UK Bunk Bed Buying Guide 2026: How to Choose the Right Bunk Bed

Bunk beds are a practical way to create additional sleeping space in a child's bedroom without taking up the floor space required by two separate beds.

But choosing a bunk bed involves more than deciding which design looks best.

Traditional bunk beds, low bunk beds, triple sleeper bunk beds and detachable bunk beds can all suit different family needs. You'll also need to consider bedroom dimensions, ceiling height, ladder position, who will use each bed and, importantly, the mattress size and maximum mattress depth specified by the manufacturer.

In this guide, we'll explain the different types of bunk bed available, what to consider before buying and how to choose the correct mattress for a bunk bed.

Explore our bunk beds to compare the different designs available.

What Is a Bunk Bed?

A bunk bed positions one sleeping surface above another, allowing two beds to occupy approximately the floor space of a single bed.

This makes bunk beds particularly popular for:

• Siblings sharing a bedroom
• Smaller children's bedrooms
• Holiday homes and guest bedrooms
• Families wanting to maximise available floor space

However, bunk beds vary considerably in their design.

Some provide two matching single sleeping areas, while others feature a larger lower bed, a lower-height design or frames that can later be separated into individual beds.

What Are the Different Types of Bunk Bed?

Standard Bunk Beds

A traditional bunk bed places one single sleeping area directly above another.

This is one of the most space-efficient configurations for siblings sharing a bedroom because each child has a separate sleeping surface without requiring the floor space of two standalone beds.

Bunk beds are available in a wide range of materials and styles, including pine, beech, oak and engineered wood.

Mattress sizes can also vary. Some beds use a 90 × 190cm UK single mattress, while many European-designed bunk beds use a 90 × 200cm European single mattress.

Never assume that every single bunk bed requires the same mattress size.

Explore our full collection of bunk beds.

Low Bunk Beds

Low bunk beds position the upper sleeping area closer to the floor than many conventional bunk beds.

They can be useful where:

• Ceiling height is limited
• The bedroom has sloping ceilings
• Parents prefer a lower overall bed height
• A more compact bunk-bed design suits the room better

However, there isn't one universal height that defines a "low bunk bed".

Always check the complete assembled dimensions of the individual bed before ordering.

The same age, mattress and manufacturer guidance applying to the upper sleeping area should still be followed.

What Is a Triple Sleeper Bunk Bed?

A triple sleeper bunk bed is designed to provide sleeping accommodation for up to three people within one bed structure.

A common family-style configuration combines:

Single upper bunk
with a
larger double lower sleeping area

This provides significantly more sleeping capacity without requiring three separate beds.

Triple sleepers can be particularly useful for:

• Larger families
• Siblings sharing a bedroom
• Occasional guests
• Holiday homes
• Families wanting a larger lower sleeping area

Explore our triple sleeper bunk beds.

Does a Triple Sleeper Need Three Mattresses?

Not necessarily.

The term "triple sleeper" describes the number of people the bed is designed to accommodate rather than the number of individual mattresses it uses.

For example, a family-style triple sleeper may use:

• One 90 × 200cm European single mattress on the upper bunk
• One 140 × 200cm double mattress on the lower bed

Other models may use different dimensions.

Always check the mattress requirements for the individual triple sleeper before purchasing.

What Is a Detachable Bunk Bed?

A detachable bunk bed is designed so that the stacked bunk-bed configuration can later be separated into individual beds.

This can provide useful flexibility as children's needs change.

Two siblings might initially share one bedroom using the bunk-bed configuration, for example, but eventually move into separate bedrooms.

Instead of replacing the bunk bed entirely, a detachable design may allow the furniture to be converted into two separate beds.

Explore our detachable bunk beds.

Do All Bunk Beds Separate Into Two Beds?

No.

Some bunk beds are specifically designed to separate, while others remain permanently configured as bunk beds.

There are also models where conversion is possible only when additional components or conversion legs are purchased.

If future separation is important to you, check:

• Whether the individual bed is detachable
• How it separates
• What the resulting bed configuration will be
• Whether additional conversion components are required

Don't assume that a bunk bed is detachable simply because the upper and lower frames appear visually separate.

Standard Bunk Bed vs Triple Sleeper

The right option depends primarily on who will use the bed and the space available.

The exact arrangement varies between manufacturers, so the individual product specifications should always take priority.

What Age Can a Child Use a Bunk Bed?

Age suitability should always be checked against the manufacturer's instructions for the individual bunk bed.

Particular care is required with the upper bunk.

UK public safety guidance states that children under six should not use the upper bunk of bunk and cabin beds because of the increased fall risk.

Age alone isn't the only consideration.

Parents and carers should also consider whether the individual child can:

• Use the ladder appropriately
• Get into and out of the upper bunk confidently
• Understand that the upper bunk isn't intended as a play area
• Follow household rules relating to bunk-bed use

Always follow the manufacturer's stated minimum age and usage instructions.

What Mattress Does a Bunk Bed Need?

Choosing a mattress for a bunk bed involves more than simply looking for a mattress described as "single".

You need to check:

Length × width × maximum permitted depth

against the specifications provided by the bunk-bed manufacturer.

Two particularly common children's bunk-bed mattress sizes are:

90 × 190cm

This is the conventional UK single mattress size.

90 × 200cm

This is commonly referred to as a European single mattress and is widely used by European-designed children's furniture.

The difference is only 10cm in length, but these sizes shouldn't be treated as interchangeable.

Explore our dedicated bunk bed mattresses to compare options designed for bunk-bed use.

90 × 190cm UK Single Bunk Bed Mattresses

A 90 × 190cm mattress is the traditional UK single mattress size.

If your bunk bed specifies a 90 × 190cm sleeping surface, choose a mattress with the correct dimensions while also checking the maximum permitted mattress depth.

For example, the Jay-Be Simply Kids Anti-Allergy Bunk Mattress Single 90 × 190cm has been specifically designed as a children's bunk mattress.

However, compatibility should still be confirmed against the specifications of your individual bunk bed.

90 × 200cm European Single Bunk Bed Mattresses

Many European-designed children's beds use a 90 × 200cm European single mattress.

This size is approximately 10cm longer than a conventional UK single.

A large proportion of the VIPACK bunk beds available at The Perfect Nursery Company use this European single size.

For compatible beds, the Jay-Be Simply Kids Anti-Allergy Bunk Mattress European Single 90 × 200cm provides a purpose-designed bunk mattress in this size.

Again, always check both the required dimensions and maximum mattress thickness specified for the bed.

Can I Use a 90 × 190cm Mattress on a 90 × 200cm Bunk Bed?

No. Use the mattress size specified by the bunk-bed manufacturer.

A 90 × 190cm UK single mattress is approximately 10cm shorter than a 90 × 200cm European single mattress.

Using a mattress smaller than the dimensions specified for the sleeping area could leave unwanted gaps between the mattress and bed structure.

Similarly, don't force a 90 × 200cm mattress into a bed designed for a 90 × 190cm mattress.

Check the dimensions before purchasing.

Why Does Mattress Depth Matter on a Bunk Bed?

Mattress depth is particularly important when choosing a mattress for the upper bunk.

The mattress sits within the retaining structure or guard rails surrounding the upper sleeping surface.

As mattress depth increases, the top of the mattress moves closer to the top of the guard rail. This reduces the effective height of the retaining barrier above the sleeping surface.

This means that a mattress can have the correct length and width and still be unsuitable because it is too deep.

UK bunk-bed guidance specifically considers the relationship between mattress height and the protective barrier around the upper sleeping area.

Always follow the maximum mattress thickness specified by the bunk-bed manufacturer.

You can explore our dedicated range of bunk bed mattresses, but still check compatibility with your individual bed before ordering.

Are Bunk Bed Mattresses Different From Normal Single Mattresses?

They can be.

A bunk-bed mattress still needs to provide an appropriate sleeping surface for the child, but mattress depth can be a particularly important consideration for an upper bunk.

Many conventional adult single mattresses are relatively deep.

A mattress may therefore have the correct 90 × 190cm or 90 × 200cm dimensions while exceeding the maximum thickness permitted for a particular bunk bed.

This is why buying by mattress size alone isn't enough.

Check:

Length
Width
Depth

against the requirements supplied with your bunk bed.

Our bunk bed mattress collection brings together mattresses specifically intended for bunk-bed and similar children's bed applications.

What Mattress Does a Triple Sleeper Bunk Bed Need?

Triple sleeper mattress requirements vary considerably.

Family-style designs frequently combine a single upper sleeping area with a larger lower bed.

For example, some European models may require:

Upper: 90 × 200cm European single
Lower: 140 × 200cm double

Other designs may use different mattress dimensions.

The maximum permitted mattress depth may also differ between the upper and lower sleeping surfaces.

This is particularly important on the upper bunk because of its relationship with the guard rails.

Before ordering mattresses for a triple sleeper bunk bed, check the specifications for each sleeping level individually.

If the upper bunk requires a European single, suitable options can be found within our bunk bed mattress collection.

What Should You Consider Before Buying a Bunk Bed?

Bedroom Dimensions

Start by measuring the floor space available.

Check the complete:

• Length
• Width
• Height

of the assembled bed rather than relying only on the mattress dimensions.

Remember that the ladder can add to the usable footprint of some models.

Ceiling Height

Floor space is only part of the calculation.

Measure the height of the room and compare it with the overall height of the bunk bed.

Consider how much space will remain between the upper sleeping area and the ceiling.

Rooms with particularly low or sloping ceilings may be better suited to a lower bunk-bed design.

Ladder Position

Ladder configuration can make a considerable difference to how well a bunk bed works within a particular bedroom.

Some ladders are fixed in one position, while others can be fitted to either the left or right side.

Consider:

• Doors
• Windows
• Radiators
• Wardrobes
• Drawers
• Other bedroom furniture

before deciding where the bunk will sit.

Always check whether the ladder position of the individual model is fixed or reversible.

Upper Guard Rails

The upper sleeping surface should use the retaining barriers and other components supplied or specified by the manufacturer.

Don't remove, alter or substitute structural components unless the manufacturer specifically permits it.

Mattress thickness should also remain within the permitted limit so that the upper mattress doesn't sit higher than intended.

Mattress Requirements

Before ordering mattresses, check the required:

Length × width × maximum depth

for every sleeping surface.

Don't assume all bunk beds use a 90 × 190cm UK single.

Many European designs use a 90 × 200cm European single mattress, while triple sleepers can use different sizes on their upper and lower levels.

Browse our bunk bed mattresses after checking the mattress specification of your chosen bed.

Materials and Construction

Bunk beds are available in numerous materials.

At The Perfect Nursery Company, our range includes designs manufactured from materials such as:

• Solid oak
• European beech
• Pine
• FSC-certified timber
• Engineered wood
• Metal

Rather than assuming one material is universally better, consider the individual construction, design, finish and product specifications.

Future Flexibility

Think beyond the immediate bedroom layout.

Children who currently share a bedroom may eventually move into separate rooms.

If longer-term flexibility is important, a detachable bunk bed can provide the option of converting the bunk into individual beds later.

Check whether conversion components are included or sold separately.

Storage Options

Some bunk beds can be paired with underbed drawers or storage units.

Others may offer enough clearance beneath the lower bunk for suitable storage accessories.

If storage is important, check whether accessories are:

• Included
• Available separately
• Specifically designed for the bunk bed

Don't assume a generic underbed drawer will fit.

Are Wooden Bunk Beds a Good Choice?

Wooden bunk beds remain popular because they can combine robust furniture construction with a wide variety of bedroom styles.

Different woods also create quite different looks.

Pine Bunk Beds

Pine is frequently used for children's bedroom furniture and can provide a lighter Scandinavian-inspired appearance.

Beech Bunk Beds

Beech has a fine grain and works particularly well in contemporary natural-wood furniture.

Oak Bunk Beds

Solid oak can provide a more substantial premium finish and works well in bedrooms designed around natural materials.

Material alone doesn't determine the quality or suitability of a bunk bed, however. Construction, dimensions, design, manufacturer guidance and intended use should all be considered.

Are Bunk Beds Good for Small Bedrooms?

Bunk beds can be particularly useful where two children share a smaller bedroom because stacking the sleeping surfaces can leave significantly more floor space available than two separate beds.

That remaining space could potentially be used for:

• Storage
• A desk
• Toy storage
• Wardrobes
• Play space

However, don't choose a bunk bed on floor dimensions alone.

You should also consider:

• Overall bed height
• Ceiling clearance
• Ladder access
• Windows
• Radiators
• Doors
• Mattress requirements

A low bunk may sometimes be more suitable for a room where vertical space is limited.

Are Detachable Bunk Beds Worth It?

A detachable bunk bed can make particular sense when you're purchasing bedroom furniture that you hope to use for several years.

Initially, two children may share a room and benefit from the space-saving bunk configuration.

Later, the same beds could potentially be separated as bedroom arrangements change.

This can make detachable designs particularly attractive to families looking for furniture that adapts over time.

However, the exact conversion process differs between models.

Explore our detachable bunk beds and check the individual product description for conversion requirements.

Bunk Bed Safety Standards in the UK

When choosing a bunk bed, check the manufacturer's product information, instructions and relevant testing information.

The current British Standards for conventional bunk beds and high beds include:

BS EN 747-1:2024 – Furniture. Bunk beds and high beds. Safety, strength and durability requirements.

BS EN 747-2:2024 – Furniture. Bunk beds and high beds. Test methods.

The standards cover areas including protective barriers, ladders, openings, strength, durability and testing.

The scope applies to bunk and high beds with an internal length greater than 1,400mm, a maximum bed-base width of 1,200mm and an upper bed base at least 600mm above the floor.

When shopping, check the specifications of the individual product rather than assuming every children's bunk bed has identical requirements.

Bunk Bed Safety Tips

Parents and carers should:

• Follow the manufacturer's assembly instructions
• Follow the manufacturer's age recommendations
• Keep assembly instructions for future reference
• Use the mattress dimensions specified for the bed
• Never exceed the stated maximum mattress depth
• Ensure guard rails and structural components remain correctly fitted
• Regularly check fixings and connections
• Use the ladder or access system as intended
• Avoid modifying the bed unless permitted by the manufacturer
• Teach children that the upper bunk isn't intended as a play area

Children under six shouldn't use the upper bunk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bunk Beds

What age can a child sleep on the top bunk?

Children under six shouldn't use the upper bunk. Parents should also follow the minimum age and usage guidance supplied by the manufacturer of the individual bed.

What size mattress does a bunk bed need?

It depends on the individual bed.

Common sizes include 90 × 190cm UK single and 90 × 200cm European single, but other sizes are possible.

Always check the mattress dimensions specified by the manufacturer.

Explore our bunk bed mattresses to compare UK and European single options.

Is a 90 × 190cm mattress the same as a 90 × 200cm mattress?

No.

A 90 × 190cm mattress is the conventional UK single size, while 90 × 200cm is commonly referred to as European single.

The European single is approximately 10cm longer, so the two sizes shouldn't be treated as interchangeable.

Can I use a normal single mattress on a bunk bed?

Only if its length, width and depth meet the requirements specified by the bunk-bed manufacturer.

A conventional single mattress can sometimes be deeper than the maximum permitted mattress thickness for an upper bunk.

How deep should a bunk bed mattress be?

There isn't one universal mattress depth for every bunk bed.

The maximum permitted thickness depends on the design of the individual bed and its protective barriers.

Always use the manufacturer's specified maximum mattress depth.

Why is there a maximum mattress depth on a bunk bed?

A deeper mattress raises the sleeping surface closer to the top of the upper guard rails.

This reduces the effective height of the retaining barrier above the mattress, which is why the permitted mattress thickness should not be exceeded.

Do both bunks use the same mattress?

Often, but not always.

A conventional single-over-single bunk may use two matching mattresses.

Triple sleepers and other configurations can require different mattress sizes for the upper and lower levels.

What is a triple sleeper bunk bed?

A triple sleeper is a bunk-bed configuration designed to accommodate up to three people.

A common design combines a single upper bunk with a larger double lower sleeping area.

Explore our triple sleeper bunk beds.

Do triple sleeper bunk beds need three mattresses?

Not necessarily.

Many family triple sleepers use two mattresses: a single mattress above and a larger double mattress below.

Always check the individual product specifications.

What is a detachable bunk bed?

A detachable bunk bed can be converted from a stacked bunk into separate beds.

How this works varies by model, and additional conversion parts may sometimes be required.

Explore our detachable bunk beds.

Can all bunk beds be separated into two single beds?

No.

Only bunk beds specifically designed for conversion should be separated.

Check the individual manufacturer's instructions and whether additional conversion components are required.

Are bunk beds suitable for small bedrooms?

They can be particularly useful in smaller shared bedrooms because two sleeping surfaces occupy approximately the floor space of one bed.

However, overall height, ceiling clearance, ladder access and surrounding furniture also need to be considered.

Should bunk beds be fixed to the wall?

This depends on the design and manufacturer's instructions.

Follow the assembly and installation guidance supplied with the individual bunk bed, including any wall-fixing or anti-tip requirements specified by the manufacturer.

Final Thoughts

The right bunk bed depends on much more than appearance.

Before choosing, consider:

• Who will use each sleeping area
• Bedroom floor space
• Ceiling height
• Overall bed dimensions
• Ladder position
• Manufacturer age guidance
• Mattress size
• Maximum mattress depth
• Storage requirements
• Whether you want the beds to separate in future

For two children sharing a bedroom, a traditional bunk bed can provide an extremely space-efficient arrangement.

A triple sleeper bunk bed can provide additional sleeping capacity, while a detachable bunk bed can offer greater flexibility as children's bedroom requirements change.

Whichever design you choose, always check the specifications of the individual bed and use mattresses matching the dimensions and maximum depth specified by the manufacturer.

Explore our complete collection of bunk beds and our dedicated range of bunk bed mattresses.