How Holiday Let Owners Can Choose the Perfect Bunk Bed

Holiday let owners should choose a bunk bed for durability, safety and ease of cleaning before style. Look for a solid timber or heavy gauge metal frame with robust fixings, a full length guard rail and a secure ladder, made to the relevant British and European standard. Choose standard UK single sizes or larger so older children and adults can sleep comfortably, pair the frame with mattresses that meet UK fire safety requirements, and pick a finish that wipes clean quickly between stays. Then add a light, a shelf and a hook for each bunk.

A bunk room is often the space families remember most from a holiday, and it can make a property more attractive to groups. Choosing the right frame from our range of modern bunk beds UK is the foundation of that room.

Think like a guest and like a cleaner

In your own home, a bunk bed is used by the same children night after night. In a holiday let, it might be used by toddlers one week, teenagers the next and a pair of adult friends after that. Every changeover means stripping and making up beds, wiping surfaces and checking for damage.

Before comparing designs, picture both roles. What will a group of guests need from this room? What will your cleaner need to turn it around quickly? A frame that is beautiful but awkward to make up, or that marks easily, will cost time on every changeover.

It helps to furnish the rest of the room with the same practical eye. Our bedroom furniture UK sale collection includes sturdy wardrobes, drawers and bedside pieces in finishes that cope well with regular use.

Construction that stays solid

A holiday let bunk bed goes through more use in a season than many family bunks see in years. Construction quality matters more here than anywhere else.

Solid hardwood or thick, well finished softwood frames tend to stay rigid over time. Heavy gauge metal frames with good welds are also durable and lighter to move for deep cleaning. Look for bolted joints rather than simple dowels, and check that the slats are well supported.

Build a fixings check into your regular maintenance. Bolts can loosen slightly with use, and tightening them every few months keeps the frame stable and quiet. A bunk bed that creaks or wobbles quickly appears in reviews.

Sizes that suit more guests

Many children’s bunk beds use smaller mattresses that suit younger guests but feel cramped for teenagers and adults. In a holiday let, it is usually better to choose frames that take a standard UK single mattress of 90cm by 190cm, so almost anyone can sleep in them.

Triple sleepers, with a small double or double mattress on the lower bunk, can be a useful option. They let a couple or a parent and child share the lower bunk while another guest sleeps above, increasing flexibility without needing another room.

Separating bunk beds are worth considering too. They can be split into two singles for adult groups who prefer not to climb, and stacked for families with children.

Mattresses and fire safety

Furniture and mattresses in holiday lets must comply with UK fire safety regulations for furniture and furnishings, and owners have a responsibility to ensure what they provide is suitable. Check that mattresses carry the appropriate labelling and keep records of purchases.

Choose mattresses at or below the maximum depth recommended for the bunk frame, so the guard rail remains effective. Our mattresses UK sale range includes single and double sizes suitable for bunk frames. Medium support usually suits the widest range of guests.

Use good quality waterproof mattress protectors on every bunk. They extend the life of the mattress considerably, keep it hygienic and make changeovers easier.

Safety features to insist on

Holiday guests are unfamiliar with your property and may not be used to bunk beds. Safety features need to be clear and robust.

The upper bunk should have guard rails on all open sides, with only the gap needed for the ladder. Ladders should be fixed securely, with rungs that are comfortable to climb in bare feet. It is widely advised that children under six should not sleep on the top bunk. Include this in your guest information and on a small discreet card in the room.

Avoid placing bunk beds under windows, near blind cords or beneath ceiling lights. Keep the area around the ladder clear of furniture and luggage.

Finishes that survive changeovers

A finish that looks lovely on day one but shows every scuff will soon look tired. Painted finishes in mid tones, natural wood with a durable lacquer and powder coated metal all wipe clean easily.

White is popular in coastal properties because it photographs well and feels fresh, but it does show marks. If you choose white, keep touch up paint for small repairs and check the frame at every changeover. Natural wood and soft greys are more forgiving.

Avoid very ornate designs with lots of crevices, which gather dust and slow cleaning. Simple rails and flat surfaces are much quicker to wipe down.

The details guests notice

Small additions make a bunk room feel considered rather than functional. Each sleeper should have somewhere to put a phone, glasses and a drink. A small shelf fixed to the frame or a clip on tray works for the top bunk, while a compact bedside cabinet suits the lower bunk. Our range of modern bedside cabinets UK includes slim designs that fit beside a bunk frame.

A reading light for each bunk means guests are not reliant on the main light, which helps when people go to bed at different times. A charging point within reach is now expected by most guests.

Hooks on the wall or frame give guests somewhere to hang clothes and towels. Luggage storage, whether a rack, a bench or space beneath the bed, keeps the floor clear. Our guide to wardrobe ideas for a UK guest bedroom suggests compact storage options that suit rooms used by visitors.

Styling for photographs and guests

Listing photographs often decide whether a guest books. A well styled bunk room looks inviting and makes the property feel suited to families and groups.

Keep the scheme simple and fresh. Crisp white or neutral bedding with a coloured or striped throw on each bunk looks smart and is easy to replace. Coordinating the throws to the local setting, such as soft blues for the coast or warm wool checks for the countryside, gives a sense of place without themed clutter.

Make every bunk identically for consistency. Guests appreciate fairness, and identical bunks photograph more neatly.

Practical housekeeping

Making up a top bunk is one of the more awkward housekeeping tasks. Fitted sheets with deep elastic corners, lightweight duvets and zipped covers make it quicker. Some owners use bunk specific bedding designed to be made up without lifting the mattress.

Keep a set of spare bedding for each bunk on site, along with mattress protectors, so a spill does not leave a bed out of action. A simple changeover checklist that includes checking the frame fixings, guard rails and ladder helps maintain standards across the season.

Planning the bunk room layout

The layout of a bunk room affects how comfortable it feels for a group. Place bunk beds along walls without windows or radiators, so sleepers are not too warm or exposed to draughts and blind cords. Where two bunk beds share a room, setting them on opposite walls gives each group of sleepers some privacy and leaves a clear central floor for luggage and getting dressed.

Think about the route to the door and the bathroom at night. Guests unfamiliar with the property will be moving around in low light, so keep the path between the ladder and the door free of furniture. A small plug in night light near the door can help, especially for families with younger children.

If the property has a choice of rooms, the bunk room often works best on a quieter side of the building, away from a busy kitchen or living area. Children tend to go to bed earlier than adults on holiday, and a quieter room helps everyone settle.

Choosing a style that suits the property

A bunk bed should feel part of the property rather than an afterthought. In a rural cottage, painted or natural wooden frames with simple lines fit the setting. In a modern apartment or a coastal new build, a white or grey frame, or a slim metal design, sits comfortably with contemporary interiors. Consistency across the property matters too. If other bedrooms use oak, an oak bunk bed ties the bunk room to the rest of the home.

Planning for the long term

A good bunk bed in a holiday let should last many seasons. Budget for occasional maintenance and replace mattresses when they lose support. Review guest feedback for mentions of comfort or noise, and act early.

When you are ready to furnish or refresh your bunk room, you can browse bunk beds, mattresses, bedside storage and lighting at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes. Returns are available up to 30 days.

Frequently asked questions

What type of bunk bed is best for a holiday let?

A solid timber or heavy gauge metal frame built to the relevant safety standard, with bolted joints, full guard rails and a secure ladder, in a finish that wipes clean easily.

Can adults sleep comfortably in holiday let bunk beds?

Yes, if the frame takes standard UK single mattresses or larger. Triple sleepers and separating bunks add flexibility for adult groups.

Do holiday let mattresses need to meet fire safety rules?

Yes. Mattresses and upholstered furniture in holiday lets must comply with UK fire safety regulations for furniture and furnishings. Check labels and keep records.

How can I make bunk bed changeovers quicker?

Use deep fitted sheets, lightweight duvets, waterproof protectors and spare sets of bedding on site, and include frame checks in your changeover routine.