How big is a bunk bed?
Bunk beds are extremely popular, especially with children who share a room, or where space in a bedroom is limited. What also makes them so appealing is that there are lots of different styles and types to choose from, allowing you to kit a room out according to your specific tastes and requirements. So, when it comes to purchasing this type of bed, one of the most frequently asked questions is 'how big is a bunk bed'? Here's everything you need to know.
Bunk beds explained
To answer the question of how big is a bunk bed, it's important to understand what one is first, and how each style or type may differ, as this affects the size.
Essentially, bunk beds are two beds that are stacked on top of each other, with the top bed accessed by a small ladder. These kinds of beds are really handy for space-saving rooms where two people have to share. While most bunk beds are aimed at children, you can also find sturdy adult bunk beds that might be used in particular settings, such as youth hostels, hotels, army barracks or student accommodation.
While most bunk beds typically consist of two beds on top of each other, it's also possible to find triple beds, where a third bed may be situated on the floor or even placed inside a drawer underneath the bed that can be pulled out. Or Triple Bunk Beds with either three stacked bunks, or a double on the bottom bunk and a single on the top bunk.
Because bunk beds need to carry the weight of at least two people, they are made from strong, sturdy materials, such as wood and metal. If the bunk bed is intended for adults or larger people, then it's important to choose heavy-duty beds/mattresses to safely accommodate these.
How big is a bunk bed?
The style and type of bunk bed frame dictate its size, but if you're looking for a standard, typical bunk bed this usually measures around 39 inches (99cm) in width, 65 inches (165cm) in height and 79 inches (200cm) in length. However, there are some variations to this, with some beds being slightly shorter at 75 inches in height or as much as around 54 inches in width for full or double bunks.
Less common types of bunk beds include the queen bunk, which measures around 80 inches in length, 60 inches in width and 65 inches in height. A king bunk, which typically has a king bed at the bottom and a twin at the top tends to have proportions of around 80 inches in length, 76 inches in width and 51.5 inches in height.
The tallest bunk beds, such as the triple types, are usually no more than 77 inches in height. When measuring the height of a bunk bed, this is normally taken from the uppermost part of the bunk, which is normally the guard rail. The top of the mattress will be several inches lower than this.
There are also some very low bunk beds available that may be suitable for very young children or those who don't like sleeping at a height. These are usually about 10 inches shorter in height than the average bunk bed, so can vary between 50 and 55 inches in height. Bear in mind that bunk beds generally aren't recommended for children under the age of four, and those under the age of six should always use the bottom bunk.
In some cases, you may also be able to get bunk beds custom made to suit the specific needs of your establishment or the user.
Product: Heavy Duty Bunk Bed (in Saffron Yellow)
Choosing the right size of bunk bed
When considering that there is such a wide variation in sizes of bunk beds, it can seem overwhelming knowing which type and size to go for. It is important to pay close attention to the size before you make any purchases to ensure the bed is an appropriate fit for a room and is suitable for its occupants.
Whether you're looking for commercial beds/mattresses, care home beds/mattresses or those for use in domestic settings, whatever the environment, always measure the room that the bunk bed is intended for.
As a general rule, the larger the floor space and height of the room, the more options you have with regards to sizes and styles of bunk beds. For a room to be classed as a bedroom, it needs to have a minimum floor area of about 70 square feet, so the minimum dimensions of a room that can accommodate a bunk bed are around 120 inches x 84 inches x 96 inches.
Pay particular attention to the ceiling height clearance. Aim for around 33 inches to 38 inches of clear space from the top bunk mattress to the ceiling, so that the occupier of the top bunk can comfortably sit up in bed. Since the average bunk bed is around 65 inches in height, the top of the mattress will be several inches below this, so a ceiling height of around 96 inches will be suitable for the average bunk bed.
When fitting a bunk bed in a room, it's also important to make sure that there is a minimum of 30 inches of clear space in front of the ladder, so that those using the top bunk can easily and safely climb up or down it, especially when it's dark.
Mattress considerations
When thinking about the size of a bunk bed, you should also consider mattress sizes. Most bunk beds can accommodate a wide variety of mattresses, so comfort needn't be compromised, especially if the user has specific health needs, such as when choosing hospital beds/mattresses.
Bear in mind, however, that the mattress used for the top bunk shouldn't be any thicker than 15cm, otherwise this could compromise the safety of the guard rails.
If you're unsure which mattress to choose, you could opt for contract beds/mattresses that come in a bundle, so the mattresses are already included.
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