Bunk Bed vs Cabin Bed: Which is Better for Your Child’s Room?

Bunk beds and cabin beds are two of the most popular options, both offering unique features that maximise space and create a safe, comfortable sleeping area for children. When it comes to designing a child’s room, space-saving furniture is essential for maintaining a clutter-free, functional environment. For families with limited space, choosing the right bed can make all the difference.

Bunk beds are ideal for families with multiple children, as they allow two or more kids to sleep in the same room while saving precious floor space. On the other hand, cabin beds provide additional storage solutions, perfect for families with a single child who needs extra room for toys, books, or clothes.

We will compare the core features of both bed types, highlighting their design, advantages, and limitations. From their structural differences to storage capabilities and suitability for different room sizes, we will guide you through which bed is the best fit for your child’s room.

What is a Bunk Bed?

A bunk bed features two or more sleeping surfaces stacked vertically, maximising floor space. It’s ideal for siblings sharing a room or families needing extra sleeping arrangements. Built from durable materials like wood or metal, bunk beds often include additional features like storage or play areas, offering both functionality and versatility. If you’re interested in bunk beds with additional storage, explore our Bunk Beds with Storage.

Key Features of Bunk Beds

Bunk beds are a great solution for families with limited space, offering an efficient way to accommodate multiple sleepers in a single room. They are particularly useful in shared bedrooms or smaller spaces where maximising floor area is essential. Modern bunk beds come with a range of features ensuring safety, comfort, and functionality, making them ideal for both children and adults. With sturdy construction and versatile designs, these beds are tailored to suit various needs and preferences.

Key Features of Bunk Beds:

1. Space-saving design that maximises room space.
2. Durability with sturdy materials such as wood and metal.
3. Versatile configurations like twin-over-twin or twin-over-full.
4. Safety features including guardrails and ladders.
5. Built-in storage options like drawers and shelves.
6. Stylish designs to complement different room aesthetics.
7. Comfortable support for a restful night’s sleep.
8. Convertible options for future flexibility.

Advantages of Bunk Beds

Bunk beds are an excellent choice for families looking to save space while maintaining functionality. Their design offers numerous benefits, especially in shared or small rooms. Let’s explore the advantages bunk bed bring:

• By stacking beds vertically, they free up floor space for play, storage, or other activities.
• Perfect for siblings, allowing each child their own bed without crowding.
• A bunk bed is more affordable than buying two separate beds.
• Many can be converted into two single beds as children grow.
• Some models include drawers, shelves, or desks to keep the room organised.
• Creative themes, slides, and play areas add fun and functionality to the room.

Limitations of Bunk Beds

While bunk beds offer numerous benefits, there are a few drawbacks that should be considered before making a decision. Proper understanding of these limitations will help ensure bunk beds are the right choice for your child’s room.

• The height of the top bunk poses a fall risk, especially for younger children, requiring supervision and adherence to age recommendations.
• Bunk beds need sufficient ceiling height, which may be cramped in rooms with low ceilings.
• Not recommended for children under 6 due to the height and ladder use.
• Shared sleeping areas can limit personal space and quiet time for siblings.
• Climbing the ladder to the top bunk may be difficult for younger children or those with mobility challenges.
• Bunk beds are often large and heavy, making them difficult to move or reconfigure.

What is a Cabin Bed?

A cabin bed is a mid-height bed designed to maximise space in children’s rooms by offering built-in storage or additional features underneath. Perfect for smaller rooms, these beds combine sleeping and storage areas, with options like desks, drawers, and play spaces. To understand what a cabin bed is and how it works, we’ll explore its key features, advantages, and limitations to help you decide if a cabin bed is the right choice for your child

Key Features of Cabin Beds

Cabin beds are designed to maximise space and provide multifunctional solutions for smaller rooms. With a mid-height design, these beds create valuable space underneath for storage, play, or study areas. Below are the key features that make cabin beds a popular choice:

1. An elevated sleeping area frees up floor space for play, storage, or study areas.
2. Often includes shelves, drawers, or cupboards for organised storage of books, toys, and clothes.
3. Some models come with pull-out desks, play areas, or cozy reading nooks.
4. Equipped with sturdy side rails and wide, easy-to-climb steps or a staircase for safe access.
5. Can be styled with different linens, accessories, and is available in various colours and finishes to match changing tastes and room decor.

Advantages of Cabin Beds

Cabin beds are designed to maximise space and provide multifunctional solutions for smaller rooms. With a mid-height design, these beds create valuable space underneath for storage, play, or study areas. Below are the key features that make cabin beds a popular choice:

• An elevated sleeping area frees up floor space for play, storage, or a study area, ideal for smaller rooms.
• Includes shelves, drawers, or cupboards to keep the room organised and maximise space.
• Some models offer pull-out desks, play areas, reading nooks, or small wardrobes for added functionality.
• Equipped with sturdy side rails and wide, easy-to-climb steps for safe access, suitable for younger children.
• Can be used by children of various ages, with space underneath that evolves as the child grows.
• Available in different styles, linens, and finishes to match changing tastes and room decor.

Limitations of Cabin Beds

While cabin beds offer numerous advantages, they may not be ideal for every room or child. These beds come with certain drawbacks that should be carefully considered to ensure they fit both your child’s needs and your home’s layout. Here are some key disadvantages of cabin beds to keep in mind:

• Climbing the ladder or stairs can be challenging for young children or those with mobility issues, and may disrupt sleep during the night.
• The elevated, enclosed design can feel cramped for some children, and may seem too juvenile as they grow.
• Even with guardrails, there is a risk of falling from the elevated bed, and ladders or stairs may pose safety concerns.
• Adequate ceiling height is needed, especially with taller ceilings, to ensure comfort and safety.
• Cabin beds with built-in storage can be time-consuming and complex to assemble.
• The area near the ceiling may become warmer, requiring extra ventilation, and higher beds may need wall anchors to prevent tipping.

Difference Between Bunk Bed and Cabin Bed

Bunk beds and cabin beds both save space but cater to different needs. Bunk beds stack sleeping areas to fit multiple children, while cabin beds raise a single sleeping area to create space underneath for storage or play. Here are the differences between bunk beds and cabin beds, two popular space-saving beds for children’s rooms.

1. Structure and Height of Bunk Beds and Cabin Beds

Bunk beds are tall and designed to maximise vertical space in rooms shared by two or more children. They typically range between 150 and 180 cm in height and need ceilings around 210 to 240 cm high for safety and comfort. Cabin beds are lower, between 90 and 120 cm tall, making them more accessible to younger children and better suited to rooms with lower ceilings. This design helps cabin beds fit well in smaller bedrooms where tall bunk beds might not work.

2. Sleeping Arrangement 

Bunk beds provide stacked sleeping areas, allowing two or more children to sleep in the same room without taking up extra floor space. They come in many styles, such as twin-over-twin or full-over-full, and some models include trundle beds for extra guests. Cabin beds generally offer a single sleeping area raised above the floor, with space underneath for storage or play. This makes cabin beds best suited for single-child rooms or smaller spaces where a second bed is not needed.

3. Storage Options in Bunk Beds and Cabin Beds

Storage on bunk beds is usually limited to small drawers or shelves, often built near the bottom bunk or as optional extras. This provides some help with organisation but is not the main feature. Cabin beds focus heavily on storage, with large drawers, cupboards, or even desks built underneath the sleeping area. This makes cabin beds ideal for smaller rooms that need extra space to store toys, clothes, books, or study materials, helping keep bedrooms tidy and clutter-free.

4. Design and Style 

Bunk beds are often designed with simplicity and practicality in mind. They usually feature neutral colours and classic finishes to fit many bedroom styles. Cabin beds are more versatile in design and often come with playful features, such as themed colours, slides, tents, or curtains. This makes cabin beds a great choice for creating fun and imaginative spaces while still providing functional sleeping and storage solutions.

5. Space Efficiency and Room Fit of Bunk 

Bunk beds make the most of vertical space, freeing up floor area in shared bedrooms for play or other furniture. However, they require higher ceilings to fit safely. Cabin beds raise the sleeping surface and create valuable floor space underneath for storage, a study nook, or a play zone. This design works well in smaller rooms or single-child bedrooms where making the most of limited space is essential for comfort and organisation.

Comparison Table: Bunk Bed vs Cabin Bed

Feature	Bunk Bed	Cabin Bed
Height	150 cm to 180 cm	90 cm to 120 cm
Ceiling Clearance	Requires 210 cm to 240 cm	Suitable for rooms with lower ceilings
Suitability	Best for larger rooms or shared spaces	Ideal for smaller rooms or younger children
Accessibility	Less accessible for younger children	Easier access due to lower height
Sleeping Capacity	Accommodates 2 or more children	Typically accommodates 1 child
Configuration Options	Twin-over-twin, twin-over-full, full-over-full	Single sleeping area with space underneath
Extra Sleeping Space	Some models include trundle beds for extra capacity	Not designed for multiple sleepers
Ideal For (Sleeping)	Shared rooms or families with multiple children	Single-child rooms or smaller spaces
Storage Options	Limited storage (drawers, shelves, or desks in some models)	Extensive storage (drawers, shelves, cupboards, or desks)
Space Utilisation	Storage often limited to area beneath the bottom bunk	maximises space underneath for storage, study, or play
Flexibility	Limited flexibility for additional storage	Flexible storage solutions that can be repurposed as the child grows
Design Focus	Functionality and space-saving	Customisable with themed and playful designs
Style Options	Simple, neutral, and classic finishes	Wide range of themed and decorative designs
Customization	Can be personalised with bedding, curtains, or canopies	Highly customisable with colours, themes, and features like slides
Space Maximisation	maximises vertical space for multiple sleepers	maximises floor space beneath the bed for storage or play
Best For (Room Fit)	Shared rooms with multiple children	Single-child rooms or compact spaces

How to Choose: Bunk Bed or Cabin Bed Based on Your Kids Need?

Choosing between a bunk bed and a cabin bed depends on several factors, including your room size, how many children need to sleep in the room, and your storage requirements. Bunk beds are ideal for shared rooms and maximising vertical space, while cabin beds are better suited for smaller rooms with single sleepers, offering extra storage or play areas underneath. Consider your child’s age, the layout of the room, and what features are most important when making your decision about choosing a bunk bed or a cabin bed.

1. Space Requirements and Room Layout

Bunk beds are ideal for larger rooms with higher ceilings, maximising vertical space and freeing up floor area, making them perfect for shared spaces. Cabin beds, however, fit smaller rooms by utilising the space beneath for storage or play, making them perfect for single-child spaces or rooms with lower ceilings. Consider your room’s layout and space requirements to determine which bed suits your needs best.

2. Sleeping Capacity

Bunk beds are designed to accommodate two or more children, making them ideal for shared rooms. They come in configurations like twin-over-twin, twin-over-full, or full-over-full, depending on the space. In contrast, cabin beds are typically designed for one child, with a raised sleeping area that offers additional space for storage or play underneath. This makes cabin beds better suited for single-child rooms or smaller spaces, whereas bunk beds are perfect for families needing extra sleeping capacity in shared rooms.

3. Storage and Functionality

For families with multiple children, bunk beds offer a practical solution by accommodating two or more kids in shared rooms. They come in various configurations like twin-over-twin, twin-over-full, or full-over-full. In contrast, cabin beds are designed for single children, with a raised sleeping area that creates extra storage or play space underneath, making them ideal for smaller rooms.

4. Cost Comparison

When choosing between a bunk bed and a cabin bed, cost is an important factor. Bunk beds are generally more affordable, ranging from £150 to £800, depending on materials and features like storage. Cabin beds, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive, ranging from £200 to £1,200, due to their multifunctionality, including built-in storage, desks, and play areas. Customisation options such as themes or slides further increase the price. Bunk beds are ideal for budget-conscious families needing multiple sleeping spaces, while cabin beds are better for those seeking multifunctional storage solutions.

5. Age Suitability and Safety

Bunk beds are best suited for children aged 6 and up due to their height and ladder access, while cabin beds are safer and more accessible for younger children, typically from age 3, thanks to their low elevation. Bunk beds come with guardrails and sturdy ladders, but the top bunk poses a higher fall risk. In contrast, cabin beds have sturdy side rails and easy access, minimising the risk of falls and making them ideal for younger children. Cabin beds offer a safer, more accessible option for smaller users.

6. Style and Design Flexibility

Bunk beds offer a simple, functional design that integrates easily into various room styles and can be customised with accessories like curtains or bedding. In contrast, cabin beds provide more creative, playful themes, with options like slides or tents, making them more appealing to children’s imaginations. Cabin beds are highly customisable, with built-in storage, play areas, and study spaces, offering greater versatility. Bunk beds are ideal for rooms where functionality is key, while cabin beds are perfect for rooms where style, playfulness, and versatility are prioritised.

Bunk or Cabin Bed? Find the Right Fit for Your Kids at MK Furnishings

Bunk beds save space by stacking sleeping areas, while cabin beds add built-in storage and play zones for extra function and fun. Both are safe, durable, and stylish, making them ideal for growing kids of all ages. The right choice really depends on your needs, your space, and your child’s personality. Whether you’re furnishing a shared room or creating a playful, organised bedroom, MK Furnishings has a wide range of options to suit every space and style.

 Explore our bunk bed collection today and find the perfect bed to make your child’s room both practical and magical.

FAQs About Bunk Beds and Cabin Beds

Which is safer: bunk bed or cabin bed?

A cabin bed is generally safer than a bunk bed. With its lower height and easier access, it reduces the risk of falls, making it ideal for younger children. Bunk beds, while safe with guardrails, present a higher risk due to their elevated design and require careful supervision.

Can cabin beds accommodate two children?

No, cabin beds typically accommodate only one child. They are designed with a single sleeping area and offer additional space underneath for storage, a study area, or a play zone. If you need to accommodate two children, a bunk bed would be a better option

What age is suitable for bunk beds?

Bunk beds are suitable for children aged 6 and older. Due to the height and ladder access, they are not recommended for younger children, as they may pose a safety risk. Proper guardrails and supervision are essential to ensure safe use for children in this age group.

Are cabin beds good for small rooms?

Yes, cabin beds are ideal for small rooms. Their raised design creates valuable space underneath for storage, play, or study areas, making them perfect for maximising floor space in compact rooms. This space-efficient design helps keep the room organised while offering functionality for growing children.

Which is more budget-friendly: bunk or cabin?

Bunk beds are generally more budget-friendly than cabin beds. They offer a cost-effective solution for accommodating multiple children in a shared room, with prices typically lower than cabin beds. Cabin beds tend to be more expensive due to their built-in storage and multifunctional design.