Are Bunk Beds Safe? Bunk Beds Safety Guide

Yes, bunk beds are safe when they are properly designed, correctly installed, and used by children of the right age under safety guidelines. They are a practical solution for families who need to optimise bedroom space, offering a compact way to accommodate two or more children comfortably.

Their popularity continues to grow, not just for their space-saving benefits but also for the modern features that make them both functional and stylish. With designs that now include storage drawers, desks, and stylish finishes, they have become a staple in modern homes. However, ensuring safety is key to making them a suitable choice for children.

To understand what makes a bunk bed truly safe, it is important to consider the standards and regulations that govern its design. Standards such as British Standard BS EN 747 1 2024 and the 1987 Bunk Bed Entrapment Hazards Regulation set clear rules for structure, spacing, and features like guardrails and ladders. This guide walks through the most important safety considerations, including age recommendations, essential features, safe placement, and accident prevention.

What Are The UK Safety Regulations For Bunk Beds?

UK safety regulations for bunk beds are defined by two primary frameworks: the British Standard BS EN 747-1:2024 and the 1987 Bunk Bed (Entrapment Hazards) Regulation, both of which aim to ensure structural integrity, entrapment prevention, and injury reduction for children.

These regulations were introduced to address the rising concerns about falls, entrapment, and instability associated with kids’ bunk beds, particularly in homes with children under the age of 6. As bunk beds are increasingly used as space-saving solutions in family homes, the UK enforces strict guidelines on design, material quality, guardrails, ladder access, and gap tolerances to eliminate harmful construction flaws.

British Standard BS EN 747-1:2024

Formulated by the CEN/TC 207 – the European Technical Committee for Furniture, the BS EN 47-1:2024 is the most recent and comprehensive British standard for bunk beds in the UK and several European nations, including France, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, and Norway. The safety regulation dictates several strict requirements for the safety, strength, and durability of bunk beds to shield kids and other shoppers from injuries incurred by faulty designs or inadequate materials.

The new edition, which replaces the 2012+A1:2015, highlights the following construction and design rules.

• Guardrails on the upper bunk must rise at least 16 cm above the mattress and completely enclose the sleeping area, with an entry gap not exceeding 30 cm.
• Gaps must not pose entrapment risks; all openings must prevent head, limb, or body trapping.
• All bed edges and corners must be rounded or chamfered, free of sharp points or burrs.
• Ladders/stairs must be securely fixed, with anti-slip treads, and handrails (if needed), and tested for strength.
• Structural integrity must be maintained before and after testing, without re-tightening fasteners.
• Vertical protrusions must be limited in shape, size, and position to prevent snagging or injury.

Some new additions to the 2024 edition are as follows:

• Requirements for stability, including resistance to tipping during climbing and movement.
• Mandatory user instructions for assembly, maintenance, and recommended mattress dimensions.
• Labelling and marking requirements, including a clear identification of the product as a bunk bed and age suitability (typically children aged 6+).
• New terms such as tread, high bed, completely bound opening, and upper bed are clearly defined to remove ambiguity during compliance inspections.

1987 Bunk Bed (Entrapment Hazards) Regulation

The 1987 Bunk Bed (Entrapment Hazards) Regulation, effective from 1st September 1987, was introduced in the UK to protect children under six from life-threatening hazards associated with unsafe bunk bed designs. The regulation applies to any bunk bed with a sleeping surface at least 800 mm above the ground.

Here are the key highlights of the safety and legal procedure included in 1987 No. 1337.

• No structural gaps within the bed frame (including headboards, footboards, side rails, and ladders) are permitted to measure between 60 mm and 75 mm, as these dimensions are most likely to trap a child’s head or limbs.
• Sleeping surfaces must have gaps smaller than 75 mm unless specifically designed as entry points, which must be at least 300 mm wide to prevent partial entry and entrapment.
• Beds must not be supplied without proper assembly instructions. A set of bed components that, when assembled, creates a non-compliant bunk bed is also considered illegal to sell.
• No clothes hooks, sharp projections, or dangerous embellishments are allowed within a 600 mm range from the floor on any accessible surface.

At What Age Is It Safe for Children to Use Bunk Beds?

Children must be at least 6 years old before sleeping on the top bunk, as advised by the NHS and RoSPA. This age recommendation is based on evidence showing that younger children lack the coordination and spatial awareness required to safely navigate ladders and elevated sleeping spaces. For those under six, the risk of falling from the upper bunk or becoming trapped in narrow openings is significantly higher.

For toddlers and preschoolers, safer options include lower bunks, trundle beds, or twin beds with storage, which offer practical space-saving benefits without compromising on safety. These alternatives eliminate climbing hazards and reduce the risk of head injuries or entrapment, making them a reliable choice for younger children still developing their balance and mobility.

What Safety Features Should Bunk Beds Have?

Bunk beds should have safety features like guardrails, stable ladders, and properly fitting mattresses. These essential components of bunk beds reduce the risks of slips, falls, and entrapment for younger ones. These features are fundamental to ensure that children aged six and above can safely use bunk beds in a domestic environment.

Guardrails

Guardrails must be installed on both sides of the top bunk, even if the bed is positioned against a wall. They act as a protective barrier to prevent children from accidentally rolling off during sleep.

Each guard rail should rise at least 16 cm above the top of the mattress, maintaining a secure enclosure. The only permitted entry gap should not exceed 30 cm, allowing safe access without compromising containment.

Choose guardrails with removable safety inserts or transparent panels for better visibility and airflow, ideal for younger children transitioning to bunk beds for the first time. Some high-end models also come with bed guards for bunk bed kits that are height-adjustable, offering flexibility as children grow.

Ladder Design and Stability

A bunk bed ladder must be permanently fixed and structurally integrated into the bunk bed frame to ensure safe access to the upper bunk. The tread spacing should be evenly distributed, typically 20 cm apart, and each step must offer a minimum width of 3 cm for foot stability.

A non-slip surface and easy-grip design are essential to prevent slips, particularly when children climb in socks or at night. For instance, a ladder with rubber-coated treads provides better traction and is less likely to cause ladder slips, one of the most common bunk bed accidents. Treads made from textured wood or coated metal perform best in wet or socked conditions.

Some safe bunk beds now feature angled ladders or built-in steps with drawers, which are not only more sturdy but also add functional storage space. This design is particularly helpful in smaller bedrooms where space-saving solutions are a priority.

Mattress Fit

The mattress must fit snugly within the bed frame, leaving no more than a 1 cm gap between the mattress edge and the frame or side rails. A loose-fitting mattress increases the risk of limb entrapment and reduces the effectiveness of guardrails. Even a mattress that’s too thick can raise the sleeping surface above safe levels, violating British Standard BS EN 747-1:2024.

Parents should always confirm mattress dimensions against the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure compliance with bunk bed safety standards. You should use a low-profile mattress made for bunk beds that helps meet safety rules, stays comfortable, and often includes a flame-retardant cover for extra protection.

How Should You Install and Position Bunk Beds for Maximum Safety?

To ensure maximum safety, you should install and position bunk beds in a room corner with adequate ceiling clearance, away from potential environmental hazards.

You should follow these specific placement guidelines to reduce risks and comply with bunk bed safety standards.

• Install the bunk bed in a corner of the room. This will provide added structural support from two adjacent walls, reducing the movement during use. It also limits the access points and minimises the risk of accidental falls from open sides by half.
• The distance between the top bunk and the ceiling should be at least 76 cm (29.9 inches). With this minimum vertical clearance, the upper bunk occupant will have enough room to sit up and move around, without the risk of head injuries from bumping into the ceiling.
• Do not position the bunk bed near windows. Placing bunk beds in such areas increases the risk of entrapment, falls, or accidental interaction with external elements from window cords, glass, or ledges.
• Avoid placing bunk beds near radiators, ceiling fans, or hanging light fixtures. Wrong positioning can cause burns, cuts, or bruises if a child comes into contact while climbing or stretching from the top bunk.

What Are the Most Common Bunk Bed Accidents?

The most common bunk bed accidents include falls, ladder slips, entrapments, and head injuries, especially among younger children. The majority of these occur due to design flaws, improper use, misconfiguration during setup, or lack of safety features.

• Falls from the top bunk
  Falling from the upper bunk is the most frequent and serious type of bunk bed accident. A study by Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital found that out of 85 children who fell from beds or top bunks, 25 sustained fractures, 27 had head injuries and 14 required hospital admission. Notably, 78% of the injuries occurred in children under six years old, highlighting the risks of allowing toddlers on top bunks. These falls are often caused by rolling off during sleep, improper guardrails, or rough play.
• Ladder slips
  Wet feet, slippery treads, or unstable ladder design are frequent causes of climbing-related injuries. When ladders are poorly secured or lack an anti-slip surface, children may lose balance, resulting in soft tissue injuries, lacerations, or even fractures during descent. In the same study, 21 children suffered limb injuries, including 12 lacerations requiring medical treatment.
• Entrapment (between rails, walls, or slats)
  Entrapment injuries occur when a child becomes stuck between the bed frame and a wall, or within unsafe gaps between slats and guardrails. These spaces, if improperly designed, can lead to head or limb entrapment, especially if the gaps fall between 60 mm and 75 mm, the range explicitly banned under UK’s Bunk Beds (Entrapment Hazards) (Safety) Regulations 1987. Such hazards can result in restricted movement, bruising, or even strangulation in extreme cases.
• Head injuries from low ceilings
  Children often experience bumps and bruises from sitting up quickly or jumping on the top bunk, especially when there’s insufficient clearance. To avoid this, ensure at least 76 cm (29.9 inches) of space between the top bunk and the ceiling. Such precautions help prevent minor head trauma, which accounted for a significant portion of the injuries reported in the Royal Aberdeen study.

How Can You Make Bunk Beds Safer for Children?

You can make bunk beds safer for children by combining proper supervision with structural checks and child-friendly accessories. Consistent reinforcement of rules and proactive maintenance help minimise risks associated with bunk bed safety.

Parents should follow these specific actions for children for improved safety.

• Educate children on safe behaviour
  Teach children not to jump, push, or hang from the top bunk. Rough play increases the risk of falls, ladder slips, and collisions with guardrails. Set clear rules for when and how the upper bunk should be used.
• Use night lights for visibility
  Install a clip light or soft night light near the bunk bed to improve ladder visibility during the night. This helps prevent missteps or stumbles when children need to get up, especially in low-light conditions.
• Perform weekly or monthly safety checks
  Check all screws, joints, and the mattress position at least once a week or a month. It helps to detect loose fittings or misaligned components that can compromise the stability of the bunk bed frame, increasing the risk of injury.
• Install wall bumpers or anti-roll cushions
  Add protective wall bumpers or anti-roll cushions near exposed edges to reduce impact in case of accidental bumps or rolling. These are particularly useful when the bed is placed close to hard walls or furniture.

Are Bunk Beds Suitable for Teenagers or Adults?

Yes, bunk beds can be suitable for teenagers or adults, provided the design and construction meet higher strength and space requirements.

When intended for older users, it’s vital to choose a heavy-duty bunk bed frame with a weight capacity of at least 300-500 pounds per bed. Standard children’s models (238 pounds) may not offer the structural integrity needed to support adult use safely.

Ensure the top bunk offers enough headroom (at least 76 cm) for the user to sit up comfortably without risking head injuries from low ceilings or overhead structures. A vertical clearance of at least 90 cm is recommended in such cases.

For long-term durability, reinforced metal frames or solid hardwood bunk beds are the most reliable and sturdy options. These materials provide better load-bearing capacity, reduce creaking, and offer stable ladder support, making them more appropriate for teenage or adult occupants.

What Are Safer Alternatives to Traditional Bunk Beds?

Safer alternatives to traditional bunk beds include loft beds, trundle beds, twin beds with storage, and L-shaped bunk beds, all offering space efficiency with reduced fall risk

These designs cater to different age groups and room configurations while prioritising stability, ease of access, and child safety. They are especially helpful for parents looking to avoid the elevated sleeping surfaces and structural risks associated with standard bunk bed frames. Each option provides a flexible, protective, and practical solution for modern family living.

• Loft Beds
  Loft beds elevate the sleeping surface to create an open area below for a desk, seating, or storage. This design is ideal for older kids and teenagers who need more functional floor space without sharing a sleeping platform.
• Trundle Beds
  A trundle bed includes a second mattress that pulls out from beneath a standard bed. It is a practical and secure option for sleepovers and occasional guests, with no elevated height, making it suitable for younger children.
• Twin Beds with Storage
  Twin beds integrated with under-bed drawers or shelving offer a space-saving solution without any climbing risks. This setup is particularly helpful for toddlers and early school-aged children who need a safe sleeping arrangement with functional storage.
• L-shaped Bunk Beds
  Unlike traditional stacked bunks, L-shaped bunk beds place the bottom bed perpendicular to the top bunk, usually at a lower elevation. This design improves accessibility, increases headroom, and reduces the likelihood of falls, making it a safer choice for families.

Where Can You Find Safe And Compliant Bunk Beds For Children In The UK?

With the right choices, bunk beds are a safe and practical option for families looking to save space without compromising on child safety. It’s essential to choose designs that meet national standards and include key safety features to protect against falls, entrapment, and structural failure.

For parents seeking reliable, regulation-approved children’s sleep furniture, MK Furnishing UK specialises in bunk beds that meet stringent safety standards. We offer a wide range of models, including classic twin-over-twin bunks, L-shaped configurations, castle bunk beds, and bunk beds with built-in storage or desks, fully compliant with both the British Standard BS EN 747-1:2024 and the 1987 Bunk Bed (Entrapment Hazards) Regulation. Each design is crafted with reinforced guardrails, fixed ladders, and precise gap dimensions to eliminate common safety risks. With MK Furnishing UK, families can confidently invest in safe bunk beds that combine durability, compliance, and space-saving practicality.