Your Airbnb’s Bunk Room Can Make or Break Your Listing
When it comes to short-term rentals, bunk rooms are one of the most misunderstood spaces. We have seen it all as hospitality interior designers, from thoughtfully planned retreats to truly diabolical bunk rooms. The biggest misconception we see is that more beds automatically mean more bookings.
The truth is simple. More is not always better.
A poorly designed bunk room can feel cramped, chaotic, and uncomfortable, while a well-designed one can significantly improve your guest experience and your occupancy. This post walks through how to properly optimize a bunk room in your Airbnb, starting with the layout and ending with the finishing touches that make it feel intentional.
Read-on below, or watch our YouTube video to learn how to design a short-term rental bunk room like a professional.
Start With the Space Plan
Design and space planning matter just as much as how a room looks, especially in bunk rooms. In many single-family homes, these rooms tend to be smaller, which means every decision counts.
One of our favorite solutions is an L-shaped bunk layout.
Why We Love L-Shaped Bunks
L-shaped bunks are a great way to maximize sleeping space without overwhelming the room. They reduce that in-your-face feeling you can get when a bunk bed is the first thing you see walking through the door. Instead, the room still feels like a normal bedroom, with the extra sleeping tucked in more naturally.
This is a space plan we have used many times across our projects because it balances function, comfort, and aesthetics.
Also see: 3 Guest Bedroom Floorplans Every Airbnb Needs
Design for More Than Just Kids
Bunk rooms often get labeled as kids-only spaces, but that does not have to be the case. Many guests travel as couples, and when every bedroom has bunks, it can be hard to tell which room feels the most comfortable or desirable.
An L-shaped bunk layout often feels more appealing to couples while still offering flexibility for families. It is a simple way to push occupancy without making the room feel crowded or chaotic.
Increase Occupancy Without Overcrowding
We've talked about the importance of heads in beds before, and of course this is important when it comes to maximizing your STR profits. However, overcrowding your space will always result in a lower ROI. We are not fans of cramming as many beds as possible into one room, but there are smart ways to add flexibility if you have the space.
If the layout allows, consider adding an accent chair or a small seating area. Even better, a pull-out chaise can double as a bed. This works especially well for toddlers or young kids staying in the room with parents. It adds another sleeping option without making the room feel stuffed with furniture.
For Example: We love this sleeper chair as an option to add more flexibility for families.
Don’t Forget About the Ceiling
In bunk rooms, the ceiling deserves just as much attention as the walls and furniture, especially for guests sleeping on the top bunk.
Staring at a blank white ceiling is not exactly relaxing. Paint or wallpaper can completely change how the space feels and make it more cozy and intentional.
Lighting is also extremely important. We always encourage using statement fixtures, but you need to be mindful of clearance for the top bunk. Semi-flush mount fixtures are often a great option because they make an impact without intruding into the sleeping space. Ceiling fans can be tricky in bunk rooms, so they should be chosen carefully or avoided altogether.
Choose Bedding That Actually Works
Bedding in bunk rooms needs to be both practical and comfortable. We often suggest using quilts instead of duvets.
Quilts are easier for cleaners during turnovers, less bulky, and much easier to style on a bunk bed. They are a great middle ground that still feels polished without being overdone.
And yes, throw pillows still matter. Properly styled beds make a huge difference in how a room looks and photographs.
Read this next: Choosing The Perfect Pillows For Your Vacation Rental
Plan Carefully for Sloped Ceilings
Sloped ceilings are common in bunk rooms and can cause problems if they are not planned for correctly. This is where proper measurements become critical.
You want to make sure there is enough clearance so guests are not hitting their heads and that the bunk beds fit the space comfortably. This is a mistake we see far too often, and it is one that can be avoided with thoughtful planning upfront.
Pictured: Peaks and Pines on Elni
Treat It Like a Real Bedroom
Once your layout and bunk beds are in place, all the usual bedroom design rules still apply.
Do not skip the finishing touches:
- Rugs, even a simple runner, make a big difference
- A dresser for storage
- Lamps for layered lighting
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Window treatments whenever possible
In one recent project, there was a baseboard heater directly under the window, which made curtains difficult. In that case, we opted for a Roman shade. However, if curtains are an option, we always recommend using them. They help tie the room together and make it feel complete.
The goal is for the bunk room to feel like a true bedroom, not a campsite where bunk beds were added as an afterthought.
If you want help designing a bunk room that works hard for your property and still feels beautiful, we would love to help.