High Sleeper or Loft Bed Buying Guide

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.

A High Sleeper and Loft Bed are the same, just two different ways to describe the same style, you just need to think vertically! These tall beds are great for smaller bedrooms or simply because you want to free up more floor space. They are the ultimate space saver and come in a variety of amazing designs, colours and finishes and they combine lots of incredible features and functionality into such a compact space.

Is A Loft Bed Right For Your Child?

Due to their tall stature, the under bed space is highly versatile and can include a variety of storage options; shelving, bookcase, desk, chair bed/futon or even a wardrobe. A high sleeper or loft bed is ideal for helping to keep the bedroom neat and tidy …. Ok, well maybe neater and tidier! These beds are a very smart solution because all the storage is underneath the bed frame, making it easier to declutter the rest of the room.

Loft Beds are particularly popular with older children and teens because they can have a study area and chill-out zone beneath the bed frame. Some designs include a wardrobe so great for housing the latest fashions! Some have a desk so it’s the perfect place to study and keep books tidy. Some even include a pull-out sofa chair bed which makes the perfect place to relax or a spare bed for when a friend comes to stay.

These beds can be used in many different ways and there are so many combinations to choosefrom to suit your child’s needs. The main sleeping area is reached by a ladder, so it’s always a good idea to make sure there is enough head room for your child to sit up in bed and climb up and down the ladder safely.

Here are some frequently asked questions by our customers that you may find helpful in selecting your perfect high sleeper or loft bed.

What age is appropriate for a high sleeper or loft bed?

Due to safety standards, manufacturers recommend that high sleepers and loft beds are for children age 6 and over. 

Most importantly, children should never play on a high sleeper or loft bed to avoid any nasty accidents.

How much weight can the bed hold?

All of our high beds are tested up to 80 – 100kg and are designed for children. It is not to say that grown-ups cannot sleep in the bed, it is just they are only weight tested for children.

What mattress should I use?

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.

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 Continental sized mattress. This doesn’t affect your duvet size but for your fitted sheet you will need a large single fitted sheet to make sure it can accommodate the extra length.

The height of the mattress is just as important as the length. Because the bed is raised, it will have a maximum mattress height recommendation to ensure that the child is safe and doesn’t roll out over the safety rails. The high sleeper will have a safety sticker on the bed frame that will highlight the maximum mattress level so look out for this. Do not remove the safety label as this will remind you for future mattress purchases or if you plan to re-sell the bed.

What bedding do I need to buy for my bed?

If you opt for a UK size bed then you will simply need standard UK fitted sheet to fit a 90cm x 190cm mattress and a normal single duvet.

If you opt for the European size bed then you will need to buy a larger fitted sheet to fit mattress size 90cm x 200cm. These can easily be found and are often classed as a ‘large’ single fitted sheet. You can use a UK normal single duvet.

How do I make the raised bed?

Changing the sheets on a high sleeper is one of the most difficult parts of owning one. Be careful when climbing the ladder so as not to bump your head on a low ceiling. A better way is to teach your child to change their own sheet ….or, it’s always a good idea to do this by teamwork – they can do the two corners that are furthest away and you can do the corners that you can reach from the ladder.

What safety issues should I consider?

High sleeper and loft beds when properly constructed and assembled, are structurally safe.

Safety issues come not assembling the bed frame correctly or from playing accidents on the high bed. These mistakes can easily be avoided. There are some simple things to keep in mind to make sure no one gets hurt.

• Ensure the safety rail is fitted on both sides of the bed. Don’t forgot the safety rail on the wall-side of the bed as younger children can slip down between the mattress and the wall.
• Don’t place the bed directly under a light fixing or ceiling fan, unless of course there’s plenty of clearance and your child will not hit their head on it.
• Make sure that the ladder is secure so it doesn’t slip out from under someone climbing to the high bed.
• Ensure that only one person sleeps in the bed at any one time.
• It’s always a good idea to use a night light when your child is sleeping up high, so that they can see if they need to use the ladder during the night.
• We recommend that you only use the correct size mattress for the bed as specified for length and height. The bed will have a maximum mattress height recommendation to ensure that the child is safe and doesn’t roll out over the safety rails. There will be a safety sticker on the bed frame that will highlight the maximum mattress level so look out for this. Do not remove the safety label as you will need this reminder for any new mattress you purchase or if you sell the bed on in future.
• High beds are designed for children over the age of 6 years.
• We recommend that you do not attach or hang items to any part of the bed frame that are not designed for use with the bed. For example, but not limited to, hooks, belts and skipping ropes.
• Periodically check and ensure that the guardrails, ladder and other parts are in their proper position, free from damage, and that all fixings are secure.
• If you want to move the bed, lift at all 4 corners, do not drag the bed as this could damage joints and will weaken the structure.
• Do not use substitute parts that are not designed for use with the bed. Always contact our support team for replacement parts.