Why Choose a Bunk Bed?
Whether you’re looking for the perfect solution for siblings sharing a room or simply want a spare bed for those increasingly regular sleepovers – bunk beds always bring delight to any kids’ bedroom!
A space saving solution, an investment piece that adapts as your little one grows, and ultimately, the coolest bed type going, there’s a whole host of reasons to choose a bunk bed.
There are lots of different loft and bunk bed types, each with their own functions and benefits, so let’s explore the wonderful world of bunk beds and find the perfect choice for your little ones.
Types of Bunk Bed
The Classic Bunk Bed
When you think about different types of bunk bed – this is probably the first thing you picture. The standard bunk bed usually has one single bed stacked atop the other. A ladder provides easy access to the top bunk, while railings keep everything safe.
Many standard bunk beds are detachable, so you can always use them as separate single beds, or stack them if you want to create some more space. That’s especially useful if they’re really struggling to decide who gets the top bunk!
With classic bunk beds from Aspace, you can position the ladder on either side and either end of the bunk bed, so it will work well no matter how their room is laid out!
There are plenty of variations to the classic bunk bed – including those that have a double bed on the bottom bunk and a single bed on top, or three-person bunk beds where the third bed is connected to form an L shape. You might also find bunk beds that stack three or even four beds atop one another – though these are more commonly found in campsites and youth hostels for bigger kids!
Detachable Bunk Beds
All Aspace bunk beds are detachable bunk beds, but what does this mean?
While we pride ourselves on our timeless design and our bunks being comfortable for adults too, kids can of course grow out of bunk beds eventually. However fear not, investing in detachable bunk beds means that when bunking loses its cool, you can convert it into two single beds.
Identical in design to prevent arguments, they’re brilliant to graduate into beds for growing teens, returning uni students and even visiting guests.
Storage Bunk Beds
One of the most popular reasons for investing in bunk beds is their space savings qualities, but how can you take that one step further? Storage Bunk Beds are perfectly suited to small bedrooms and sharing siblings.
Choose from a pair of storage drawers or a dual purpose trundle bed which can be used for both storage and as a guest bed transforming into a triple bunk bed.
Cabin Beds
While not quite the same as a bunk bed, cabin beds are elevated, one-person beds that offer the same space-saving benefits. Cabin beds aren’t as high as a top bunk, but are taller than the average single bed, providing a great space for storage underneath. Unlike bunk beds and mid or high sleepers, cabin beds generally don’t require steps or a ladder.
Many cabin beds come with built-in drawers and shelving, which can be used for toys, clothes, books – just about anything! So, while they enjoy the added height, you’ll enjoy more space to hide the clutter!
What Age Are Cabin Beds For?
At Aspace, we make wonderful cabin beds specifically designed for kids aged 4-6, as well as larger single cabin beds that are suitable for anyone aged 6 and above!
Loft Beds
A loft bed is similar to a bunk bed – but with only one mattress on top and empty space where the bottom bunk would be. These are also known as mid sleeper beds and high sleeper beds, read on for more details about these bed types.
Loft beds are great space savers and can often be known as storage beds and study beds, combining these elements under the raised mattress.
Our selection of loft beds combines a full sized single bed and combinations of a desk, wardrobe, bookcase, daybed or guest futon bed. There’s an option for everyone!
Study Bunk Beds
More commonly known as study loft beds or study high sleepers, these beds incorporate both a comfy place to sleep and study all in one. Here at Aspace we have a wide selection of high sleeper beds with desks. Combining clever storage solutions or guest bed options too, they’re clever, multi-purposes pieces of furniture which will grow with your family.
Mid Sleeper Beds
A mid sleeper bed offers all the same functionality as a cabin bed, with even more storage space! Mid sleepers are raised beds that are taller than a cabin bed, but not quite the height of a bunk bed or high sleeper. They come with a ladder for little ones, while being low enough for big kids to hop straight on!
At Aspace, we have a number of mid sleeper beds with underbed storage on wheels, so they can be easily pulled out when needed, and tidily tucked away when they’re not.
A lot of our kids’ furniture is designed specifically to fit perfectly beneath our mid sleeper beds, making them all the more practical! Check out our white mid sleeper bed, for example. This delightful bed can be paired with a colourful chest of drawers and an adorable desk in the same enchanting design. The desk and chest of drawers are on wheels so they can easily be rolled to neatly fit under the bed.
Your kids will absolutely love the whimsical look of the mid-sleeper bed and will love having their own special space to read, write and play, while you’re sure to enjoy the storage space and tidiness!
What Age is a Mid Sleeper Suitable For?
Generally, mid sleeper beds from Aspace are great beds for any child aged 6 and above! Ultimately, no one knows your child as well as you do, which is why we can only offer a rough guide for the age we recommend children be before they move into a mid sleeper.
High Sleeper Beds
A high sleeper bed is just like a mid sleeper but, you guessed it, higher!
Think of a high sleeper as a bunk bed without the bottom bunk; if a bunk bed is the ultimate space saver for two kids, this is the ultimate space saver for one. So, without the bottom bunk, what goes underneath? Anything you’d like, really!
High sleeper beds from Aspace offer a variety of options, whether you want to use the space for a desk, for a bookcase, a futon for guests, or even all of the above! You can even go for a high sleeper with a versatile daybed underneath – so it can act as a bottom bunk for sleepovers, or just a cool chill out spot for reading and relaxing.
If you’d rather keep the space open while you brainstorm ideas, you can always go for a high sleeper on its own without the extra bits and pieces.
The space you save by having the bed elevated with room for furniture underneath will make a huge difference. Plus, even if they don’t have someone to share a bunk with, your child can enjoy all the glory of having the raised bed all to themselves!
How to pick the right bunk bed for your child’s bedroom?
The first step in finding your perfect bunk bed is identifying your need. As we’ve already discussed, there’s a whole host of different bunk bed types to transform your little one’s bedroom.
Naturally, the design and look of a bunk bed is going to be high on your list. We pride ourselves on timeless design, but whether you’re looking for something clean and modern, or a more classical New England style, we’ve got you covered. Available in up to a choice of five colours too, there’s a brilliant bunk bed for everybody.
6 Tips for choosing the right bunk bed
- Choose solid wood for durability
- Decide if you want beds that separate
- Consider the height between beds
- Consider the height of the bed to the ceiling
- Do you want a trundle for added sleep space or drawers for storage?
- Choose a colour that fits the rooms décor
Bunk Bed Safety
Bunk beds are not inherently dangerous, but it’s very important that you understand the risks involved with bunk beds and make sure your kids understand how to use them safely too. Bunk beds should never be used by children under the age of 6, and they should never be played on or around.
Bunk bed-related injuries do occur, but they can be avoided if you take time to learn the dangers involved. Read our guide to bunk bed safety before deciding whether bunk beds, cabin beds, mid-sleeper beds or high-sleeper beds are a good choice for you and your family.
Bunk Bed Mattresses
How thick should a mattress be for a bunk bunk? There’s no one set answer as all loft and bunk beds require special mattresses to ensure complete safety up on the top bunk. High bed and bunk bed mattresses must be a certain size, depth and weight that meets EC height safety regulations, and this can vary amongst beds. We have a large selection of children’s bunk bed mattresses that are designed with safety and comfort in mind. Look out for the words ‘raised bed’ when searching for the best kids’ mattress for bunk beds, cabin beds, mid sleepers and high sleepers.
Bunk Bed FAQs
What is the difference between Bunk bed and Loft bed?
A loft bed is similar to a bunk bed – but with only one mattress on top and empty space where the bottom bunk would be.
How tall are bunk beds?
Bunk beds all vary in height, so it’s always best to check the description of the product you’re interested in. As an example, the Aspace Charterhouse Bunk Beds are 203cm tall.
How much weight can a typical bunk bed hold?
The top bunk and bottom bunk typically have different weight restrictions. At Aspace, our requirements are lower bunk beds: 15 stone / 95kg. Upper bunk beds: 12 stone / 76kg
Why are bunk beds called bunk beds?
It’s unknown where bunk beds originate from, however it’s thought they may stem back to medieval times, created for the same reason we still use today – saving space!
Which bunk beds are the safest?
All our bunk beds are tested stringently to the very highest British safety standards, giving you peace of mind for your family.
What age is appropriate for bunk beds?
In order to climb to the top bunk, children need to be confident climbing the bunk ladder. At a young age, children can be prone to climbing out of bed at night, so ensuring they are capable scaling up and down, possibly in the dark is a must before allowing them up to the top bunk.
What size room do you need for a bunk bed?
Bunk beds are space saving superstars, making them great for small bedrooms. Your room needs to be big enough to allow a safe space for your children to climb the ladder, and for the top bunker to have a good amount of room to shuffle around with headroom clearance without worry of hitting the ceiling. Be sure to thoroughly measure your chosen bunk beds measurements in your room, and if in doubt don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
Ultimately, the decision is your own, however typically children should be ready around 5 years of age.
What mattress do I need for a bunk bed?
Choose a bunk and high bed mattress that is within the mattress allowance. You’ll find these measurement on the relevant product pages.
What bedding do I need to buy for my bunk bed?
All our bunk beds are standard size UK single beds. Choose this size bedding when shopping for new sheets and duvet covers.