Low bunk beds and shorty bunk beds: a guide for small rooms
Standard bunk beds don't suit every room. Low bunks bring the top bed closer to the floor, and shorty bunks shorten the whole frame. Both can make bunk beds possible in box rooms, loft bedrooms and rooms with sloping ceilings.
What is a low bunk bed?
A low bunk bed has a shorter overall height than a standard bunk, so the top bed sits nearer the floor. That leaves more room between the top mattress and the ceiling, which matters in older houses, loft conversions and rooms with sloping ceilings. A lower top bunk is also less daunting to climb, and some low designs add stairs instead of a ladder.
There is a trade-off: the gap between the two beds is smaller, so the child on the bottom bunk has less head room when sitting up. Check the clearance figure on the product page if your bottom-bunk sleeper likes to read in bed.
What is a shorty bunk bed?
A shorty bunk bed is built around a shorter mattress than a standard single, so the frame is shorter from end to end. It suits narrow box rooms where a full-length single won't fit, or rooms where a door or window limits the wall length. Because mattress sizes for shorty beds vary between makers, always buy the mattress size stated for that bed. Shorty frames are generally aimed at younger children, so think about how long it will last as they grow.
Low and shorty bunks in our range
Our low and shorty bunk beds come from Flair Furniture and Hoppekids. Several combine the low height with other space-saving features, such as play house frames, storage drawers or beds that separate into two singles later on. Browse the selection below, then check each bed's dimensions against your room.
Who are they for?
- Siblings sharing a small room where a standard bunk would feel cramped.
- Rooms with low or sloping ceilings, where a full-height bunk wouldn't leave enough sitting room on top.
- Families who want a gentler first bunk bed with less height to climb.
The age guidance doesn't change because the bed is lower. Under the bunk bed standard BS EN 747, the upper bed of a bunk isn't suitable for children under six, whatever its height. Always follow the age guidance supplied with the bed.
How to measure a small or low room
- Measure the ceiling height where the bed will stand, including under any slope, beam or light fitting.
- Find the bed's overall height on the product page and add the depth of the top mattress.
- Work out the sitting room on top: the space left between the top of the mattress and the ceiling should let the child sit up without bumping their head.
- Measure the floor: length and width, allowing for skirting boards, radiators and the door swing.
- Allow for the ladder or stairs and any trundle or drawers that pull out.
Our step-by-step guide to measuring for a high sleeper or bunk bed has more detail.
Mattresses matter even more on a low bunk
Every bunk bed gives a maximum mattress depth so the guard rail stays high enough above the sleeper. On a low or shorty bunk this is easy to overlook when you're trying to make the bed comfier, but a deeper mattress than the bed allows reduces the effective rail height. Read our guide to choosing a mattress for a bunk bed or high sleeper.
Alternatives worth considering
- Trundle beds keep both sleepers near the floor, with the second bed sliding out when needed.
- Cabin beds add storage without much height for one child.
- Detachable bunk beds split into two singles if the children later get rooms of their own.
Shop the range
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a low bunk bed and a standard bunk bed?
A low bunk bed is shorter overall, so the top bed is closer to the floor and there's more space above it. The gap between the two beds is usually smaller too, so check the clearance on the product page.
What mattress does a shorty bunk bed take?
Shorty bunk beds take a shorter mattress than a standard single, and the size varies by maker. Always use the mattress size and maximum depth given for that bed.
Can a child under six sleep on the top of a low bunk bed?
No. The bunk bed standard BS EN 747 says the upper bed isn't suitable for children under six, regardless of how low the bunk is.