Top 10 Best Bunk Beds in the UK 2021 (Argos Home, Stompa and More)

In this section, we’ll explore the features to look out for, such as the dimensions and number of beds. We've also included a few things that you might not even have considered, such as the finish, weight capacity and whether a mattress is included.

There are a few different styles concerning bunk beds, but we’ll be focussing on the classic types, which sleep either two or three. That does mean we haven't included any high sleeper beds, but we have a dedicated article for those if that’s something you’d be interested in.

The frame that sleeps two is undoubtedly the most famous of all designs. They feature two single beds on top of one another, usually with a small ladder to access the top bunk. These are designed with children in mind, so they'll be shorter and slimmer, but some slighter adults will also comfortably fit.

 
Furthermore, many of these frames convert into two single beds, which is great for the future if you happen to move to a home with more space. These are generally the most economical of all options, depending on the brand and materials used. Plus, they’re also the most likely design to come with additional storage.

The other popular option is a three-sleeper bunk. These have a double mattress on the bottom and a single on top. This style is perfect if you have social children who like having friends to stay, or if you’re buying a bunk for a guest room. As you’d expect, more materials come with more cost, so these tend to be a little more expensive.

 
There is also the option of three-sleepers that provide a third bed as a trundle. This means that the frame would be a classic single bunk, but the design would incorporate a third roll-out mattress underneath. These are an even greater space-saving hack, but they do eat into your chances of having any storage around the bed frame. 

Next up, you’ll want to consider the different finishes and materials available, and there’s two out and out winners – wood and metal. Wooden frames are usually made from hardwearing wood such as pinewood or rubberwood and come with the choice of either a natural or painted finish. 

When talking about painted finishes, you can generally expect to see neutral colours such as white, black or grey. As well as providing a bit of shine and luxe, the paint also offers protection to the wood.

 
On the other hand, metal is great if you're going for a minimal or industrial aesthetic. These frames are easier to clean, which is always handy with children, and will be painted with a powder-coated finish to ensure their longevity. Plus, metal is often a little cheaper than wood, so it's a great choice if you're working with a tight budget.

As we mentioned, the chances are you’re purchasing a pair (or trio) of bunk beds to save some space, but it's not only bed space that these beauties save! These frames often have other space-saving features, such as storage, that are usually in the form of a few drawers underneath the bottom bunk. 

Now and then, you'll find one that will provide a bit more storage such as a small wardrobe. Unfortunately, however, these units are often quite large and cumbersome, making them difficult to place in smaller rooms and they don't provide the flexibility that other frames do. This might be perfectly fine for your space, but again, it all comes down to accurate measuring and planning.

Next, it’s time to start thinking about the practical side of things, such as the dimensions. This will mean measuring the room and where you’d plan on placing the bunk beds.

You’ll want to measure the floor area and the floor-to-ceiling. From there, cross-check this with the bed frames and their dimensions. Many people advise that you should leave around 75 cm between the top bunk mattress and the ceiling to protect anyone from banging their head if they jolt awake during the night.

However, this isn’t all. The children or guests need to use a ladder to climb in and out of the top bunk. These ladders are sometimes slanted, which can take up additional floor space, so make sure you consider this when measuring the dimensions. 

It’s worth stating that most bunk beds have a weight capacity that will be more than adequate for holding children, young adults and small adults. Unless you’re looking for a bunk bed for a heavier person, chances are you’ll be alright. That said, you'll need to be a little careful when your kids have friends over, and they decide to all bundle in the top!

Unfortunately, some companies don't provide specifics, but we were able to get this information from some options. Generally speaking, you can expect the weight limit to be between 70 – 120 kg, which is plenty for most children. 

Finally, if you’re looking to cut down on your spending, opting for a frame that comes with a mattress is always going to help. It’s worth pointing out that the cost of the frame and mattress together will be higher than just a frame, but buying as a combo will likely be cheaper than separately.

Sadly, this is a little uncommon, but there are a few options here and there. While we can’t 100% confirm this, chances are, the mattresses provided by the bunk company will not be quite as comfortable as if you sourced one yourself, so do set your expectations accordingly. 

Whether you’re looking for bunk beds for the children or a three-sleeper for the guest room for when friends and family come to stay, our top 10 list should have something to suit everyone. Let's start shopping!

Bunk beds are a great place to start when decorating your child's bedroom, but there is much more you can do to make their space a fun place to be. From pop-up play tents to colourful wall decals, we've got plenty more articles to help you create a fun, stylish atmosphere for your little ones to enjoy. 

So, there it is, our comprehensive guide to finding the perfect bunk bed. We hope you found the information and tips helpful, and fingers crossed, these lead you to find the perfect new sleeping solution for your home. Here's to a peaceful nights sleep for everyone!  

Author: Lewis Clark