The best L shaped bunk beds for holiday lets have a solid timber or steel frame built to BS EN 747, guard rails on every open side of the top bunk, a securely fixed ladder or staircase, and enough length on both walls to fit the bed without blocking doors or windows. Because the lower bunk sits at a right angle rather than beneath the upper one, guests below get full headroom and the area under the top bunk becomes useful space for storage, a bench or a small desk. Choose a design that takes standard UK single mattresses on both levels and that leaves room for cleaners to reach the top bunk easily.
Our collection of modern bunk beds UK sale includes corner and L shaped layouts alongside traditional stacked designs. Below we look at what makes an L shaped bunk a good fit for a holiday property.
A traditional bunk stacks two beds directly on top of each other. That is efficient, but the lower bunk can feel enclosed, and adults often find it awkward to sit up. An L shaped bunk changes that. With the lower bed rotated through ninety degrees, it is open above, so parents can sit on it to read a bedtime story, and older guests feel less confined.
The layout also makes the room look more inviting in listing photographs. A corner arrangement draws the eye across the space and suggests a room designed for its guests rather than one squeezed in. As part of a wider scheme, it pairs naturally with the pieces in our bedroom furniture UK sale range.
L shaped bunks need two clear walls that meet at a corner. Measure the length of each wall from the corner, and compare them with the overall length and width of the bed. Remember to allow for:
Ceiling height matters for the top bunk in the same way as any bunk bed. Measure from the top of the upper mattress to the ceiling at the exact point where the bunk will sit, especially in cottages with sloping or beamed ceilings.
Holiday lets put more strain on furniture than a family home does. The frame should be strong enough for constant use by different guests.
Solid pine is a popular choice for L shaped bunks, offering a good balance of strength and weight. Hardwood frames are heavier and more resistant to knocks. Steel frames are slimmer and suit contemporary properties. Engineered board is less suited to the repeated tightening and occasional repair a holiday let bed requires.
Look for through bolts with metal inserts at the main joints. The point where the upper and lower sections meet carries significant load, so it should feel rigid when pushed. Accessible bolts make routine checks between bookings much quicker.
On an L shaped bunk, the upper bed is supported by posts at its outer corners and by its connection to the lower frame. Check that the supporting posts are substantial and that the top bunk does not flex when someone sits on its edge.
Make sure the design meets BS EN 747 and that guard rails run along all open sides of the top bunk, including the side facing the room. Check the maximum mattress depth, the maximum user weight for each bed, and the age guidance. Top bunks are generally not recommended for children under six, which is worth stating in your welcome information so parents can decide who sleeps where.
Position the bed so that the top bunk is not beneath a ceiling light or next to a window that opens at bunk height. If you fix the bed to the wall for extra stability, follow the manufacturer guidance and use fixings suited to the wall type.
The area beneath the top bunk is the great advantage of an L shaped design. In a holiday let, it can be used in several ways:
Some L shaped bunks include built in drawers or shelves, which saves buying separate pieces and keeps the room tidy.
Most L shaped bunks take standard UK single mattresses, which keeps replacements simple. On the top bunk, stay within the maximum depth marked on the frame. On the lower bunk, you may be able to use a slightly deeper mattress, as there is no guard rail height to protect. Our selection of modern mattresses UK sale includes single sizes that suit both levels.
Fit waterproof, breathable protectors on both mattresses and use bedding that is easy to launder. Plain white or soft neutral covers look fresh in photographs and can be swapped between rooms. Our guide to wardrobe ideas for UK guest bedrooms also has suggestions for storing spare linen close to hand.
Each bed should have its own light, particularly the top bunk, where guests should not have to climb down to switch off a ceiling light. Wall mounted or clip on reading lights with a nearby switch are practical. A soft ceiling light, mounted well away from the top bunk, provides general lighting, and a small lamp on a chest beneath the upper bed creates a cosy corner in the evening.
The top bunk on an L shaped bed is often easier to make than on a stacked bunk, because it can be reached from the lower bed or from the floor along its open side. To make changeovers quicker still:
Add a short bunk bed check to your cleaning routine: push against the frame to test for movement, inspect the ladder and guard rails, and look under the mattresses for displaced slats.
Guests choosing a holiday let often decide quickly, based on photographs and a few lines of description. Be clear about the bed arrangement: state that the room has an L shaped bunk with two single beds, mention the age guidance for the top bunk and say whether either bed suits adults. Families planning a trip appreciate knowing exactly how many people can sleep comfortably in each room, and clear information reduces awkward conversations on arrival.
Photograph the room from the doorway and from the opposite corner so the layout is easy to understand. Natural daylight, neatly made beds and a clear floor show the room at its best. A second photograph that shows the storage or play area beneath the top bunk helps guests see the extra space the design provides.
Holiday lets host a wide variety of guests over a season. In the summer, the bunk room may be filled by young children. In spring and autumn, it may be used by walkers, cyclists or groups of friends. An L shaped bunk adapts well to these changes because the lower bed feels like a normal single, comfortable for an adult to sit and read on.
Consider keeping a small box of extras for families: a night light, a bed guard for the lower bunk if requested and a few spare pillows. For adult groups, extra hooks, a mirror and a reading light on each bed make the room feel more practical. Simple flexibility like this tends to be noticed and remembered by guests.
Natural pine with white bedding suits countryside cottages and coastal properties alike. White painted frames brighten rooms with limited daylight. Grey or black finishes suit converted barns, city apartments and contemporary new builds. Whatever the style, keep accessories simple so the room feels calm and easy to tidy. You can browse L shaped bunk beds, mattresses and matching storage together at Furniture in Fashion.
They use more floor area along the walls, but the space beneath the top bunk can be used for storage or seating, so the overall room often works better.
Many lower bunks suit adults well because of the open headroom. Check the maximum user weight for each level before advertising the bed for adult use.
Many designs can be assembled either way. Check the product details before ordering to make sure it will suit your room.
Most use standard UK single mattresses of 90cm by 190cm. Always check the maximum depth for the top bunk.
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