In a room with a chimney breast, the best place for a bunk bed is usually in one of the alcoves or along the wall opposite, with the chimney breast itself left clear or used for shelving, display or a focal point. Measure the alcove width, depth and ceiling height carefully, keep the bed away from any working fireplace, and use the second alcove for storage so the room stays balanced.<\/p>\n
Chimney breasts are common in Victorian and Edwardian houses across the UK, often appearing in bedrooms as well as living rooms. They create two recesses that can be awkward, but they also offer excellent opportunities for a shared bedroom. Our modern bunk beds UK sale<\/a> range includes compact frames that suit typical alcove widths.<\/p>\n Before planning the layout, find out what the chimney breast is doing. Is there an open fireplace, a blocked up one, a working stove or nothing at all? This affects where the bed can safely go.<\/p>\n Our modern bedroom furniture UK<\/a> collection includes pieces that fit neatly around period features without overwhelming them.<\/p>\n If one alcove is wide enough, placing the bunk bed inside it can be very effective. The frame is tucked away, the room feels larger and the bed takes on a cosy, built in look.<\/p>\n Older walls are rarely straight, so measure the width at the floor, at the height of the bottom bunk, at the height of the top bunk and near the ceiling. Use the smallest measurement. Measure the depth too, and remember that the chimney breast may project less than the length of a single bed.<\/p>\n Allow a small gap on each side of the frame, so it can be assembled and so bedding can be tucked in. Check the ceiling height at the alcove, as some period homes have cornicing or picture rails that affect the space above the top bunk.<\/p>\n If the bed projects beyond the chimney breast, that is not necessarily a problem. A frame that sits partly in the alcove can still look neat, especially if the ladder is placed at the projecting end where it is easiest to reach.<\/p>\n If neither alcove is wide enough, place the bunk bed along the wall facing the chimney breast. This keeps the period feature as the focal point of the room and leaves both alcoves free for storage.<\/p>\n This layout also tends to keep the bed further from the window, which is usually on another wall in a terraced house. It gives a clear view of the fireplace from the bottom bunk, which many children enjoy.<\/p>\n Sometimes the best position is the wall beside the chimney breast, running from the corner of the alcove towards the window or door. This works well in long, narrow rooms, though check that the ladder does not end up in the path of the door.<\/p>\n Whichever position you choose, the second alcove is valuable space. A few ideas:<\/p>\n Fitted or freestanding shelves are a natural fit for alcoves. Use the lower shelves for toys and books and the higher ones for display. Our bookcases UK<\/a> range includes slim designs that slot into typical alcove widths.<\/p>\n A low chest fits neatly into an alcove and provides a surface for a lamp or a few objects. Our modern chest of drawers UK sale<\/a> collection includes a range of widths, so you can find one that fits the space with a little room to spare.<\/p>\n If clothes storage is needed, a narrow wardrobe or a hanging rail with a curtain across the front can work in a deeper alcove.<\/p>\n For older children, a small desk in the alcove creates a dedicated study area away from the beds.<\/p>\n The chimney breast is often the most attractive feature in a period bedroom. Paint it the same colour as the walls for a calm look, or a slightly deeper shade to give it more presence. Keep the mantelpiece, if there is one, for a few treasured objects, a mirror or a piece of art.<\/p>\n If the fireplace is decorative, you can fill the opening with a basket of books, a few candles in a safe arrangement for adult rooms only, or a simple screen. In a child’s room, keep the space tidy and free from anything that could tempt climbing.<\/p>\n Victorian and Edwardian houses often have generous ceilings on the ground and first floors, though bedrooms on upper floors may be lower. Measure carefully, especially in rooms with picture rails or coving, as these can affect how close the top bunk can come to the ceiling.<\/p>\nUnderstanding your chimney breast<\/h3>\n
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Option one: the bunk bed in an alcove<\/h3>\n
How to measure the alcove<\/h3>\n
When the alcove is too shallow<\/h3>\n
Option two: the bunk bed opposite the chimney breast<\/h3>\n
Option three: the bunk bed along the side wall<\/h3>\n
Using the second alcove<\/h3>\n
Shelving<\/h3>\n
A chest of drawers<\/h3>\n
A hanging rail or wardrobe<\/h3>\n
A desk<\/h3>\n
Making the most of the chimney breast itself<\/h3>\n
Ceiling height in older homes<\/h3>\n