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10 of the best bunk beds for kids: fun, space-saving and practical
Sleepovers, sibling sharing, and maximizing space - there are many reasons to consider a bunk bed for your child's room. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one for your family's needs? Our Mumsnetter-approved round-up covers everything you need to find the perfect bunk bed for your child.
By Poppy O'Neill | Last updated Sep 20, 2023
Where does the time go? It seems only yesterday your little one was a newborn sleeping peacefully in their crib, then a toddler making mischief in their cot - now it’s time to consider the next stage. So much more fun than a normal bed, the best bunk beds can be a fort, a pirate ship and a cosy den as well as a place to sleep. Parents love them because they free up so much space, especially if you have siblings sharing a room.
Here at Mumsnet, we know how important it is that our kids get plenty of sleep - it’s essential for their development, learning and the mental health of the whole family. Our forums are home to the biggest network of parents in the UK - a veritable goldmine of knowledge, and it’s there we turn to first for the authentic recommendations that make up our guides to everything from the best baby monitors to the best travel cots.
There are a huge range of bunk beds on the market right now - from classic, space-maximising wooden ones to chunky models packed with storage. And if you’re looking for a loft bed to maximise the space for one child, we’ve got you covered too. Combining the wisdom of Mumsnetters with industry experts and consumer reviews, we’ve whittled our list down to the 11 best bunk beds available right now.
These are the best bunk beds to buy in 2023.
1. Best overall bunk bed - Strictly Beds and Bunks Cypress Bunk Bed
Price on writing: £279.95 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: 202 x 98 x 149cm | Mattresses included?: No | Left- or right-hand ladder: Either
What we love
Sturdy, high-quality craftsmanship
Great value
Easy to paint
What to know
Less stylish than other bunk beds
What Mumsnet users say
“Strictly Bunks and Beds, although you'd have to paint it yourself. They are very very solid, choice if widths and lengths. Mine was cheaper via Wayfair, you might be able to get cashback via Top Cashback too.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter Her0utdoors)
“We got ours from here and we're really impressed. Loads of options (ours are slightly lower as children are young), entirely solid pine and weight tested to 18 stone so not worried about clambering up to read stories. They are so solid and cheaper than pretty much everywhere else. Service was great too. I'm not a shill I promise haha. Just really pleased and feel we got a bargain when the other ones I was looking at weren't solid wood and were £400+” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Jenala)
Our verdict
Independent British brand Strictly Bunks and Beds come very highly recommended by Mumsnetters, who love their value for money, range of designs and quality craftsmanship. We think their Cypress bunk bed is a brilliant example of a classic bunk bed that ticks all the boxes. It’s got no bells or whistles, but it looks great, it’s well made and priced fairly - that’s why we’ve chosen it as our best overall bunk bed.
There are lots of options available from the brand, including lower beds for younger children, loft beds, European sizes, triple and L-shaped bunk beds. The solid pine looks great as it is, and is easy to paint if you prefer. Reviewers say they’re easy to build for two people, and the ladder can be assembled on the left or right side to suit your room layout.
Mattresses are sold separately - check out our round-up of the best mattresses for kids and the best mattress protectors for Mumsnetters' top picks.
2. Best budget bunk bed - IKEA Kura
Price on writing: £179 | Buy now from IKEA
Key specs
Dimensions: 209 x 99 x 116cm | Mattresses included?: No | Left- or right-hand ladder: Right
What we love
Bargain price
Simple but versatile design
Low height is great for younger kids
What to know
No bed base on the bottom 'bunk'
What Mumsnet users say
"We have an Ikea Kura - it's a mid sleeper and our dd2 is on a mattress underneath (my DH build a bed frame for it about 6 inches off the ground just to keep air flow)." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Littlehouseinthebigcity)
"IKEA kura for sure. If you Google it there are lots of suggestions for making steps out of the ikea kids storage cupboards (maybe better than ladder for tinies)." (Loved by Mumsnetter MotherOfCrocodiles)
Our verdict
For an uber-versatile bunk bed that’s perfect for younger children, IKEA’s Kura is a real winner. At under £200 it’s a total bargain, and Mumsnetters know they can trust IKEA for well made, great value furniture.
The bed is more of a low loft bed with a mattress underneath than a classic bunk bed. Many parents prefer this if their younger child is a bit too young for a bed that’s further off the ground, and it can make a brilliant play corner or reading nook if you choose not to have a mattress there. Flip the bed upside-down (carefully and with help!) and it becomes a mini four-poster with lots of potential for den making.
3. Best bunk bed for storage - Matt Martin Bunk Bed with Drawers and Storage
Price on writing: £545 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: 100 x 49 x 59cm | Mattresses included?: No | Left- or right-hand ladder: Either
What we love
Oodles of storage
More headroom on the bottom bunk
What to know
Delivery unavailable to some UK postcodes
Large footprint
What Mumsnet users say
“If you have the space for it - we had something very similar to this but a previous design. Was bloody solid and both my kids coped well with it, but it was huge. Think we got it when they were about 4 and 5 and the 4 year old has major coordination issues as well and the only issue we had with it was that the top bunk resident discovered she could drop books down onto the bottom bunk resident to wake them up and get her to read her a story!” (Recommended by Mumsnetter CoffeeWithCheese)
Our verdict
With clever storage everywhere you look, this chunky bunk bed from Matt is a fun option that has plenty of space for storing toys, books, clothes and spare bedding.
Reviewers say the instructions are difficult to follow, so make sure you have plenty of time, space and someone to help you build it. The beds’ footprint doesn’t take up that much less than two single beds, so this one’s less of a space-saver and more of a fun way to for kids to share a bedroom. We love the drawer staircase and the slide-door cupboards on the bottom bunk, which make a little private space for keeping favourite toys and books.
4. Best high sleeper - Stompa Uno S Plus High Sleeper
Price on writing: from £659 | Buy now from John Lewis
Key specs
Dimensions: 178 x 200 x 208cm | Mattresses included?: No | Left- or right-hand ladder: Either
What we love
Assembled by supplier
Basic option available
Customisable
What to know
Takes a European single mattress
On the pricy side
Our verdict
Perfect for box rooms, a high sleeper creates space by putting a single bed on stilts. While the basic model is just under £700, the Stompa Uno S Plus High Sleeper is available with all sorts of extras - the one pictured has a pull-out desk and a fold-out chair bed that tucks away into a cosy corner sofa for one, and retails for £1,349.
The ladder rungs are ergonomically shaped, and we think the chunky design is stylish enough for growing tweens and teens. The chair bed is a brilliant addition which will come in handy for sleepovers, and the desk is just right for homework and gaming. For younger kids, there’s also the Uno S Plus Mid-Sleeper.
5. Best cool bunk bed - Kids Funtime Beds Deluxe Bunk Bed
Price on writing: from £899 | Buy now from Kids Funtime Beds
Key specs
Dimensions: 237 x 98 x 151cm | Mattresses included?: Option to include mattresses | Left- or right-hand ladder: Either
What we love
Customisable
Option to include a slide
What to know
Expensive
Assembly only available in London zones A-F
What Mumsnet users say
“We’ve got 2, definitely not cheap but they’re bombproof in terms of kids. We’ve dismantled them to move house and rebuilt them and they’re still immaculate. Well worth the money.” Notreallyarsed
Our verdict
Every kids’ dream bed, this bunk bed comes with the option to add a slide, if you’re feeling brave. You can choose which side the stairs are on, the shapes cut into the top bunk’s bedrail, add a bedside tray, stairgate or have it professionally painted - nothing is too much to ask for Kids Funtime Beds.
Mumsnetters love the amazing quality of these bunk beds, but acknowledge that they certainly aren’t cheap. The basic model is just shy of £1,000 and you could easily spend twice that by adding mattresses, personalisation and other extras. The beds are cosy, spacious and great-looking. For younger kids, they’re perfect but they might not appeal so much to older children.
6. Best wooden bunk beds - Thuka Nordic 2
Price on writing: £659 | Buy now from Bed Kingdom
Key specs
Dimensions: 210 x 151 x 151cm | Mattresses included?: No | Left- or right-hand ladder: Either
What we love
Simple, minimalist design
Spacious underbed drawers included
What to know
Takes European single mattresses
What Mumsnet users say
“Thuka. We wanted ones that would come apart into separate normal size/shaped beds as well.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user TwoHeadedYellowBelliedHoleDig)
“Thuka - ours are 21 years old!” (Recommended by Mumsnetter homemadecommunistrussia)
Our verdict
Mumsnetters can certainly vouch for the longevity of Thuka bunk beds. Sturdily made from solid pine, this Nordic bunk bed has a simple, neutral design that’ll stand the test of time and works for younger and older children. Available with five different colour options for the end panels, the bunk bed comes with two storage drawers that slide neatly away underneath the bottom bunk.
The bunks can be converted into two single beds if needed, although the top bunk has longer legs than the bottom. Like many bunk beds, it requires European sized single mattresses, so bear this in mind while shopping for a kids’ mattress to go with the bed.
7. Best bunk bed that can be separated into two singles - Stompa Detachable Bunk Bed
Price on writing: £819 | Buy now from John Lewis
Key specs
Dimensions: 208 x 105 x 161cm | Mattresses included?: No | Left- or right-hand ladder: Either
What we love
Pull-out trundle bed for slepovers
Easily converts into two single beds
What to know
Requires a EU mattress
Our verdict
Designed with versatility in mind, this bunk bed from Stompa can easily be converted into two single beds if and when your children move into their own rooms or outgrow the bunk set up. What’s more, it has a pull-out trundle bed which is ideal for sleepovers or for you to camp out on if your children need extra comfort at night.
The bunk bed is European single sized, so it’s a bit longer than a standard single bed and you’ll need European mattresses for it. The bunk bed is available without the trundle for £659 or there’s a smaller compact version for £509.
8. Best L-shaped bunk bed - Strictly Beds and Bunks Madoline L-Shaped Bunk Bed
Price on writing: from £319 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: 200 x 98 x 158cm | Mattresses included?: Option to include mattresses | Left- or right-hand ladder: Either
What we love
Option to buy with or without mattresses
Bottom bunk isn't attached so can be moved freely to suit your space
What to know
Takes up more floorspace than a normal bunk bed
What Mumsnet users say
“Strictly beds and bunks. British made, good price simple pine beds. No frills and easy to adapt if required as just plain wood no laminate etc. We went for the L shape so the younger could sit on his bed too.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter teapotter)
Our verdict
If you have a little more space and want to make creative use of it, or if your children are that bit older and want a bit more space to stretch out than a traditional bunk affords them, then an L-shaped bed could be the answer.
Made from solid pine, Mumsnetters swear by Strictly Beds and Bunks' no-nonsense designs, and this practical bunk bed is no exception. The ladder and bottom bunk can be assembled on either side, and the bunks easily split into two separate singles - in fact, the bottom bunk isn’t attached to the top, making it highly flexible to suit your room layout.
9. Best bunk bed for toddlers - Dunelm Adventure
Price on writing: £599 | Buy now from Dunelm
Key specs
Dimensions: 228 x 100 x 197cm | Mattresses included?: No | Left- or right-hand ladder: Central
What we love
Fun, playful design
Low bottom bunk
Available in white or grey
What to know
Top bunk suitable for age 6+
Our verdict
While children need to be aged 6 before they can safely sleep on a top bunk, younger children are perfectly safe on bottom bunks, with a bed guard if needed. This Adventure bunk bed from Dunelm has an extra low bottom bunk and a fun treehouse design on the top.
With the roof, at 228cm it’s very tall, so do double-check your ceiling height before purchasing. Available in grey or white, we love the potential for play in this bed, as well as for a peaceful night’s sleep!
10. Best triple-decker bunk bed - Happy Beds Trio Triple Bunk
Price on writing: £564.99 | Buy now from Happy Beds
Key specs
Dimensions: 201 x 195 x 93cm | Mattresses included?: Option to include mattress | Left- or right-hand ladder: Both
What we love
Sturdy guard rails
Low bottom bunk
Sleeps 3 in the floor space of a single bed
What to know
Changing the bedding on the top bunk can be tricky
Our verdict
The triple-decker Trio is a space-saving superstar, and the extra low bottom bunk means the top bunk isn’t too high up, and each bed is cosy rather than cramped. Made from high-quality wood and coated in a stain-resistant lacquer, it’s a sturdy bunk bed that’ll keep your kids comfy for years.
If you have three children and want to maximise space, this bed is brilliant. Each bunk has a solid, reliable guard rail and there are two separate ladders to save having to take turns getting out of bed. Reviewers say it can be a challenge to change the sheets in the top bunk, which is tricky enough in a normal bunk bed!
How to buy mattresses for bunk beds
Most bunk beds require a slightly thinner mattress than a standard bed, and many are made to European single measurements, so be sure to double-check before you buy. Many bunk beds on our list have the option to buy mattresses with the bunk bed, saving you time and giving you peace of mind that you’ll get a perfect fit.
What is the best age for children to use bunk beds?
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents guidance says that children under 6 should not sleep on the top bunk, so it’s best to wait until your oldest is 6 or over before moving your children to a bunk bed.
Younger children can use the bottom bunk, but if there’s a substantial drop between the bottom bunk and the floor, you might want to get a bed guard too.
How to choose the best bunk bed for you
What features should I look for?
Size: It’s likely you’re looking to save space if you’re shopping for a bunk bed, so make sure you’ve measured up your floor space before you part with your cash. If you’re looking at a triple-decker or a bed with a canopy, consider your ceiling height too.
Assembly: Bunk beds are a huge pain to assemble, so it’s best to ensure you have plenty of time, as much space as possible and another person to help you build. Some retailers offer an assembly service for an extra fee - if you can afford it, this is a really wise investment that will save you time, energy and sanity.
Ladder: Most bunk beds can be assembled with the ladder on either the left or right, but not all, so it’s best to check - especially if your room layout means one side works better.
Detachability: Thinking ahead, is it likely you’ll want or need to split the bunks into two separate single beds? If you’d like to have this option, check that it’s possible with the bunk beds you choose.
What’s the best bunk bed to buy?
Strictly Beds and Bunks’ Cypress Bunk Bed is the best bunk bed to buy right now. It’s well made by expert craftspeople in the UK from solid pine, and Mumsnetters really like the no-nonsense design, easy to paint surface and affordable price.
About the author
Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She's been researching and reviewing baby and child products for 2 years, with a particular focus on baby essentials, toys and books for toddlers and outdoor play equipment. From potties to paddling pools and bunk beds to bedtime stories, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the best products out there.
Poppy is also the best-selling children's and parenting author of books such as Don't Worry, Be Happy, The Extraordinary Book That Makes You Feel Happy and Mother Power. She specialises in children's mental health and her books are used by therapists, teachers and SENCOs across the UK. She won the Kate Betts Memorial Prize in 2019, her books have been translated into eight languages and she's shortlisted for The Week Junior Children's Book Awards 2023.
After earning a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Leeds and a PGCert in Fashion and Lifestyle Journalism from University of the Arts London, she worked in fashion for most of her 20s. When her children were young, she undertook an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester and re-trained as an author and freelance writer. When she's not working, Poppy enjoys Pilates, hunting for sea glass on the Sussex coast and playing with tarot cards.
How we chose our recommendations
We spent several hours sifting through Mumsnet's forums for our users' recommendations on the best bunk beds they rate. We were also on the lookout for poor reviews of products to avoid.
We consulted recommendations from experts, consumer websites and print media and ensured we included brands that regularly appeared in the top 10 lists.
We then looked at reviews for our longlisted bunk beds to check if those previous customers were satisfied with their purchases.
By doing this, we whittled our longlist down and chose a selection of products that we think offer something for everybody.
Why you should trust us
At Mumsnet, we believe parents should be able to access impartial and honest advice about products and services they may purchase.
We consult real parents as well as experts so we can offer the benefit of honest experience and we don’t take payment for our reviews from companies.
Our team of writers is made up of experienced consumer and parenting journalists who between them have a wealth of experience and knowledge at their fingertips.