Choosing the right kids bed means balancing safety, space, and how long the bed will last as your child grows. Our range of children's beds covers every stage - from the first move out of a cot through to teenage years - with designs that maximise space, keep little ones safe, and suit bedrooms of all sizes.
Types of Kids Beds
Kids beds break down by height, functionality, and the age they're designed for. Whether you need a space saving solution for a shared room or a sturdy single bed that will last into the teen years, understanding each bed type helps you find the perfect bed faster.
Bunk Beds
Bunk beds stack two sleeping areas vertically, making them the go-to choice for shared bedrooms and sleepovers. They free up valuable floor space for play, desks, or storage. Bunk beds are popular for shared bedrooms, and safety guidelines dictate that children under 6 years old should not use top bunks - so the upper bunk is best suited to older children while younger siblings take the lower bed. Many designs now include built in storage in the stairs or frame itself.
High Sleeper Beds
High sleepers elevate the sleeping area to around 150–180 cm, creating ample space underneath for desks, shelves, or even a wardrobe. High sleeper beds provide space underneath for play or storage, making them ideal for teenagers who need a study area in a smaller bedroom. Most UK guidance recommends high sleepers for children aged 10 and above, given the climbing height involved. For inspiration on making the most of the under-bed area, see our guide to high sleeper bed ideas for small rooms.
Mid Sleeper Beds
Mid sleeper beds - sometimes called cabin beds - sit at roughly 90–120 cm off the floor. That's high enough to fit drawers, a cosy den, or a low play area beneath, but low enough to reduce fall risk compared to loft beds and high sleepers. Mid sleepers are suitable for children over 6 years old, striking an ideal compromise between safety and space saving for ages 6–12. They work particularly well in a child's bedroom where fun and function need to coexist.
Single Beds
Single beds remain the classic, versatile choice. Children typically transition from a toddler bed to a standard single around ages 4–6 - and opting for a standard single bed can last into the teenage years. A standard UK single measures 90×190 cm, while European singles run to 90×200 cm, so check the mattress size that suits the bed frame and supports growing bodies. Single beds for kids usually measure 90×200 cm in the European format. Available in a wide range of frame styles - from sleigh and spindle to upholstered - single beds keep the sleeping area close to the floor for easy access and a good night's sleep.
Day Beds and Trundle Beds
Day beds can serve as both a bed and a seating area during the day, making them a perfect place to relax, read, or hang out with friends. Trundle beds offer an extra sleeping space for guests - the pull-out bed tucks neatly away when not needed, so you keep the room clear. Both are ideal for accommodating sleepovers without a permanent space commitment.
What to Look For in Kids Beds
Quality in children's beds comes down to three things: safety compliance, material durability, and practical storage. Getting these right means the bed works harder, lasts longer, and keeps your child safe.
Safety Standards and Features
Ensure the bed complies with UK/EU safety regulations like BS EN 747, the standard for bunk beds and high beds (updated to BS EN 747-1:2024). This applies to any bed where the base sits 600 mm or more above the floor. Key requirements include:
- Guard rails that extend at least 16 cm above the top of the mattress (not the bed base) to prevent falls.
- Ladder treads at least 3 cm wide, securely fixed, with consistent spacing.
- Slat gaps no wider than 7.5 cm to prevent limb entrapment.
- Structural testing - safety barriers must withstand 500 N of outward force, and bed bases must handle 1,200 N of downward static load.
Many kids' beds include safety features like guard rails as standard. Bunk beds are generally recommended only for children aged 6 and older, and manufacturers should specify the maximum mattress thickness - typically 15–20 cm - because a thicker mattress reduces guard-rail effectiveness.
Materials and Construction
Kids' beds are made from solid wood, MDF, or metal - and all materials used in kids' beds should be safe and durable. Here's how they compare:
- Solid wood is the most robust option. It holds joints and fixings well, resists warping, and can last 10–15 years or more with normal use. It's also easier to repair and refinish. In consumer surveys, roughly 73.5% of respondents preferred solid wood beds, citing safety, durability, and eco-friendliness.
- MDF and composites offer smoother surfaces at a lower price but are more susceptible to moisture damage and edge wear, making them harder to repair over time.
- Metal frames resist warping and suit industrial or minimalist styles, though they can be noisier and need careful finishing to avoid sharp edges.
Check for safety standards compliance and non-toxic finishes for beds - low-VOC paints, safe lacquers, and reinforced joinery (mortise-and-tenon or dowelled joints rather than screws into particle board) all signal a bed frame built to last. Kids' beds come in various materials to suit different needs and budgets.
Storage Solutions
In a child's room, storage beds help maximize space. Built-in drawers beneath a single bed, shelving integrated into a mid sleeper, or a full wardrobe tucked under a high sleeper all reduce the need for extra furniture. Loft beds can include desks and shelves for storage, and storage stairs on bunk beds double as cupboards. Many kids' beds come with additional storage features that keep toys, books, and clothes organised without cluttering the bedroom. For single bed options with extra storage, our guide on why single beds with storage are ideal for kids' bedrooms covers the details.
How to Choose the Right Kids Bed
Turning features into a decision comes down to four practical criteria:
- Child's age and safety requirements - Transitioning from a cot usually happens around 18 months to 3 years, with toddler beds typically measuring 70×160 cm as a first step. Mid sleepers suit children over 6, while high sleepers are best from age 10+. Parents can guide the transition while still involving your child in choosing the bed's colour or style, making bedtime something to look forward to rather than resist. For age-specific options, browse our beds for children aged 6+.
- Room size and ceiling height - Measure the bedroom carefully to account for layout and space. High sleepers need roughly 2.55 m of ceiling height (platform height + mattress depth + 75 cm sitting clearance). Mid sleepers work in rooms with ceilings as low as 2.05 m. If your little one's room has sloped ceilings, always measure at the highest point where the bed will sit.
- Intended use and storage needs - Decide whether the space beneath the bed will serve as a study area with desks, a play area, or purely for storage. Multi-functional designs cost more but can replace separate furniture, helping you create a room that does everything in one footprint.
- Budget and longevity - A solid wood bed frame costs more upfront but often outlasts cheaper alternatives by years. Extendable beds can grow with your child, offering flexibility if you'd rather not replace the bed every few years. Invest in a supportive, breathable, and hypoallergenic mattress for children - the mattress matters as much as the frame for rest and sleep quality. See our kids' mattress size guide for help matching the right mattress to the bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can children safely use bunk beds and high sleepers?
Bunk beds are generally recommended only for children aged 6 and older, in line with BS EN 747 safety guidance. The top bunk carries a higher fall risk, so it's reserved for children who can safely use a ladder and follow sleep-time rules. For high sleepers, many manufacturers recommend age 10+ because of the greater height involved. Younger children are safest in low single beds or toddler beds with side rails.
Do kids beds come with mattresses included?
Most beds in our range are sold as frames - mattresses are chosen separately so you can pick the right support level and mattress size for the bed. Choose a mattress size that suits the bed frame and supports growing bodies: a standard UK single is 90×190 cm, while some frames take European 90×200 cm mattresses. For elevated beds, keep mattress depth within the manufacturer's recommended maximum (usually 15–20 cm) to maintain guard-rail height. Browse our single mattresses for options that pair well with our bed frames.
How much ceiling height do I need for elevated beds?
For a high sleeper, add the platform height (150–180 cm) + mattress depth (15–20 cm) + sitting-up clearance (75 cm). That gives a minimum ceiling height of roughly 2.55 m. For a mid sleeper, the platform sits at 90–120 cm, so you'll need around 2.05–2.20 m of ceiling height. Standard bunk beds need less, but always check that pendant lights and ceiling fixtures won't be in the way. Kids beds range from cots to king sizes, so there's a suitable option for virtually any room dimension.
Are your kids beds covered by warranty?
Our beds come with a structural warranty covering the frame, joinery, and fittings against manufacturing defects. Solid wood components typically carry longer coverage than moving parts such as drawer runners or trundle mechanisms. Warranty does not cover misuse or accidental damage, but replacement parts - screws, guard rails, ladder components - are available if needed. Contact our team for full details on specific products.
Explore Our Kids Beds Collection
From sturdy bunk beds for siblings sharing a room to high sleepers that create a perfect place for teenagers to study and relax, our collection is built around safety-tested, durable designs that suit real family life. Every order plants a tree, and we offer next-day delivery on many items across the UK - so your little ones can enjoy their new bed without the wait. Browse the full range to find the right bed type for your child's bedroom.
