Why Less is More: Rethinking Bunk Beds in Your OBX Vacation Home
If you’re outfitting your Outer Banks vacation home to appeal to families, it might feel natural to load up on bunk beds and pyramid beds. After all, more beds mean more heads in beds, right?
Not necessarily.
Here’s the reality: kids aren’t picky about where they sleep—but adults are. And with occupancy restrictions and guests expecting elevated comfort, now is the time to rethink your bedding strategy.
Kids Will Sleep Anywhere
Parents know this better than anyone: kids will pile into a queen or king bed without a second thought. Whether it’s cousins on vacation or siblings sharing a room, kids aren’t concerned about sleeping arrangements. Adults, on the other hand, don’t want to draw the short straw and end up in a bunk bed or squeezed into a pyramid full of squeaky ladders and low head clearance.
By limiting the number of bunk-style beds to one designated "kids' room" you free up your other bedrooms for adult-friendly sleeping arrangements.
Occupancy Rules
Local towns and counties enforce occupancy limits based on two people per bedroom, regardless of the number of beds. That means stuffing a room with multiple bunks doesn’t increase your legal occupancy—it just reduces the comfort level for your guests.
And remember: your listing photos set expectations. If you show a room with three sets of bunks, guests may assume your home sleeps more than it legally can. That can lead to confusion, complaints, and compliance issues.
Quality Over Quantity
One thoughtfully designed kids’ room with a bunk or pyramid bed is plenty. Focus on durable bedding, built-in storage, and fun decorative touches. For the rest of the home, stick with versatile bedding options that appeal to all age groups. It’s not just about who can sleep where—it’s about how well they’ll sleep.
Maximize Guest Comfort, Not Guest Count
Your guests are paying a premium to vacation in the OBX—and adult comfort is key to guest satisfaction. Prioritize king and queen beds where possible, and reserve bunk beds or a pyramid/twin combo for just one room. This keeps your layout family-friendly without compromising the adult experience.
By limiting the number of bunk or pyramid beds, it helps you stay compliant with occupancy regulations, improves the guest experience for adults and makes your home more marketable to a wider range of travelers
When in doubt, less is more.
Have questions about how your home’s bedding layout stacks up to guest expectations and rental trends? We’re happy to provide feedback or suggestions, just reach out to our homeowner services team, homeowners@beachrealtync.com or give us a call 252-441-7166.