Bunk beds save space and are popular for shared bedrooms or sleepovers. They come in various styles, materials, and can add fun to a child’s room. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits and considerations of choosing bunk beds for your family.

Advantages of having bunk beds:

• Space saving: they save floor space and allow for more furniture and activities in smaller bedrooms or shared living spaces. They are also ideal for guest rooms.
• Cost-effective: they are generally less expensive than purchasing two separate beds. This makes them a cost-effective option for families or individuals on a budget.
• Versatile: You can use them in various settings, such as guest rooms, children’s bedrooms, and in holiday homes.
• Encourage bonding: Bunk beds promote togetherness among siblings or friends who share a room.
• Additional storage: those with built-in storage offer extra space for clothes, toys, or books.

Possible drawbacks associated with bunk beds:

• Safety: Young children may fall or become trapped in bunk beds. Properly supervising children and ensuring the beds meet safety standards is vital.
• Limited headroom: Top bunk may have limited headroom, uncomfortable for taller individuals.
• Top bunk bed-making can be challenging, especially for higher bunks, requiring agility.
• Limited design options: Bunk beds may offer fewer choices in design compared to regular beds, with less styles, colours, and materials available.
• Noise: Poor construction or assembly can cause them to creak or wobble, creating noise and movement.
• Reduced personal space: may limit personal space and privacy for roommates.
• Heavy, immovable: they can be challenging to move, especially if they’re large or have built-in storage or other features.

Bunk Beds available

We have a vast range of bunk beds from leading brands to suit various preferences, budgets, and room sizes. Our collection includes different sizes, colours, and styles to cater to individual needs.

Choosing the right bunk bed can be overwhelming, but our experienced team of bed specialists has conducted extensive research and testing to help you find the perfect one. Considering various factors such as available colours, materials, sizes, storage options, price range, warranty, return policies, and brand credibility, our bed experts will ensure you get the best value for your money.

Check out our recommendations online or contact us via phone, email or live chat. Alternatively, visit us in store. Regardless of your chosen method, a warm welcome awaits alongside free, impartial advice.

FAQ about Bunk Beds

What is a bunk bed?

A bunk bed is a type of bed with two or more beds stacked on top of each other, allowing two or more people to sleep in the same room while taking up less floor space.

What size do bunks come in?

At Land of Beds we sell small single, single , small double and double bunks. The actual dimensions of each bunk may vary slightly depending on the specific style and design of the bed frame.

What types of bunk are available?

There are several types of bunk beds available in the UK, including:

• Standard twin-over-twin – the most common type of bunk bed, with one-bed frame stacked on top of another.
• L-shaped – Manufacturers arrange L-shaped bunk beds with one bed perpendicular to the other, forming an L-shape. This type of bunk bed is ideal for saving space, as it can fit in a corner.
• Double bunk beds – feature a double bed frame on the bottom bunk and a standard-sized single bed frame on the top bunk.
• Triple bunk beds – often called triple sleepers – as the name suggests, these have three beds. They are ideal for larger families or for accommodating guests.
• Quadruple bunks – these beds have two double bunks, can accommodate up to four people, and are perfect for a shared kids’ bedroom, especially when hosting guests and sleepovers.
• Futon bunk bed – these beds have a futon on the bottom bunk instead of a regular bed frame. Using the bottom bunk as a sofa during the day is possible because of this arrangement.
• Loft bunk beds – also known as high sleepers, feature a bed on the top bunk and an open space underneath that you can utilise for storage or as a study area.
• Cabin Bunk Beds: have a lower bed with drawers or storage underneath and an upper bunk. They’re ideal for smaller rooms as they provide both sleeping and storage solutions.
• Novelty Bunk Beds: come in a range of fun designs, including castle-shaped bunk beds and themed beds, such as pirate ships or racing cars. They’re perfect for children who want something unique and exciting in their bedrooms.

The type of bunk bed you choose will depend on your needs, available space, and personal preference.

Which bunk bed material is best?

There isn’t necessarily a single “best” material. Each material has advantages and disadvantages, and the decision should be based on your needs and preferences.

Wooden bunk beds are a popular choice as they are sturdy and durable and come in various styles to suit different interior design preferences. Metal bunk beds are also strong and durable and tend to be more affordable than wooden ones. They are also lightweight and easy to move around.

Manufacturers also create bunk beds with upholstered fabric, which can bring a cosy and comfortable ambiance to your bedroom.

Ultimately, the best material for your bunk bed depends on your needs, preferences, and budget.

Are bunks safe?

Bunk beds can be safe when used correctly and with appropriate safety measures. However, one must consider potential safety risks associated.

Some risks associated with bunk beds include falls, entrapment, and suffocation. Possible safety measures to prevent falls include ensuring the purchased bed is sturdy and correctly installing guardrails that meet safety standards. Children under six should not sleep in the top bunk, and it’s also important to instruct children not to play on or under the bunk bed.

To reduce the risk of entrapment, ensure no gaps or spaces between the guardrails, bed frame, or wall. Also, avoid placing the bunk bed near windows or ceiling fans, which could increase the risk of injury.

It’s also essential to ensure that the bunk bed is appropriately used and that children are supervised. We recommend, purchasing a bunk bed that meets safety standards and guidelines set by organisations such as the UK’s British Standards Institution (BSI).

In summary, with proper use and safety measures, bunk beds can be safe for children and adults.

What are some ways to make bunk beds safer?

Ensuring the safety of your children is of utmost importance. While following the assembly instructions is crucial to ensure the bed is secure, there are additional steps you can take to ensure maximum safety.

• Install safety rails – Installing guard rails on all sides of the bed is the best way to prevent falls. It’s important to ensure that the top bunk mattress isn’t too high to allow the safety rails to be fully effective.
• Carpet the floor – To prevent serious injury from accidental slips or falls, it’s recommended to have the bedroom carpeted or, ideally, have rugs beneath the beds.
• Regularly check fittings – To ensure the bunk bed remains sturdy over time, check the fittings regularly to ensure everything is safe and secure.
• Use bunk beds as intended – After safely assembling the bed, discourage children from climbing or playing on the bed or ladder, and ensure that only one child uses the top bed at a time. Additionally, avoid hanging belts, bags, or any items from the bunk bed to prevent the risk of strangulation, trips, or falls.

How high should bunk bed railings be?

Experts recommend that all bunk bed safety rails should have a height of at least 16 cm higher than the mattress to prevent the possibility of falls.

Can toddlers sleep in bunks?

Current recommendations advise against children under six using the upper bunk as it poses a higher risk of falls, particularly at night when poor visibility increases the risk. It is important to note that this applies to children of all ages. To ensure the safety of your children, you may want to consider using a lamp or clip light to light up the ladder at night so that your children can climb down safely.

It is essential to prioritise the safety of babies and toddlers by having them sleep in separate cots, even though there is no specific age recommendation for the bottom bunk. This ensures they are not exposed to any hazards associated with sharing a bunk bed with an older sibling.

We generally recommend using top bunk beds for kids aged between 6 to 16 years old, while bottom bunks are suitable for ages 3-4 to 16. It’s worth noting that specific age recommendations may vary depending on the size and design of the bunk bed, as well as other factors such as the child’s size and weight.

Are bunk beds suitable for teenagers and adult?

Although bunk beds are typically suitable for children between the ages of 3-4 and 16, some models are also designed for adult use. However, it is crucial to check the weight limit specifications of the bunk bed before using it. These details can be found on the product page or by contacting our team of bed experts for assistance. Safety should always be a top priority when using bunk beds, regardless of age.

A regular bed may be more suitable for young adults and grown ups.

Is it necessary to use specific mattresses for bunk beds?

To ensure safety, experts recommend using mattresses that are no more than 15 cm deep on bunk beds, especially on the upper bunk. This allows the side guards to function correctly. Using pocket springs, traditional springs, or a child’s mattress is recommended. The length and width of the mattress should correspond to the bed frame size, either a standard UK single, a standard EU single, or a small single mattress.

Is it possible to disassemble bunk beds?

We generally advise against dismantling them as it can make them less secure and pose safety risks

Are loft beds the same as bunk beds?

The main difference between a loft bed and a bunk bed is their number of beds and how they are arranged. A loft bed, often called a high sleeper, has only one bed raised high above the floor, while a bunk bed has two or more beds stacked on top of each other. We have a range of high sleepers available in our children’s bed collection.

Do bunk beds have storage?

Some bunk beds offer storage options, such as drawers, shelves, and cubby holes, built into the design. These storage options can help maximise the use of space in a room and provide a convenient place to store items such as clothes, toys, and books.

Do bunk beds come with mattresses?

Mattresses are not typically included. These can be purchased separately before checkout.

Is it possible for bunk beds to collapse?

Although many people are concerned about it, the likelihood of collapse is minimal if the bunk bed has been correctly assembled and complies with safety regulations set by the British Safety Institution.

Can the ladder be placed on either side?

The specific design of the bunk bed determines the placement of the ladder. Some bunk beds come with a fixed ladder on one side, while others provide more flexibility by having a ladder that can be placed on either side of the bed. To ensure the ladder’s placement meets your requirements, we suggest checking the bed’s specifications or consulting with our experts before purchasing.

Do I need special bedding?

We recommend using appropriately sized bedding to ensure safety and comfort, although special bedding is not necessary.

Bunk beds come in different sizes, so it’s essential to check the dimensions before purchasing bedding. Generally, twin-sized sheets and duvets fit most, but double-checking the measurements is always best.

We advise using fitted sheets on the top bunk to prevent them from slipping off and causing a safety hazard. Additionally, avoiding using heavy or bulky bedding on the top bunk is important, as this can increase the risk of falls.

Additional information:

As a family run, independent business, we are committed to ensuring customers receive our award-winning standard as service. Buy online, give our sales team a call (01928 242829) or email sales@landofbeds.co.uk to receive free, independent advice. Alternatively, visit one of our showrooms where a warm friendly welcome awaits.