Bunk Bed Buying Guide: Sizes, Mattresses, Single vs Double

Choosing the right bunk bed goes further than just choosing something that would suit the aesthetic of your room. No matter what your intentions are, be it decorating the children’s room, making a sleeping place for teenagers or extra space for guests, a bunk bed from WowBeds will be a good option. However, the process of buying it is not as easy.

The current market offers a wide range of options in terms of the size and configuration of the frame from single and single over double to convertible models. Among the most common questions, raised by customers, are related to the appropriate thickness of mattresses and the weight capacity. We will provide answers to your questions and help you select the best bunk bed frame. Have a look at our Bunk Bed Collection to see a vast selection of products.

Why Choose a Bunk Bed? 

One of the most efficient means to make the best use of a bedroom is bunk beds, due to their upright construction that makes the most of the floor space, which is very valuable in case of small houses or bedrooms.

• Space Saving Nature: Through their upright structure, you will have plenty of floor space to put desks, playing area, or some more storage units.
• Perfect for Brothers and Sisters: These create an adventurous feel for children and provide them with their personal sleeping zones.
• Guest Rooms: Bunk beds are just perfect for the holiday house or guest room.
• Opportunity for Storage: Many of these beds come with shelves and drawers to help reduce the clutter in the rooms.
• Good for Growing Children: These beds have convertibles that will be suitable as your children grow up.

Bunk Bed Sizes Explained 

Understanding the dimensions will help to guarantee that the purchase will be a success. Apart from the horizontal measurement, it is important to remember about the vertical clearance needed for safety and comfort.

• Single Bunk Beds: One of the most widespread models with two single beds stacked one above another (the size of each bed is 92cm x 188cm). They are great if you want to make use of the floor space and are intended for younger kids or siblings.
• Single Over Double Bunk Beds: A very popular model that is good for a growing family. It has a single bed up high and a double bed (137cm x 188cm) below. Such a model will give more space for an older kid, a teenager or even guests from time to time.
• Double Bunk Beds: Good option for teenagers or guests and for adult living space. With double bunks, there will be a lot of room for sleep for two people.
• Are Queen Size Bunk Beds Available? Yes, queen size bunk beds do come in a few different models for those who need maximum sleeping space. This is best suited for spacious rooms with high ceilings since these beds take up a lot of space and also require considerable headroom so that the occupant on the top bed may rise up without hitting the ceiling. Due to their bulky nature and heaviness, it is always best to measure your exact ceiling height and floor space before buying one.

Single vs Double vs Queen Size Bunk Beds 

Consider the following when selecting a size: the overall amount of space needed, the total number of people who need to sleep there, and the ages of the users. The twin bed frames are comfortable and give much more room to move; however, they cost more money and take up more space than single frames. Our Choose the Right Mattress & Bed Frame Guide will help you select the correct bed frame if you have trouble deciding.

Choosing the Right Mattress for a Bunk Bed 

What Mattress Thickness Is Recommended? 

When it comes to safety, especially when it comes to the upper bunk, it is essential that one consider several factors while choosing a bed and its components. For example, the top bunk bed mattress should be slim since it will increase the height of the guardrail to guarantee safety and to avoid falling. In other words, having a thick mattress will make the guardrails lower and it is not safe at all.

Mattress size guide

You have to make sure that the mattress fits the chosen bed frame to avoid any accidents. The standard measurements in Australia are as follows:

• Single: 92cm x 188cm
• Double: 137cm x 188cm
• Queen: 153cm x 203cm

Do Bunk Beds Come With Mattresses? 

Bunk beds don't come with mattresses. Purchasing frames and mattresses separately gives you the freedom to choose a sleeping surface that meets your requirements for comfort and firmness. When shopping for mattresses, consider the essential key features to consider when buying a mattress in a box online. 

You can also learn how mattress size impacts your comfort and bedroom layout. For specific needs, check out the best mattresses for babies. We also recommend checking the mattress lifespan guide to see how long each type lasts. We have our suggested mattresses, such as the WowBeds Dreamer Mattress and the WowBeds Duo Mattress. 

Safety Features Every Bunk Bed Should Have 

When looking to buy a children’s bunk bed frame, it is critical that you consider features that make it safer.

• Guard Rails: Strong guard rails have to be put in place on all sides of the upper deck in order to minimize chances of the user rolling off their beds while sleeping.
• Ladder: Make sure that the ladder has been strongly bolted to the frame with nonslip steps so that you can easily access the top bed.
• Weight Capacity: It is always necessary to check the brand’s weight capacity for the top as well as the lower bed deck.
• Frame Design: Choose a bunk bed frame made of reinforced metals or strong, kiln dried timbers that offer maximum stability without being shaky like cheaper options.
• Australian Safety Standards: You need to buy a product that meets the requirements of the Australian safety standards. This will include making sure that the spacing between rails is appropriate (60mm to 95mm).

How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Frame 

Before you finally decide on the purchase, make sure to refer to this handy buyers' checklist to check if the bunk bed will meet your family's needs:

• Room Dimensions: Check the floor area and the height of the ceiling. Don’t forget to consider the area needed for the ladder and safe access to the top bed.
• Age Group: Children under 13 years of age may find single bunks more appropriate for their size and safety, whereas teenagers prefer double bunks due to increased comfort.
• Material: Decide whether you need metal construction which is often stylish and inexpensive or timber bed frames which are sturdy and warm looking. Browse through our collection of Affordable Bed Frames for an ideal choice for your room.
• Flexibility: Find out whether it’s possible to divide the bed frame into two single ones for future convenience and flexibility of use.
• Storage: Consider if there are some options of built in storage in the bed frame itself which would save you some space in the room.

Common Buying Mistakes 

• Using the incorrect mattress thickness: Using a mattress that is too high in comparison to the brand’s recommendation for the upper bunk creates significant safety risks since it makes the guard rail ineffective.
• Neglecting ceiling height: It is imperative to always take note of the space between the ceiling and the upper end of the mattress as there should be ample room for a comfortable sitting position.
• Failing to measure first before purchasing: It is essential to make sure that the room layout can comfortably fit both the bed and the ladder itself.
• Not considering the weight capacity: A bed frame may be able to withstand any form of weight; hence it is important to consider this factor.

Transform Your Space with WowBeds 

The ideal bunk bed is one that guarantees not only your safety and comfort but also provides enough flexibility and efficiency of space usage. Making time to figure out your needs, whether it is an adjustable design for your developing children or a durable double bunk for your guest bedroom, allows you to enjoy your purchase for many years.

We at WowBeds are proud to offer solid and fashionable designs to help you furnish your place effortlessly. Our products are functional as well as aesthetic and designed to withstand regular usage. Let nothing hinder you from making your home fully furnished. 

Browse through our whole Bunk Bed Collection and various Bed Frames & Bases now online. You will see how easily you can create a design that suits both intensive use and relaxing needs. Your dream bedroom design is just clicks away at WowBeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the standard mattress size for a bunk bed?
   Most bunk beds use single or twin size mattresses. Always check the brand’s recommended mattress size before buying to guarantee a proper fit.
   
   
2. What age is appropriate for the top bunk?
   The top bunk is generally recommended for children aged 6 years and older. Younger children should sleep on the bottom bunk for safety.
   
   
3. Do bunk beds need special (low profile) mattresses?
   Yes, most bunk beds work best with low profile mattresses. A thinner mattress helps maintain a safe distance between the sleeper and the safety guardrails.
   
   
4. How much weight can a bunk bed hold?
   The weight limit depends on the bed's design and materials. Most bunk beds support 90 to 180 kg per bunk, but always check the brand’s weight limit before use.
   
   
5. Can adults sleep on bunk beds?
   Yes, adults can sleep on bunk beds if the bed is designed to support adult weight. Choose a strong, high quality bunk bed and follow the recommended weight limits.