High sleeper beds: What are they and how to choose one

First things first, what is a high sleeper bed?

High sleeper beds are beds with a large area underneath, offering precious storage space. Otherwise known as loft beds, the high sleeper is one of the most practical uses of space in a child’s bedroom. Reached via a ladder (like a bunk bed), high sleeper beds are high enough off the ground to accommodate items such as wardrobes, bookcases, desks and chest of drawers underneath. Also, most of the time these items of furniture are moveable rather than fixed. Since the space is utilised vertically, the footprint of the bed remains the same as a single bed, making high sleepers excellent space-saving beds in smaller bedrooms.

Who are high sleeper beds suitable for? 

Despite the fact that high sleeper beds are arguably the most exciting bed for the majority of children, it really is only recommended for children over the age of 6 for safety reasons. Don’t worry we offer a range of mid sleeper beds for those aged 4 and over as a perfect alternative option.

Our guide to buying high sleeper beds

1) Choose safety and a reputable children’s furniture company 

This should be the number one priority for every parent. First and foremost, we recommend that the bed is used only by children aged six and over. To minimise the risk of falling from the top, it is vital to make sure that the correct mattress is used. A mattress needs to be at least 160 mm below the top of the lowest part of the guardrail (maximum mattress height = 200mm) like our Classic mattress or Hypoallergenic mattress for example. Please also make sure that guardrails, headboards and footboards are firm and do not move excessively.

Check that the beds have been tested to British Safety Standard or are covered by a guarantee. High Sleeper beds from The Children’s Furniture Company are all guaranteed for five years.

2) Choose sturdy high-sleeper beds 

Children’s beds need to be robust enough to withstand a knock or two. We call this being #kidtough; after all they are so much more than beds: they’re rockets, pirate ships, treehouses, dens, castles, reading and hiding places. This is especially true of high sleeper beds, which open children’s imaginations up to so many exciting possibilities.

Just like with a single bed, you’ll want the same strong and supportive bed slats up high, so be sure to check this also. All of the beds at The Children’s Furniture Company feature the same strong and flexible slats. 

Our high sleeper beds are made from solid hard wood or pine and, in some cases, with additional high-quality composite wood. They’re sturdy enough for a grown-up to lay on the top bunk (perfect for bedtime story reading and bed linen changes). Our innovative Neutron high-sleeper bed has super storage stairs rather than a ladder, which feels so solid and will last for years.

3) Choose a bed for the room space, size and layout 

It is advisable that you not only measure the footprint of the bedroom where the high sleeper beds will go but the ceiling height too. (All our beds are suitable for average ceiling heights but if your loft bed is going into a small or low ceilinged room, the Jango high sleeper would be a good alternative as it is slightly shorter in height.)

You need to think about room layout, to ensure that your child can get in and out of their bed – and up and down – easily. Consider window and door placement as it is not advisable to block a window.
Think about the best position for the high sleeper bed and which end and side the ladder or steps need to go. Are you happy to have a high sleeper beds with a ladder or steps (e.gthe Neutron)  fixed in one position only (at the right end) or will it be better to have the flexibility of a ladder that can be fixed to either left or right end, as is the case with the Tweedle high sleeper, for example?

4) Select your under-bed furniture

One of the best features of a high sleeper bed is that accompanying furniture can be arranged underneath the bed itself. We have optional storage furniture designed to fit snugly underneath the bunk, ranging from wardrobes, desks, chests of drawers and bookcases. These are all standalone pieces of quality furniture which look incredible wherever they are placed within the room but also allow the flexibility to save space in smaller rooms too. They fit underneath both our high-sleepers, and our mid-sleepers as shown below.

If you would like to know more about our high sleeper beds, give us a call on 0843 289 2646 and speak to one of our expert dream team… We’re here to help!