Bunk Bed Buying Guide
Bunk beds are a practical way to save space in children's bedrooms and can be useful for siblings who share a room or as an extra bed for sleepovers.
For those considering a bunk bed for the first time, it may feel daunting trying to work out which bed best fits your particular home, child and lifestyle. This guide aims to make the process a little easier by explaining a few bunk bed related details. So, take a few minutes to read about bunk bed safety, measuring for a good fit and bunk mattresses.
How to choose the right bunk bed
There are a few key things to consider when comparing bunk bed options. Follow these links to find out what you need to know:
- Think about safety
- Bunk bed sizes and heights
- Storage options#consider-storage
- Types of bunk beds
- Bunk bed finishes
- Mattress considerations
Safety first
Bunk bed safety is crucial, so bunk beds should be high quality and solidly built. All bunk beds sold in the UK must adhere to the British Safety Standard BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015.
While safety features are built into the design, it's still important to discuss safety with children so they understand how to use the bunk bed correctly.
You should explain that:
- they must be sensible and shouldn't play on it, use it as a climbing frame or lean over the top bunk
- only one child can use the top bunk at a time
- they should always use the ladder - teach them how to use it if necessary
Here are some bunk bed FAQs that you may find helpful.
How do I assemble a bunk bed?
Bunk beds should be delivered complete with the manufacturer's assembly instructions. These instructions should be followed carefully to ensure a safe and secure build. If any part is missing, the manufacturer should be contacted to obtain replacements before the bed is used.
An adult should test the bunk bed before a child uses it. The bed should feel solid and sturdy once built - it shouldn't wobble or feel rickety, and it should have no sharp or protruding edges.
Periodic checks will help to ensure the ladder, safety barriers, and fixings remain secure and in good condition over time.
Can I buy a second-hand bunk bed?
Second-hand bunk beds can present safety concerns. Safety standards for bunk beds are updated over time, so some older or second-hand models may not meet current regulations. Older bunk beds might lack essential safety features such as secure guardrails, sturdy ladders, or strong fixings, which can increase the risk of falls, collapses, or entrapment. Second-hand bunk beds should be inspected carefully for loose joints, damaged parts, or missing safety barriers. Safe assembly can also be challenging if the original instructions are missing, increasing the risk of improper setup.
What age is a bunk bed suitable for?
The upper bunk is only suitable for children over six years old. There is no specific age restriction for the lower bunk, but babies, toddlers, and younger children should sleep in their own bed rather than on a bunk.
Where should I position the bunk bed?
Parents often position bunk beds against one wall, as this provides more space in the middle of the bedroom. Even when a bunk is positioned this way, all safety barriers must be correctly and securely fitted, as a small gap between the bed and the wall remains. Avoid placing bunk beds near light fittings, ceiling fans or windows.
How high should the safety barrier be?
Whilst they can vary in height, there are two main criteria that safety barriers must comply with, according to BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015.
The top of the safety barrier must be at least:
- 26cm above the top bunk bed base
- 16cm above the top of the mattress
Additionally, the safety barrier must run all around the top bunk, with only one opening for the ladder, to prevent children from falling out.
What is the maximum thickness of a bunk bed mattress?
The mattress on the top bunk must sit at least 16cm below the top of the safety barrier to ensure adequate protection against falls. Most bunk beds have a permanent label or sticker showing the maximum mattress thickness allowed. If the sticker can’t be located, contact the retailer or manufacturer for guidance.
What about gaps?
The BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015 safety regulation explains that there should be no holes or gaps anywhere in the bed’s design between 0.7cm and 1.2cm. These include spaces around the guardrails, bed slats, ladder rungs, headboards, footboards, and other parts of the frame.
However, there can be gaps of:
- 1.5cm - 2.5cm: too small for fingers to get stuck
- 6cm - 7.5cm: wide enough that a head, arm, or leg won’t be trapped
- 20cm or more: deliberately large gaps, usually for safe entry or ladder access
Following these measurements helps prevent accidents and ensures the bunk bed meets modern safety standards.
What do I need to know about the ladder?
The ladder should be fixed securely to the bed. An opening for the ladder should be located along one of the longer sides of the bunk - not the shorter sides.
BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015 explains that the top bunk access for the ladder should be between 30-40cm wide. Additionally, the ladder treads must be at least 9cm deep.
Can bunk beds be separated?
Some bunk beds are designed so they can be split into two separate single beds. This can be useful as children grow or if they move into separate rooms. However, not all bunk beds have this feature, so always check the manufacturer’s instructions or product details before attempting to take the bed apart.
Are there any other safety issues to consider?
The area around the bunk bed should be kept clear and tidy to ensure safe access to the ladder. Avoid hanging anything from the bunk bed itself, as items such as ropes, belts, or toys can all pose a strangulation risk. It’s also a good idea to provide a night light for your child or position the bunk bed near a light switch so that they can get in and out of bed safely at night.
Think about size
Bunk beds are a great way to make the most of limited space in smaller rooms, but it’s important to ensure there’s enough space to accommodate a bunk bed safely.
Here's what you need to do:
- Measure the total bedroom floor area
- Check the floor-to-ceiling height
- Cross-reference this with the bunk bed dimensions, which should always be checked carefully before buying
1. Measure the floor space
Make sure there is enough floor space for the bunk bed and for opening any underbed drawers.
- Measure the total room area, factoring in any skirting boards
- Check the total width and length of the bunk bed frame
- Subtract this from the total space available
Is there enough room? If not, a smaller bed - like a single - may better suit the space.
2. Check the ceiling height
There should be enough room for a child to sit up in bed safely.
- Measure the floor-to-ceiling height
- Subtract the total height of the bunk bed
There should be at least 2 feet (61cm) left between the top of the bunk bed and the ceiling. However, the more space, the better!
Consider storage
Bunk beds offer a way to save space with two sleeping spaces in one, but they can also include useful underbed storage. Their drawers can be used for storing bedding, toys and more, making it easier for children to keep their rooms clean and tidy.
Alternatively, there are also bunk bed models with shelving or simply additional space underneath. This is useful for toy boxes that can be stored underneath the bed, or items that won't neatly fit into a drawer.
Choose the right type of bunk bed
There are many different types of bunk beds:
- Single bunk beds
- Three-sleepers
- Trundle beds
- L-shaped bunk beds
- Loft sleepers
Single bunk beds
This traditional bunk format is simply two single beds stacked on top of one another and securely fixed for stability. The most popular and familiar bunk bed design suitable for two children.
Three-sleeper (triple-sleeper) bunks
A great space-saving idea, the three-sleeper bunk consists of a double bed on the bottom and single bed on top. They can be used by three siblings sharing or for kids having friends over to stay.
Trundle guest beds
A trundle bed offers an alternative to a bunk bed. Designed for one sleeper and for occasional use by two. These beds can be useful for sleepovers and when guests come to stay. They feature an extra pull-out bed underneath, which is stowed away when not in use. It also takes up less room than a traditional bunk bed.
L-shaped and corner bunks
A contemporary take on the traditional bunk bed, an L-shaped or corner bunk has space underneath for a bookcase or play area. Since the bottom bunk is at a 90 degree angle to the top bunk, a multi-functional, flexible space can be created underneath, for a variety of uses.
Loft sleepers
As the name suggests, a loft-sleeper, or high-sleeper, is a 'high-up' bed on a platform accessed via a ladder. It leaves plenty of space underneath for a desk, bookcase or chest of drawers. Alternatively, a cosy area can be created underneath with bean bags and soft furnishings.
Choose your bunk bed finish
There are two main types of materials used in bunk beds - wooden and metal.
Wooden bunk beds
These are the classic type, they're often made from hard-wearing pine or rubberwood. Seen as a more eco-friendly choice, many modern wooden bunks are made from sustainable sources. They can be sprayed with non-toxic lacquer or paint in a range of colours, ensuring a longer lifespan.
Metal bunk beds
This type offers a minimalist, modern look. They're easy to clean too. Usually produced using steel tubes, metal bunks are powder-coated for durability and to enhance their visual appeal. Often less expensive than wooden bunks, they can be a low-cost alternative.
Finish off with a bunk mattress
Once you've found a bunk bed that fits a particular room, it's time to consider what mattress is needed. Choosing the right mattress is important for both comfort and safety. The correct size and thickness will ensure it fits securely within the frame and works properly with the safety barriers.
What mattress should I buy for a bunk bed?
Most bunk beds can be paired with any mattress, so long as it fits the bed and sits 16cm below the top of the safety barrier. However, it’s usually recommended that a bunk mattress is used - they're thinner than regular mattresses, which helps the safety barriers do their job effectively.
What size mattress should I get?
To choose the correct size mattress, check the size of the bunk bed first. The mattress should fit securely within the frame, with no gaps.
Bunk bed mattresses usually come in standard UK sizes:
- Most bunk beds will fit a single or small single mattress
- For a three-sleeper bunk bed, a small double or double mattress is needed for the bottom bunk
Here's a quick overview of standard UK bunk bed mattress sizes:
| UK bunk mattress size | Best for | Metric dimensions | Imperial dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small single | Most standard bunk beds | 75cm x 190cm | 2'6" x 6'3" |
| Single | Most standard bunk beds | 90cm x 190cm | 3' x 6'3" |
| Small double | Three-sleeper (bottom bunk) | 120cm x 190cm | 4' x 6'3" |
| Double | Three-sleeper (bottom bunk) | 135cm x 190cm | 4'6" x 6'3" |
Some mattresses available elsewhere may be European sizes - always check the dimensions carefully prior to purchasing.
We hope this guide has provided lots of useful information on bunk beds and their mattresses. If you’d like to know more about suitable kids’ mattresses, you can read our complete guide on buying a mattress for children.
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