We understand that the world of children’s beds can be pretty daunting because there are so many different designs and product descriptions out there…so how can you even begin to know which style is right for your child?
Anne Davies
Mum of a tweenager and owner of Room to Grow. Anne works with the world’s leading manufacturers to source the best bunk beds, high beds, mid sleepers and low beds in all varieties. She knows as a parent how tricky it can be choosing the right bed that gives the optimum storage, study and sleep space without compromising on style. An expert in helping parents find the right bed for their child and creating a dream bedroom.
Because we appreciate that there are many important areas for you as a parent to consider such as style, space, functionality, storage and study as your children grow, we’re here to help you learn more, discover the differences in childrens beds and offer our best advice.
We’ve put together some helpful advice, which we hope will help you choose what is best for your child.
Take a look at our Bunk Beds, Mid Sleepers, Cabin Beds, High Sleepers, Loft Beds, Day Beds, Small Double Beds and many more bed types.
Which Bed Is Right For Your Child?
As children grow (and they do so very quickly!) space often becomes a premium so it’s essential to carefully consider furniture that comfortably fits the room size and ensures a great space for sleep, storage, study and play!
You can’t beat a good night’s sleep – it leaves you feeling fit, thinking sharply and happy! Even more so for children, it’s vital for growth and general wellbeing. It’s no wonder getting the right amount of quality sleep is crucial for growing children. In order to support this, the foundation of good sleep is a comfortable, supportive bed frame and mattress.
A good, strong bed frame is essential for growing children, but we also appreciate that value for money matters too. We have a wide selection of bed frames and mattresses to suit all needs and pockets.
Naturally, beds made from solid wood will cost more than other styles but it’s always worth the extra investment if you want something that will last for years to come. Kids beds with extensive design and functionality will also cost slightly more but it saves you in the long run because you will have everything you need from the start.
We’ve put together some helpful advice, which we hope will help you choose what is best for your child. Take a look at our Bunk Beds, Mid Sleepers, Cabin Beds, High Sleepers, Loft Beds, Day Beds and many more bed types.
We have some General Bed FAQ’s that are commonly asked and you may find helpful:
How To Choose A Mattress For Kids
Always use the mattress size that is advised by the manufacturer to ensure that it fits within the bed frame securely. This information will be clearly detailed within the product information on the product page.
A standard UK single bed takes a mattress size 90cm wide x 190cm long compared to a European / Continental single bed which requires a mattress of 90cm wide x 200cm long so just an extra 10cm longer. Each of our beds detail whether it needs a standard UK or European / Continental sized mattress.
There are so many childrens bed sizes out there for you to choose from, so here’s a useful list of mattress sizes to help you work out which bed size is best suited to your space:
Standard UK Single – mattress 90cm x 190cm
European Single – mattress 90cm x 200cm
Small UK Double (Queen) – mattress 120cm x 190cm
Standard UK Double – mattress 135cm x 190cm
Small European Double – mattress 120cm x 200cm
Standard European Double – mattress 140cm x 200cm
Please be aware that for childrens raised beds such as a mid-sleeper, cabin bed, the top bed of a bunk bed and a high sleeper or loft bed, that they will have a maximum mattress height recommendation to ensure that the child is safe and doesn’t roll out over the safety rails. Most beds will have a safety sticker on the bed frame that will highlight the maximum mattress level so look out for this and this information will also be detailed on the product page so you can be aware before you buy. Please do not remove the safety label if you plan to re-sell the bed.
What Size Mattress Fits A Trundle Bed?
Use the mattress size that is advised by the manufacturer to ensure that it fits within the bed frame. This information will be clearly detailed within the product information on the product page as quite often the trundle mattress is a bespoke size to fit perfectly within the drawer.
You’ll also need to check the height of the mattress too because the drawer will only take a certain height of mattress to enable the drawer to fit snugly underneath the bed frame.
Most childrens beds on our site will have the correct mattress linked as an extra with the bed but always check the product information carefully so you know exactly what size mattresses you’ll need for the main bed and the trundle drawer.
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What Bedding Do I Need To Buy For My Bed?
If you opt for a kids single bed to take a mattress size 90cm x 190cm mattress, then you will simply need standard UK fitted sheets and a normal single duvet.
If you opt for the European bed to take a mattress size 90cm x 200cm, you will need to buy a larger fitted sheet. These can easily be found at many high street retailers or on the internet. You can use a UK normal single duvet.
A Small UK Double will need a fitted sheet to fit a mattress size of 120cm x 190cm. Some customers buy a Standard UK Double fitted sheet and then just tuck in the excess fabric at the corners. You are able to use a UK standard duvet.
A Small European Double will need a fitted sheet to fit a mattress size of 120cm x 200cm. You can use a UK standard double duvet.
A European Double mattress will need a fitted sheet to fit 140cm x 200cm. You may find that a UK standard double duvet is fine but some customers opt for a king size duvet for extra coverage, just be aware that a king size duvet can be quite heavy for younger children.
Many mattresses for trundles are bespoke so you will need to check the product information. We advise our customers to use a standard fitted sheet and then if it’s too large, to simply tuck the excess sheet under the mattress.
Don’t forget to also check the mattress height too before you buy as you can buy deeper fitted sheets if needed.
Toddler beds come in all shapes and sizes so always check the product information for the mattress size and then use this to purchase the correct size fitted sheet and duvet set.
How Much Weight Can A Bed Frame Hold?
All of our kids beds are tested up to 80 – 100kg and are designed for children. It is not to say that grown-ups cannot sleep in either of the beds, but the manufacturer only tests up to this weight.
How Much Weight Can A Trundle Drawer Hold?
A trundle drawer is tested up to 80kg because they are designed for children, however, it is not to say that an adult cannot sleep in the trundle bed, we can only advise on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
How To Build A Bed
Your bed is designed for self-assembly and will be supplied with clear and user-friendly assembly instructions. To avoid any errors, always read the assembly instructions thoroughly before starting the build.
Always look out for any additional assembly advice that may be noted within the ‘Delivery and Assembly’ tab on the relevant product page before you begin the build.
Some assembly instructions are available to download directly from the product page. This will give you a good idea of what’s involved before you start, but if you need any further advice or you misplace your instructions, then just give our support team a call and they’d be happy to help.
We are able to offer a home assembly service on some of our kids bunk beds and this will be stated on the product information and you can select this option when you purchase the bed.
How Do I Look After My New Bed?
It is important to take care of your new bed. At least every 6 months you should routinely check the bed frame and tighten the fixings, particularly the ladder if there is one, to ensure your bed is safe and secure. Doing this regularly should keep your bed in good condition.
If you are moving your bed within the room, always lift the bed, never drag it as this will weaken the joints and affect the structure and stability of the bed.
Try to minimise the position of your furniture from heat, humidity and direct sunlight where possible..
How To Take Care Of Wooden Furniture
If your furniture it made from wood or MDF with a lacquer, we recommend that you clean your product with a clean, dry cloth.
Please try to avoid using spray polishes or solvent cleaners as they may damage the wood finish.
How To Take Care Of Fabric Furniture
Fabric can be prone to pressure marks so you will need to be careful – if you get a pressure mark then it may be removed with light steaming if the damage isn’t too severe.
Spot cleaning on fabric beds is recommended as quickly as possible with a dry absorbent cloth or kitchen towel. Tougher marks may be lightly sponged with a very weak solution of soap and lukewarm water. Too much liquid can result in water marks and could potentially discolour the fabric, so we encourage light sponging only.
How Do I Know If My Bed Will Fit In The Room?
This is a very important step, before buying your furniture, please check any access to your room, any space needed for assembling the furniture and of course whether this will fit in the space you have chosen.
We recommend marking out the area with masking tape or newspaper so you can see the space your child’s bed will take up in the room. On each product page we have a ‘Size’ tab for you to check the overall dimensions. Don’t forget to check the height for low or slanted ceilings and take into consideration skirting boards, radiators and window ledges, door frames etc., to ensure you bed will fit.
Because of its raised design, you’ll also need to measure the height of the bed frame, making sure there is enough head room for your child to sit up in bed and get up and down the ladder easily.
How Do I Get Rid Of My Old Furniture?
Unfortunately, we are unable to take away any old beds or mattresses. Instead, we have teamed up with the British Heart Foundation who will arrange collection of your unwanted beds, bedroom furniture and mattresses and then sell it in their large network of shops throughout the UK.
It’s so simple to donate, just follow this link to find out more
All Buying Guides for Kids Beds:
Children's Beds
Cabin & Mid Sleeper Beds
Bunk Beds
Loft & High Sleeper Beds
Single & Low Beds
Double Beds
Day Beds & Guest Beds
Storage Beds
Toddler Beds & Starter Beds
Trundle Beds
House Beds & Theme Beds