Vibes

This bunk bed has a distinct nautical feel to it, thanks to the white painted finish, the shiplap wall, blue and white bedding and the brass wall lights. The effect is very summery – perfect for a themed bedroom or for a coastal holiday home.

                                

Minimalist

A set of wood bunk beds with a minimalist black ladder makes a cosy modern kids room. Get the look: The children’s bunk beds are custom made. Bedding and black Radar Sconces are from Schoolhouse.

                                

Built Ins

To really make the most of every square inch in a room, going bespoke is your best bet as it means that a bed can stretch wall to wall (without leaving award pockets of wasted space), and can be personalised with USB sockets, wall lights, and even built-in trundle drawers or book shelves. Get the look: Bunk beds painted in Dulux Denim Drift

                                

Alcove bed

The child’s bedroom sits above the living room, on a mezzanine level that overlooks the dining space below. A raised, built-in bed plays on the multi-level theme.

                                

Rounded Edges

The white bunkbed with its soft, rounded edges create a Scandi look. Get the look: Oliver Furniture Bunkbed and armoire