Bunk Beds Buying Guide

When shopping for beds for children's rooms, there are several factors to consider to ensure you select the best one for your family. With styles ranging from mid-sleepers to bunk beds with desks, choose the right bed for your child's needs.

1. Types of bunk beds available

We offer a selection of stylish bunk beds with unique features and modern designs, including:

• Standard bunk beds: Stacked two single beds with a ladder to reach the top bunk.
• Play beds: feature playful elements like a house design or slide.
• Trundle beds: These can be separated into two standard single beds.
• Mid-sleepers: Lower in height with storage underneath.
• High Sleepers: Tall bunk beds for teenagers with space for a desk and cupboards underneath.

2. Age considerations when choosing a bunk bed

Bunk beds are popular for larger families with limited space or children sharing a room. The best part about bunk beds is their age-friendliness. Top bunks are best for kids over 6, while lower bunks or lower mid-sleepers are suitable for kids under 4.

Play beds are also a safe way to move toddlers from cots to larger beds. Our recommendations for the best bunk bed for your child are below.

Bed TypeFeaturesAge RangePlay bedsHouse-shaped designs, close to the ground.2 - 6 years Mid-sleepersFeatures drawers or cupboards and is lower than standard bunk beds.4 + yearsStorage bunk bedsBeds with under-bed drawer storage or integrated shelving.6 + yearsTrundle bedsBeds that divide into separate beds.6 + yearsHigh sleepersUnder Bed desks, cupboards, 176 cm+ height12 + years

3. Quality-made bunk beds for kids

We chose kids beds to adhere to European and UK safety standards, utilising strong pine wood and high-density particleboard. They fit European Standard Single mattresses (90 cm x 200 cm) and (90 cm x 190 cm), ensuring ample space for your child's growth.

Our bunk beds are simple to assemble and include free UK delivery. Alternatively, you can book our bunk bed assembly service, which is available within mainland UK.

4. Choosing the right bed for your children

Whether you have two children sharing a room or you are looking to maximise the space in a smaller bedroom, bunk beds offer the ideal solution.

• Space-saving bunk beds: Standard bunk beds are ideal for shared rooms or maximising space in smaller bedrooms.
• Bunk beds for toddlers: Play bunk beds are only a few inches off the ground, making bedtimes fun.
• Bunk beds for teenagers: High-sleeper beds offer ample space for desks, bookshelves, and storage.

5. Safety Tips

Buying a bunk bed can be an exciting time; however, there are some safety tips to consider when buying a bunk bed for kids:

• It is advised that children under the age of 6 should not sleep on a top bunk [1]. 
  
• Children should not be allowed to play on the top bunk bed.
  
• Make sure you secure the ladders to the top bunk.
• Nightlights should be used to light the room for children descending from the top bunk during the night. [2]

Buying mattresses for bunk beds

Our chosen bunk beds fit standard European single mattresses (90 cm x 200 cm) or (90 cm x 190 cm). Consider mattress depth, especially for top bunks (no higher than 16 cm). Choose from our range of comfortable Sleeptight mattresses with memory foam, pocket springs, and eco-foam features.

Bunk Bed FAQ

What is a bunk bed?

A bunk bed is a style of bed that involves stacking two bed frames, one on top of another. This creates two sleeping areas that occupy the same floor space as one bed.

Bunk beds are usually bought for children; however, depending on the style, you can find bunk beds suitable for children, teenagers, and adults.

Are bunk beds safe for kids?

Yes, kids can use bunk beds safely as long as they follow these rules. Most importantly, the NHS UK says that kids younger than 6 shouldn't sleep in the bunk bed's top bunk. Children's safety is a primary concern [3]. Also, make sure there are guardrails on both sides of the top bunk. Ladders should also be safe and simple to climb. When they climb the ladder and play during the day, don't forget to watch over them.

At what age are bunk beds safe?

Bunk beds are ideal for children ages 4 to 16, but it's advised that children under six do not use the upper bunk[1].

Do bunk beds come with mattresses?

Bunk beds are sold separately from mattresses. All our bunk beds are built as a standard European single size, fitting a standard single-size mattress (90 cm x 200 cm) or (90 cm x 190 cm). You can find a range of single mattresses ideal for bunk beds on our website.

What are the benefits of a bunk bed?

Bunk beds are useful because they save space in rooms with limited floor space, such as kids' rooms, dorm rooms, and homes that need to make the most of their space. That being said, bunk beds are an excellent choice because they make the most of small rooms' space, give everyone a place to sleep in shared areas, make sleepovers more fun, give you more storage space, and cost less than buying two separate beds.

References:

[1] www.rospa.com. (n.d.). Child safety - RoSPA. [online] Available at: https://www.rospa.com/policy/home-safety/resources/policy-statements/child-safety [Accessed 30 Jul. 2024].

[2] Happiest Baby. (n.d.). Bunk Beds: Safety Tips for Toddler Bunk Beds. [online] Available at: https://www.happiestbaby.com/blogs/toddler/bunk-bed-safety#:~:text=Bunk%20Bed%20Safety%20Guidelines%20from [Accessed 30 Jul. 2024].

[3] NHS (2020). Baby and toddler safety. [online] nhs.uk. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/safety/baby-and-toddler-safety/ [Accessed 20 Jun. 2024].

Buy one of our bunk beds today.

Small Smart UK is a premier destination for those seeking high-quality bunk beds for kids. Thanks to our wide variety of options, we ensure that you find the perfect bunk bed for your children.

With exclusive discounts, comprehensive support services, and professional assembly options, we ensure a hassle-free shopping experience. Create a safe and comfortable room your children will enjoy with Small Smart bunk beds.