What to Consider When Choosing a Desk Bed for an Older Child

A desk bed is more than a clever solution - it’s a quiet revolution in how children inhabit their space. Designed to harmonise sleep, study, and self-expression, these multifunctional beds transform a single footprint to create a hardworking yet inspirational home for older children. Whether nestled beneath a high sleeper or tucked away under a mid sleeper bed, the desk bed invites independence and imagination to coexist.

For older children, it becomes a personal living room of exploration: a place to sketch, scribble, browse or simply sit with their thoughts. The best designs balance craftsmanship with charm - solid hardwood frames, mortice and tenon joints, and finishes that whisper rather than shout. From heritage-inspired silhouettes to sleek mid-century inspired modernity, desk beds offer a canvas for growing minds and ever-changing routines.

Here are the key things to consider before buying a desk bed:

Age & Study Habits

  • Older children (8+) often need a dedicated study zone for homework, hobbies, or screen time.
  • If your child spreads out with books, tech, or creative projects, opt for a full-length desk with integrated shelving hutch or cable management.

Room Size & Layout

  • Compact rooms benefit from high sleeper beds with desks underneath, maximizing vertical space.
  • For more flexible layouts, consider mid sleeper or high sleeper loft beds with pull-out desks that tuck back away when not in use.

Safety

  • High desk beds require safety high bed mattresses (no thicker than 15cm)
  • Choose high desk beds that have been safety tested for strength, resistance and durability, and which meet the advisory safety standards.

Storage Needs

  • Look for desk beds with built-in drawers, cupboards, bookcases or pedestals to keep clutter at bay and essentials within reach.

Longevity & Flexibility

  • Choose high quality solid hardwood bed frames for strength and durability.
  • Convertible designs that adapt as your child grows (e.g. removable or movable desks) offer long-term value and mean that the space underneath the bed can be used for other things too.

Here are some of our own desk beds to browse below:

  1. The Edit high sleeper bed with full length desk

desk bed loft bed

Available in both Pure White and two-tone Natural Beech and Pure White, this mid century inspired design adds a style statement to an older child’s bedroom. A handy hutch atop the full length desk provides ample storage space for books, electronics and also acts as a riser for gaming screens too. – Perfect for gaming!

 

  1. Fargo high sleeper bed with storage desk with futon

fargo with desk and futon

A traditional design, the Fargo loft with storage desk and futon features a very roomy desk with two large cubby holes underneath – ideal for study books and files! The versatile desk neatly slots in any which way under the loft bed, including on the outside of the high sleeper frame too. – Perfect for lounging and studies!

 

  1. Fargo high sleeper bed with sofa bed and storage desk

sofa bed and desk

For older children and those who love having guests to stay, this desk bed includes both a small double size click clack luxurious sofa bed alongside a storage desk. A bed that truly has it all, the desk can slot neatly into the end of the bed behind the ladder, and this allows space for the small double sofa to be completely unfolded. – Perfect for sleepovers and guest rooms!

  1. Cubix mid sleeper bed with desk and storage

mid sleeper with desk and storage

A mid sleeper bed with a roll out desk and storage that can move around the room. The lockable castors enable the desk and storage to be effortlessly rolled out for studies or play and returned back under the bed for bedtime after. – Perfect for compact rooms and changing spaces!

 

  1. The Edit high sleeper bed with desk and futon

edit with desk and futon

A lovely balance of space for studies and space for rest, this Edit loft bed features completely independent desk and futon which can be manoeuvred any which way under or outside of the bedframe. A versatile desk bed with modern styling. – Perfect for growing children!

Check out our full range of high desk beds here.

Happy desk bed shopping! x

Comments