Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Bunk Bed

Bunk beds have evolved. They’re no longer just for squeezing two kids into one room. If you’ve ever wished for more floor space or an easier way to handle sleepovers, today’s bunk bed designs might just solve these problems.

The right bunk bed doesn’t just save space — it transforms it. If you’re constantly rearranging furniture or stepping over clutter by 4 pm, the right setup can change the way your child’s room actually works.

Why Bunk Beds Still Work in Modern UK Bedrooms

Because UK homes aren’t built spacious — and we all know it. Most families are dealing with:

• Narrow rooms 
• Awkward floorplans
• Ceilings barely clearing 2.3m
• Radiators under windows 
• Alcoves in all the wrong places
• Tight staircase

That’s why even households without kids often opt for low-rise bunk beds, compact triple sleepers, and bunks with built-in storage or desks. Built for UK homes where every inch counts — without compromising on comfort or design.

These aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions. They're made for real family homes, where sleepovers happen, siblings share, and parents want calm without the clutter.

Should You Get a Bunk Bed? Here’s the Quick Parent Checklist

Here’s a quick litmus test —

• You’ve got kids sharing a room, and storage is a struggle
• You regularly have guests or grandparents staying over
• Your child’s room has become more cluttered than functional
• Your child’s room is tight on space and you don’t want to compromise on comfort
• You’re furnishing a rental or temporary space and need flexibility
  
  If you nodded “YES” to any of these, bunk beds might just be your solution. 

In this guide, you’ll find tips from parents, for parents — backed by the team here at Dream Home Store. We’ll help you choose pieces that add lasting value and style to your home.

What You Need to Know About Bunk Bed Safety in UK

Buying a bunk bed isn’t just a furniture decision — it’s an emotional one for many parents. You're not choosing furniture. You're choosing where your child will sleep, play, read, dream, maybe even fall off the bed during a giggle fit.

It’s normal to feel unsure. That’s why the safety of bunk beds must be taken seriously. Here are a few pointers that will help you walk through the safety bits that really matter.

1. How Do You Know When Your Child Is Ready for a Bunk Bed?

You've probably read somewhere that kids under 6 shouldn’t sleep on the top bunk — and that’s true. But here’s the part no one explains: it’s not just about age, it is about the safety of the children. 

Children under the age of 6 should not sleep on top bunks due to the following safety considerations:

• Climbing Risk: Even confident climbers can slip or lose balance when using ladders, particularly if tired, distracted, or rushing.
  
  
• Rolling Risk: Children who move or roll a lot during sleep could potentially roll over guardrails if they are not tall or secure enough.
  
  
• Sibling Safety: Younger siblings may be tempted to climb unsupervised, creating a serious fall risk without adult supervision.
  
  
• Nighttime Movement: A child waking up at night might attempt to climb down half-asleep, leading to accidents if not fully alert.
  
  A rule of thumb: If you’d hesitate to leave them alone on a top bunk for a night, they’re not quite ready. “That’s OK — many parents buy a bunk bed with the future in mind, starting with the bottom bunk until the time feels right.

2. Safe vs. Sketchy Bunk Beds

Shopping online can be overwhelming when details aren’t clear — that’s why we make it simple. So here’s a quick cheat sheet — what to look for and what to avoid:

If a frame looks pretty but leaves you wondering “...is that safe?” — it’s not the one. Trust your gut. And don’t be afraid to ask your queries. 

3. What are the UK Safety Standards for Bunk Beds?

BS EN 747 is the UK & EU standard — and it’s constantly updated to keep up with real-life safety needs. Here's how you can feel confident in your bunk bed purchase:

• Ask if it complies with BS EN 747 — and don’t accept silence as an answer
  
  
• Check that the ladder and guardrails for their durabilities
  
• Look for clear mattress guidelines — too thick and even the safest guardrail won’t help
  
  

You’re not just buying a bunk bed. You’re buying yourself the ability to sleep at night, knowing your child’s safe. Pick one that gives you that peace of mind — and won’t fall apart the first time it gets jumped on.

Feeling clearer already?

Explore our top bunk bed picks — handpicked with safety, style, and UK room sizes in mind.

Right Bunk Bed Sizes and Style for Your Little Ones

When you think of bunk beds you are trying to make one room do everything: sleep, play, grow, host guests, and still feel nice to be in. And if your house is anything like most UK homes, space is tight.

Here are a few questions you want to get answered.

1. Ceiling Clearance 101: Keep Your Kids Safe

If you’re in a UK home with low or sloped ceilings, this matters more than you think.

Here’s a quick formula:

• 60 cm ─ Min gap between top mattress and ceiling
• Aim for 60–70cm of headspace to ensure your child can sit up safely.
  
  

Pro tip: Measure the ceiling clearance from top of the mattress and not the top bunk floor. Most of the time parents overestimate the ceiling space and end up losing 20 centimeters (eight inch) when they add mattress. It is a huge loss of space and could make sitting upright a problem.

2. Mattress Thickness Matters — Here’s the Safe Range

One of the biggest safety risks we see is mattresses that are too thick for the top bunk.

Following the BS EN747 standard, it's essential to keep the mattress thickness within recommended limits. Anything more risks:

• Guardrails becoming useless
• Increased rollover risk
• The mattress sitting too high for safe ladder exit
  
  

Worried a thinner mattress might be uncomfortable? Don’t be — thinner doesn’t mean less comfy. Look for memory foam or pocket spring mattresses designed specifically for bunk beds — they still offer excellent support in a slimmer profile.

Bonus: Lighter, slimmer mattresses are much easier to lift and change — ideal when you're working with tight corners in a small UK room.

And as for ceiling clearance? Most standard UK homes can accommodate bunk beds with the right setup. Just remember to factor in both the bed frame and mattress height when measuring your space.

3. Can It Hold Your Kids (or You)? Know the Weight Limits

Most UK bunk beds aren’t designed for adults — and not all top bunks are created equal. But the labels don’t always tell the full story.

Here’s the usual range:

• Stick to firm mattresses to avoid bounce or sagging
• Avoid bunk beds with thin slats or MDF boards — those wear out quickly
• Opt for Dream Home Store bunk beds, certified to BS EN 747 standards for optimal safety.

4. Which Bunk Bed Style Works Best for Your Life?

Let’s break down the most popular bunk bed styles and when they actually make sense — not just when they look pretty in photos.

Want to see how these bunk beds actually look in real rooms?

Here’s a quick visual tour of each style in action:

Think long-term!

Where will your family be in 3–5 years? That answer often leads to smarter choices now — and fewer regrets down the line.

Smart Move: If your bunk’s hosting overnight guests, look for under-bed trundles that can stash extra bedding. It keeps spare duvets, pillows, and sheets tidy — and means no last-minute cupboard chaos.

5. Bunk Bed Sizes That Actually Fit UK Rooms

Let’s start with what actually fits in a standard British bedroom — especially those 1930s semis or new builds with that one box room you thought would be fine.

So, what size works best in small UK rooms? Stick with a standard single (90x190cm) for the top bunk — it’s the safest and most space-efficient. For the bottom, if you've got a bit more room, a small double (120x190cm) can make the space feel more flexible — perfect for guests or growing kids.

Just remember: measure twice — especially with EU-sized beds that run longer and might not fit in tight British bedrooms.

Dream Home Store Wooden Bunk Beds

Ready to Choose Confidently?

Your child’s bed isn’t just a piece of furniture — it’s a stage for stories, sleepovers, and quiet moments. Make it one that grows with them. By now, you’ve got the full picture:

• What to look for
• What to avoid
• What makes bunk beds great — and safe — for growing kids

Parenting is tricky enough, but choosing the right bunk bed shouldn’t be. We’re here to help you find the perfect fit for your little one’s space.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is a Bunk Bed Really Safe for My Child?

Yes — when they meet proper safety standards and are used correctly. Look for:

• BS EN 747 certification — This is the UK & EU safety standard for bunk beds.
  
  
• Sturdy build materials — Solid wood or metal, with no wobbles or creaks
  
  
• Proper assembly — A good frame can still be unsafe if it’s not put together right (ask us for tips or installer recs if needed)

What’s the Right Age for Kids to Use the Top Bunk?

Children should be at least 6 years old to sleep on the top bunk. Even then keep these safety factors in mind:

• Ensure your child can safely use the ladder.
  
  
• Active sleepers may roll over the guardrails if not tall enough or properly secured.
  
  
• Younger siblings may try to climb unsupervised, creating a fall risk.
  
  
• Children may attempt to climb down when half-asleep, which could lead to accidents.

If unsure, consider a low sleeper or floor bed until your child is ready for the top bunk.

How High Should Bunk Bed Guardrails Be?

This is a non-negotiable safety feature. A proper top bunk should have:

• Guardrails on all four sides
• Sufficient height to protect fall over
• No wide gaps to avoid trapped arms or legs

Always check the mattress and rail clearance together. Many accidents happen when parents add a thick mattress that reduces rail height.

How Much Headroom Do You Need Above the Top Bunk?

You want at least 60–70cm between the top mattress and the ceiling. Don’t forget to check for sloped ceilings and low-hanging light fixtures (we’ve seen this one too many times). Use a soft tape measure with your child sitting on the top bunk — it’s the best real-world test.