Kids Bedroom Furniture · Sizing
Bunk Beds & Cabin Beds Sizes Explained
By the Nest & Yard editorial teamUpdated 2026-08-094 min read
Our pick: the Vida Designs Sydney Single Bunk Bed, White, Solid Pine Wood, 3ft, Ladder, High Sleeper Design & Guard Rails, Space-Saving, Storage, Children Bedroom Furniture — the best Bunk Beds & Cabin Beds we tested, from £109.99.
Choosing a bunk bed or cabin bed for your children’s room can be tricky, with so many sizes available and confusing terminology used to describe them. Understanding the different dimensions – from compact single options like the Vida Designs Sydney or Milan Bunk Bed to larger 3ft models such as the Junior Vida Gemini – is crucial for ensuring a comfortable fit and maximising space. This guide breaks down the common size labels you’ll encounter, explains how to accurately measure your room and offers some examples of popular bunk bed designs available on Amazon UK to help you find the perfect fit.
See the full range in Bunk Beds & Cabin Beds.
#1 Pick
Vida Designs Sydney Single Bunk Bed, White, Solid Pine Wood, 3ft, Ladder, High Sleeper Design & Guard Rails, Space-Saving, Storage, Children Bedroom Furniture- Solid Pine
- 2 Sleeper
£109.99
Pros
- Solid pine wood construction rated well by hundreds of UK buyers
- Full guard rails on the top bunk for safety
- Can be split into two separate single beds if needed
Cons
- Mattresses not included
- Assembly is lengthy and needs two people
#2 Pick
Vida Designs Milan Bunk Bed With Ladder, Kids Twin Sleeper, Solid Pine Wood Frame, Single 3 Foot, Grey- Solid Pine
- 2 Sleeper
£184.99
Pros
- Solid pine frame from an established UK bunk bed brand
- Ladder can be fitted to either side to suit the room layout
- Splits into two separate single beds if needed later
- Large 480+ review base
Cons
- Requires a good ceiling height for the top bunk
- Mattresses sold separately
#3 Pick
mecor Silver Metal 2x3 FT Single Bed Bunk Beds Frame for Kids Children and Adults- Metal
- 2 Sleeper
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Budget-friendly metal frame bunk bed
- Compact 3ft single-over-single design
- Sturdy tube-steel construction with integrated ladder
Cons
- Metal frame runs colder to the touch than wood in unheated rooms
#4 Pick
Junior Vida Gemini Detachable Single Bunk Bed, White, 3ft- Solid Wood
- 2 Sleeper
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Detaches into two separate single beds for flexible use
- Sturdy solid wood frame with integrated ladder
- Amazon’s Choice listing with a large UK review base
Cons
- Mattresses not included
- Assembly is a two-person job
FAQ
What's the difference between a bunk bed and a cabin bed?
Bunk beds are specifically designed for two people to sleep directly on top of each other, while cabin beds have a separate sleeping space underneath, often with storage or a small desk. Cabin beds offer more flexibility in terms of using the lower area, whereas bunk beds are purely for double occupancy.
How is the height of a bunk bed measured?
The height of a bunk bed is primarily measured from the floor to the top of the mattress support – this is typically around 120cm (47 inches), but can vary slightly depending on the model and desired headroom.
What does 'Single Over Single' mean when referring to a bunk bed?
'Single over single' indicates that both sleeping platforms are designed for adults, usually around 90cm x 200cm (35in x 79in) mattresses. It’s crucial to confirm the mattress size suits the intended users before purchasing.
Why is it important to measure my bedroom space?
Before buying a bunk bed or cabin bed, accurately measure your room's width and length, including any doors or windows, to ensure there’s enough clearance for the bed and surrounding furniture – ideally leaving at least 60cm of free space around the bed.
How do I determine what size cabin bed is suitable?
Cabin beds come in various sizes: single (90cm x 200cm), double (140cm x 200cm), and king (180cm x 200cm). Consider the age of the children sharing the bed and the available space when making your decision.
What are the standard mattress dimensions for a bunk bed?
The most common mattress size for a bunk bed is a single mattress measuring 90cm wide x 200cm long, but double mattresses can also be accommodated on the upper platform if space allows.
How do I measure the internal height of a cabin bed’s lower sleeping area?
Measure from the floor to the base of the mattress support within the lower sleeping area – this is crucial as some models have a raised base, reducing the usable headroom.
What should I consider when measuring for a child's bunk bed?
For children’s beds, ensure adequate space around the bed for play and movement, and confirm that the mattress size (typically 90cm x 190cm) is suitable for their age and height.
Can I use a different sized mattress on a cabin bed?
While standard sizes are recommended, you can often fit a slightly larger mattress if your space allows – however, ensure it doesn’t obstruct the headroom or create access issues.
What does 'Low Loft' mean in relation to a cabin bed?
'Low loft' cabin beds have a reduced amount of storage space underneath the sleeping area, typically around 40-60cm high – these are ideal for smaller rooms where maximizing headroom is important.
In depth
Bunk beds and cabin beds come in a bewildering array of sizes, often described using confusing terminology that can leave UK shoppers feeling lost. Understanding these measurements accurately is crucial to ensuring your chosen bed fits comfortably within your room and provides adequate space for the intended sleepers. Let's break down the common size descriptions and guide you through the process of selecting the right option for your home.
The most frequent term you’ll encounter is ‘Full’. This doesn't actually correspond to the standard full double bed size – that’s 5ft 3in (160cm) wide by 6ft 6in (190cm) deep. Instead, a 'Full' bunk or cabin bed in the UK typically measures 38 inches (97cm) wide by 79 inches (200cm) deep. This is significantly smaller than a full double and is frequently where the initial confusion arises. Manufacturers use ‘Full’ to denote a slightly narrower design, often favoured for rooms with limited width. However, it's essential to check the exact dimensions before purchasing as variations exist between brands. The depth of 79 inches is standard for most bunk beds offering sufficient headroom for an adult.
Next comes 'Double', but again, this isn’t a straightforward comparison to the standard double bed. A ‘Double’ cabin or bunk bed generally runs around 49 inches (124cm) wide by 79 inches (200cm) deep. This is substantially wider than a 'Full' and provides more space for each occupant, especially when considering shared use. The dimensions are similar to a standard double bed in terms of depth, offering comfortable sleeping space. You’ll find that many manufacturers use ‘Double’ as a catch-all term for beds designed to accommodate two adults comfortably.
Then there's the 'King Size' cabin bed – and this is where things get particularly complicated. There isn't one universally agreed-upon King Size for bunk beds, but it generally falls between 64 inches (163cm) and 70 inches (178cm) wide by 79 inches (200cm) deep. These are considerably larger than a standard double bed and are best suited to larger rooms or families with older children who require more personal space. Be very careful when looking for a ‘King Size’ cabin bed; some manufacturers use this term loosely and the actual measurements may be closer to a large double.
A common mistake shoppers make is focusing solely on the width of the bed, particularly when considering a cabin bed. Cabin beds are designed with integrated storage underneath, and this storage space significantly reduces the available floor area. The depth of the bed itself remains relatively consistent across the ‘Full’ and ‘Double’ sizes, but the added footprint of the storage drawers means that a 'Double' cabin bed will feel considerably more cramped than a 'Full' one in a smaller room. Always factor in the dimensions of the integrated storage when assessing whether a particular model will fit your space.
When measuring your room for a bunk or cabin bed, don’t just consider the sleeping area – measure the overall footprint, including the storage drawers. A ‘Full’ bunk bed might be perfectly adequate for two children sharing a small bedroom, but a 'Double' cabin bed with substantial storage could overwhelm the same space. Accurate measurement is paramount; use a tape measure and record all dimensions, noting the height of any existing furniture or architectural features that might impact clearance. Consider the doorway width too – ensure there’s sufficient room to manoeuvre the assembled bed into your home.
Finally, remember that many cabin beds are designed with a headboard and sometimes a footboard. These will add further to the overall dimensions, so factor these in when assessing whether the bed will fit. Pay close attention to the maximum mattress depth specified by the manufacturer – exceeding this can compromise comfort and potentially cause issues with the bed’s construction. Don't assume that a ‘Double’ cabin bed offers twice the space of a ‘Full’ one; careful consideration of the integrated storage is key to selecting a bunk or cabin bed that will comfortably suit your home and family needs.
The Nest & Yard editorial team
Written and reviewed by our UK-based team of home improvement and gardening writers, who research specs, pricing and customer reviews before every recommendation. Reviewed and updated on 2026-08-09.