Bunk Beds & Loft Beds - Buying Guide
Whether you're looking to maximise space in a shared bedroom or create a multifunctional room for a growing child, high beds offer clever solutions that combine practicality with a sense of adventure.
What is a Bunk Bed?
A bunk bed is a clever space-saving design where one bed is stacked above another. Requiring a strong secure bed frame, bunk beds feature a ladder for access to the top bed, which should be fitted with guard rails either side for safety. The lower bunk may be open or partially enclosed, depending on the style. Sometimes the bunk beds can be built and used as two single beds which extends the lifetime.
What is a Loft Bed?
A loft bed (sometimes called a high sleeper) is a raised bed designed to free up the space beneath it, offering a smart solution for small or multifunctional rooms. Unlike a bunk bed, it doesn't have a lower bed - just open space below that can be used to put other furniture in.
They are particularly useful for older children and teenagers who might need space for lounging, gaming and studying.
Why Choose a Bunk Bed?
Here are the top reasons families and hosts opt for bunk beds:
Save Space
Ideal for compact rooms or shared spaces, bunk beds offer two sleeping spots while leaving more space in the room for play, study, or storage.
Perfect for Shared Bedrooms
Whether it's siblings, sleepovers, or roommates, bunk beds make it easy to accommodate more sleepers without crowding the room.
Flexible & Versatile
Many modern designs (including all of ours) can be split into two single beds. Some styles also include trundles for extra guests or built-in storage for added practicality.
Fun for Kids
There's something magical about climbing into a top bunk... It feels like a fort, a hideaway, or a mini adventure. For many children, it's the most exciting spot in the room.
Great for Guest & Holiday Homes
In holiday rentals or guest rooms, bunk beds help maximise sleeping capacity while keeping the space feeling open and uncluttered.
Why Choose a Loft Bed?
Here are the top reasons families opt for loft beds:
- Save Space - Perfect for small bedrooms, studio apartments, or dorms.
- Multifunctional & Versatile - Can come with desks, storage, seating or beds underneath.
- Stylish and Durable - Adds a modern, playful touch to a child's room or a sleek solution for teens and adult spaces, adding longevity to their room.
Choosing the Perfect Raised Bed
When selecting a bunk bed or loft bed that will support your child through years of growth, comfort, and countless memories, it pays to look beneath the surface. Here are a few essentials to consider:
1 Prioritise Quality Materials
The bed frame will need to be strong - so opt for solid wood (hardwood) bed frames and mattress rails. These woods offer superior strength and longevity and can be combined with panels so as not to restrict design. This is important to meet (and exceed) the full rigours of safety standard testing.
2 Safety Standards
Before purchasing, check which safety standards the bunk or loft bed meets. Buying from a reliable brand will offer assurance and avoids cheap imports. We say reserve the top bunk for children aged 6 and up. That said, you know your child best.
3 Confirm the Size
Make sure the bunk is a standard UK single size. This ensures that regular bedding will fit and still allows for occasional adult use if needed. It's a practical detail that makes a big difference.
4 Choose the Right Mattress
Only use a "high bed" mattress designed specifically for raised beds. For most high beds these will be no deeper than 15cm or 6", keeping within the safety guidelines for top bunks. Standard mattresses are too deep and can pose a safety risk.
5 Consider Longevity
A solid wood frame will in itself offer strength and durability but also consider 'detachable' bunk beds; these are bunk beds that can be transformed into two full size singles and that are durable to last for the guest room after!
Important Safety Reminder
We recommend reserving the top bunk for children aged 6 and up, and always use a mattress no deeper than 15cm to ensure the guard rails provide adequate protection. A well-built frame with proper safety features is essential for peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the beds full size?
Yes - all our raised beds are adult-size frames using a standard UK mattress size of 3'0" x 6'3" or 90cm x 190cm. All of our bunk beds divide down into two full size single beds too.
What age is a raised bed suitable from?
The safety standards state 6+ years for using a high bed, but a parent knows their child best and should judge if it is suitable at that age.
What is the mattress base made from?
Our mattress bases are made from solid hardwood slats, carefully spaced equidistantly within a webbed roll design. This thoughtful construction supports the mattress evenly while allowing air to circulate freely, enhancing comfort and helping regulate temperature for a healthier sleep environment.
What type of mattress should I choose for a raised bed?
Choose a so-called high bed mattress, usually a 15cm or less thickness, which means that they sit within the safety rail height for the top bunk. Look for good specification; spring interior mattresses offer the most supportive and comfortable night's sleep and with extended lifetime.
Why do you recommend wood for your bed frames as opposed to panel?
A properly made bed frame using solid woods provides the strength and structural integrity needed for safe, long-term use, especially as children grow and jump, tumble, and sprawl. This can be shown by the testing in the safety standards. Panel constructions may be inherently weaker, more complicated to assemble and generally will not last as long.
What is different to most other raised beds?
We use sustainably sourced hardwoods for our bed frames, and incorporate superior and traditional techniques such as mortice and tenon joinery, a technique that ensures exceptional strength and stability. Each bed end arrives fully assembled, square, and solid, reflecting the integrity of its craftsmanship - and avoiding lengthy assembly with a lot of nuts and bolts.
Need help choosing the perfect raised bed?
We're here to help you find the right bunk or loft bed for your family. No call centres, no middle people - just honest advice from the folks who know our beds inside out.
01985 300588
