What Size Bunk Bed Do You Need for a Holiday Let?

Most holiday lets are well served by a standard single bunk bed taking two 90 by 190 cm mattresses, because it suits both children and most adults and uses widely available bedding. If the property regularly hosts adult groups, consider a bunk bed rated for adult weights, or a triple bunk with a small double on the bottom. Measure the room, check the ceiling height and confirm the weight rating before deciding.

Choosing for a holiday let is different from choosing for your own home. The bed will be used by many different people, cleaned frequently, and judged by guests in reviews. Our bunk beds UK collection includes a range of sizes, and you can furnish the rest of the room from our wider modern bedroom furniture UK range.

Start with your typical guests

Before thinking about dimensions, think about who books your property. The answer shapes everything else.

Families with young children will mostly use bunk beds for children. A standard single bunk is usually right, and the lower bunk might occasionally be used by a parent settling a child.

Families with teenagers need beds long enough and strong enough for near adult sizes. A standard single frame with a sturdy build and good weight rating is the sensible minimum.

Adult groups such as friends, walkers, cyclists or wedding guests need beds rated for adults on both levels. Some groups will happily sleep in bunks, but they will expect comfort and stability.

If your listings attract a mix, plan for the heaviest likely use.

Understanding the size options

Standard single bunk beds

These take two UK single mattresses of 90 by 190 cm. They are the most practical choice for most holiday lets because single sheets, duvets and mattress protectors are easy to source, and replacement mattresses are straightforward to find.

Small single bunk beds

These use narrower or shorter mattresses. They save space in a tight room but can feel cramped for teenagers and adults. They also mean stocking less common bedding sizes, which complicates changeovers.

Triple bunk beds

Triple bunks place a small double or double on the bottom with a single on top. They are useful for families where parents share the lower bed with a young child, or for couples in group bookings. Check that the lower bed is comfortable for two adults, as space can be tight.

Long single bunk beds

Some designs take mattresses longer than 190 cm. Tall guests will appreciate them, but bedding is harder to find. Consider them if your guests are mostly adults.

Measuring the room

Holiday lets are often converted cottages, barns, flats or lodges, each with their own quirks. Measure carefully.

• Wall length: the frame will be a little longer than the mattress, usually around two metres for a standard single.
• Floor width: allow space beside the bed for guests to stand, unpack and make the beds.
• Ceiling height: allow at least 75 cm above the top mattress so guests can sit up. Cottages with low beams and loft rooms need particular attention.
• Doors and windows: check the bed will not block a door or sit in front of an opening window.
• Fire escape routes: make sure the bed does not obstruct a window or route identified in your fire risk assessment.

Weight ratings and durability

This is where holiday let buying differs most from buying for your own children. A bed in a busy let will be climbed on, sat on and moved far more often than a bed at home.

Check the stated maximum weight for each bunk. Beds designed for children may have a lower rating on the top bunk. If adults might use the top bed, choose a model whose rating clearly covers adult use.

Look for solid construction: thick posts, bolted joints rather than cam fittings, and a slatted base with close spacing. Metal frames are often very durable, though wooden frames can feel warmer and more homely in a cottage setting. Whichever you choose, check and tighten fixings at regular intervals between bookings.

Holiday lets in the UK must meet relevant safety requirements, and bunk beds should be made to BS EN 747. That standard also advises that the top bunk is not suitable for children under six, which is worth stating in your house guide.

Mattresses for frequent use

The mattress has a big effect on guest comfort and on reviews. For bunk beds, choose mattresses that sit within the maximum depth marked on the frame, so the guard rail remains effective.

A medium firm mattress tends to suit the widest range of guests. Fit every mattress with a quality waterproof protector, which is essential in a holiday let. Replace mattresses as soon as they show signs of sagging. Our mattresses UK range includes single sizes suitable for bunk frames.

Making changeovers easier

Bunk beds are notoriously awkward to make, and cleaners have limited time between bookings. A few choices make changeovers faster:

• Use fitted sheets rather than flat ones, especially on the top bunk.
• Choose lightweight duvets that are easy to handle at height.
• Keep bedding to standard sizes so linen can be swapped between rooms.
• Leave a small gap between the bed and the wall so sheets can be tucked in.
• Choose a bed where the top bunk can be reached from a secure ladder or steps.

Storage for guests

Guests staying in a bunk room still need somewhere to put their clothes and bags. A few hooks, a luggage rack and a compact wardrobe go a long way. Our modern wardrobes UK collection includes narrow designs that suit small rooms.

Give each bunk a small shelf or clip on caddy for phones, glasses and a book. A reading light for each bed, ideally fixed or battery powered, avoids guests trailing extension leads up the ladder.

For more ideas on furnishing rooms that host visitors, our guide to wardrobe ideas for a UK guest bedroom covers practical storage for short stays.

Style that photographs well

Your listing photos influence bookings. Bunk rooms that photograph well tend to have simple, solid frames, crisp white or pale bedding, and one or two accent colours that link to the rest of the property. Coastal lets suit painted whites and soft blues. Rural cottages suit natural wood and earthy tones.

Avoid themed designs unless your let is aimed specifically at young families. A neutral bunk room appeals to a wider range of guests.

What to include in your house guide

Guests rarely read assembly instructions, so your house guide is the place to share a few simple points about the bunk beds. Keep it short and friendly rather than sounding like a warning notice.

• The top bunk is not suitable for children under six.
• Only one person should sleep on each bunk.
• Please do not climb on the guard rails or jump on the beds.
• Use the ladder facing forward and keep the floor below it clear.
• Let us know if anything feels loose so it can be checked.

A small framed card in the bunk room itself, alongside the guide, makes the information easy to find. Most guests appreciate knowing that the owner has thought about safety.

Planning for wear over time

A bunk bed in a holiday let may be used by dozens of different guests every year. It is worth thinking about how it will look and perform after a few busy seasons.

Finishes that wipe clean easily, such as lacquered wood or powder coated metal, cope better than soft painted surfaces. Keep a small touch up kit for painted frames, and replace any scuffed or worn ladder treads promptly. Rotate and turn mattresses where the design allows, and plan to replace them on a regular cycle.

Keep a simple maintenance log for each bed, noting when fixings were checked and mattresses replaced. It helps your cleaning team, and it is useful evidence of good practice if a guest ever raises a concern.

Summary

For most holiday lets, a sturdy standard single bunk bed is the practical choice, with triple or adult rated designs for properties that host older groups. Measure the room, respect the ceiling height, check the weight rating and plan for quick changeovers. You can explore our full range at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes. Returns are available up to 30 days.

Frequently asked questions

Are bunk beds suitable for adults in a holiday let?

Yes, if the bed is rated for adult weights on both levels. Check the maximum load for each bunk before buying.

What mattress size do most holiday let bunk beds use?

The UK single size of 90 by 190 cm is the most common and the easiest to source bedding for.

Should a holiday let bunk bed be metal or wood?

Both can work. Metal frames are durable and slim, while wooden frames often suit cottages and feel more homely. Choose based on the style of the property and the build quality.

How often should I check a bunk bed in a holiday let?

A quick check of bolts and fixings between bookings, with a more thorough inspection every few months, is a sensible routine.

Is a triple bunk bed a good idea?

It can be for families where parents share the lower double with a young child. Make sure the lower bed is comfortable and the room has enough headroom.