10 Popular Bunk Bed Sizes & Configurations (Triple, Corner, Queen, etc..)
While the origins of bunk beds are questionable, the bed arrangement was used commonly in medieval times. During these times, poor people used bunk beds mainly due to the inadequate sizes of their homes. This bed design trend continued to gain momentum when used in a military setting in the 1800s for the same space-saving reasons.
With the bed configuration of two beds (or three!) stacked together being ideal in past times for those struggling to find sufficient space, today, it is more of a fun, trendy bed option to place in a child’s or teenager’s bedroom for design purposes.
While the space-saving factor of bunk beds is one not to forget, they also pose additional positive perks: privacy, storage space, and a money-saver opportunity. The various types of bunk beds and their sizes and dimensions make it easy for you to personalize them to your home and style preferences.
Read on for the information below and evaluate the different types of bunk beds, their corresponding sizes, and bunk bed dimensions. Plus, consider extra features you can incorporate into your bunk bed that may need additional space. Lastly, consider this bed design and evaluate why it is more than a worthy choice for your home.
Different Types of Bunk Beds
It probably comes as no surprise that there are many types of bunk beds! The bunk beds described below differ in shape, style, materials, and design. As trends fluctuate throughout the years, so do bunk bed designs. If you are in the market for a bunk bed, the type you decide to purchase will depend on your available space, personal needs, and style preferences.
1. Standard Bunk Bed
A standard bunk is likely what you think of when you imagine a bunk bed! This bunk bed typically includes two twin-sized beds, one atop the other. If you need an additional sleeping room, a standard can have a bottom bunk full-sized mattress to accommodate.
This bunk bed type typically has a simple ladder built into the railing. If you are looking for a simple bunk bed type that will easily do the job and alleviate the issue of limited space, choose this option!
Standard Style Bunk Bed Sizing
Height:
The typical height of a standard bunk bed varies by manufacturer. 55″ high is on the lowest end and 75″ high would be on the high end. When measuring your room it is important to leave at least 33-36″ clearance from the top of the bunk to the ceiling.
Standard Bunk Mattress Sizes
Twin Bunk (most common)
Twin: 38″ wide by 75″ long
This bunk has a twin mattress on top and a twin mattress on bottom. Each twin mattress measures 38″ wide by 75″ long (add a couple additional inches overall on each side for the bunk bed frame) .
Twin XL Bunk
Twin XL : 38″ wide by 80″ long
This bunk has a twin xl mattress on top and bottom. Each twin xl mattress measures 38″ wide by 80″ long. This is the same width as a standard twin but 5″ longer. A twin XL can accommodate one adult who may be too tall for a standard twin bunk.
Full Over Full Bunk
Full: 54″ wide by 75″ long
A full size bunk utilizes a full size mattress on top and bottom . Each full size mattress measures 54″ wide by 75″ long. The length of a full is the same as a standard twin but is a couple feet wider.
Adult bunks (queen and king)
Queen: 60″ wide by 80″ long
King: 76″ wide by 80″ long (generally has to be custom made)
These bunks are less common to find online but are great for sleeping multiple adults in a smaller space and are often used in cabins or Aribnb’s.
2. L-Shaped Bunk Bed/Corner Bunk Bed
While providing the same sleep space as a standard, an l-shaped type will angle the bottom bunk perpendicular to the top bunk to create an L-shaped bed design. While this bunk bed style might take up more space than a standard bunk bed, it can provide additional built-in storage drawers and shelving. Typical l-shaped bunk beds incorporate two or 3 twin-sized mattresses.
L-Shaped Bunk Bed Sizing
Height:
The typical height of an l-shaped bunk bed varies by manufacturer. 55″ high is on the lowest end and 75″ high would be on the high end. When measuring your room it is important to leave at least 33-36″ clearance from the top of the bunk to the ceiling.
Mattress Size & Overall Size Configurations:
Top bunk configurations
The top bunk in an l-shaped bunk bed will almost always consist of one or 2 twin size mattresses measuring (38″ wide by 75″ long). These twin mattresses are great for kids or teens but may be too short for a full grown adult.
Bottom bunk configurations
Typically an l-shaped corner bunk will have a twin or full size mattress on the bottom with a storage or desk area next to it. A twin size mattress measures 38″ wide by 75″ long while a full size mattress measures 54″ wide by 75″ long.
3. Futon Bunk Bed
A futon bunk bed will be a space-saver in your bedroom and bring additional functionality to your sleeping area. Futon bunk beds have a twin-sized mattress on the top bunk and a futon on the bottom bunk.
The futon can be adjusted into a full-sized mattress when you need to use it for extra sleeping space. This style may be the perfect bunk bed for you if you want couch space for lounging or entertaining.
Futon Bunk Bed Sizing
Height:
The typical height of a futon bunk bed varies by manufacturer. Due to the fact that you need room for sitting underneath the height is generally slightly taller than a standard bunk with an overall height of around 70″-75″ high. When measuring your room it is important to leave at least 33-36″ clearance from the top of the bunk to the ceiling.
Mattress Size & Overall Size Configurations:
Top Bunk
The top bunk will almost always consist of one twin size mattress measuring (38″ wide by 75″ long). These twin mattresses are great for kids or teens but may be too short for a full grown adult.
Bottom Futon
A bunk with a futon on the bottom generally functions as a couch and will fold out into a full size mattress sleeping area. A full size mattress measures 54″ wide by 75″ long. This is the same length as a standard twin mattress and over a foot wider. A full size mattress could fit a growing teen or a couple younger children.
4. Loft Bunk Bed
A loft bunk bed includes a top twin mattress bunk with open floor space below. If you are searching for a bunk bed with only one sleeping area that provides space-saving benefits, this is the choice for you! The floor area underneath the bunk bed is the optimal space to incorporate a reading nook or work desk.
Loft Bed Sizing
Height:
Low loft Height: 50″ high
Medium loft height: 61.5″ high
High (standard) loft height: 70″ high
When measuring your room it is important to leave at least 33-36″ clearance from the top of the loft mattress to the ceiling.
Mattress Size & Overall Size Configurations:
Loft Mattress
Twin: 38″ wide by 75″ long
Full: 54″ wide by 75″ long
Queen: 60″ wide by 80″ long
King: 76″ wide by 80″ long (generally has to be custom made)
Bottom of Loft
The bottom of a loft often will be built out with either storage, a couch or a desk area. The benefit of a loft bed is that it lets you use the entire footprint of your room as living space.
5. Triple Bunk Bed And Quad Bunk Bed
Triple and quad bunks are great for sleeping a lot of people in one room. They come in a variety of styles and configurations to match any bedroom.
A three-tier bunk bed is just what it sounds like- three-tiered! This type of bunk bed should be in an area with sufficient headroom space to accommodate the height. Due to the large size, twin mattresses are typical for this type.
It is important to note to prioritize additional guard rails and safety ladders if you choose this option because of the height. Three-tiered bunk beds are perfect for households with limited space and many sleepers.
Triple and Quad Bunk Sizing
Height:
The typical height of a triple bunk bed measures between 80″ and 100″ high. When measuring your room it is important to leave at least 33-36″ clearance from the top of the loft mattress to the ceiling.
Mattress Size & Overall Size Configurations:
Almost all triple bunk beds utilize a twin mattress (38″ wide x 75″ long) on all three levels. Some triple bunks will use twin xl mattresses (38″ wide x 80″) to accommodate taller sleepers. If you want a triple bunk with a larger mattress, like a queen or king size, then you will likely have to have it custom made or built in.
6. Trundle Bunk Bed
While it may look like an average standard bunk bed, a trundle offers more sleeping space. This bunk style has a third bed tucked underneath the lower bunk that you can push out when needed.
Most trundle beds have a twin-sized mattress on top, with two queen-sized mattresses for the bottom bunk and the stored-away one. This bunk bed style is another great option for vacation homes due to its space-saving capabilities.
Trundle Bunk Sizing
Height:
The typical height of a trundle bunk bed varies by manufacturer. 55″ high is on the lowest end and 75″ high would be on the high end. When measuring your room it is important to leave at least 33-36″ clearance from the top of the bunk to the ceiling.
Mattress Size & Overall Size Configurations:
Almost all trundle bunk beds utilize a twin mattress (38″ wide x 75″ long) on all three beds or a full size mattress (54″ wide x 75″ long). Some triple bunks will use twin xl mattresses (38″ wide x 80″) to accommodate taller sleepers. If you want a trundle bunk with a larger mattress, like a queen or king size, then you may have to have it custom made or built in.
7. Adult Size Bunk Beds and Loft Beds
Most of the standard twin and full bunk beds won’t fit a full grown adult or a couple very well. Luckily there are many Adult size bunk beds and loft beds that include king and queen size mattresses, in a variety of configurations. Below are some of the common adult size configurations.
Sizing: Common Adult Bunk and Loft Configurations
Sizing of an adult loft and bunk bed varies greatly as these are often custom made products.
Queen Loft Bed
A queen loft bed consists of a loft style bed with an opening underneath or a desk area. The mattress on top is a queen size mattress (60″ wide x 80″ long) which fits a full grown adult or couple. While queen loft beds aren’t sold by every bunk bed retailer there are a few options on the market.
King Loft Bed
King loft beds (76″ wide x 80″ long) are slightly harder to find and often will need to be custom made. Etsy is a great place to find someone to make a custom king size loft. OR you can reach out to a handyman or builder to make a built in style in your home.
Queen over Queen Bunk Bed
Queen over queen bunk beds are a great way to sleep multiple adults or couples in a smaller room. These bunks are set up like a standard bunk bed but instead have a queen size mattress on top and a queen size mattress (60″ wide x 80″ long) on the bottom. While somewhat hard to buy, there are still a few retailers online selling queen bunk beds.
King over King Bunk Bed
A king over king bunk bed, similarly to the king loft, is going to have to be custom made or purchased through a woodworker on a marketplace like Etsy. A king bunk bed has a king mattress (76″ wide x 80″ long) on the bottom and on the top and is often used in Airbnb’s or cabins to sleep a lot of people in a smaller footprint
8. PlayHouse Bunk Bed
A playhouse bunk bed has a fun and playful style that is perfect for a children’s bedroom. The top bunk of this bed has an enclosure, the treehouse, for added style and bedroom creativity. This bunk bed style typically incorporates two twin-sized bunk beds.
Plus, if you are looking for a bunk bed for your younger children, this may be just the ticket. The treehouse bunk bed has a short height due to the bottom bed typically set on the floor with a small platform, making it extra safe for young sleepers.
Playhouse Bunk Bed Sizing
Height:
The typical height of a playhouse bunk bed varies depending on the style and configuration. Typically a playhouse bunk is made around the frame of a standard bunk, which measures 55″-75″ in height. A playhouse bunk will usually measure taller due to the fact that they often build a house with a roof on top of the bunk.
Mattress Size & Overall Size Configurations:
Top Bunk
The top bunk will almost always consist of one twin size mattress measuring (38″ wide by 75″ long). These twin mattresses are great for kids or teens but may be too short for a full grown adult.
Bottom Bunk
A bunk will almost always also consist of a twin size mattress and often will have some other fun add ons, like a slide, ladder, stairs, etc….
9. Built-In Bunk Beds
The size of a built in bunk set is completely customizable. If you want to incorporate multiple bunk beds into your home without sacrificing valuable bedroom space, built-in may be best! Built-in bunk beds are what they sound like- built-in to your interior walls.
This style is typical in vacation homes that host large families. More often than not, built-in bunk beds will have two twin-sized mattresses stacked atop one another. With this said, you can add a full-sized or queen-sized mattress to the bottom bunks for additional sleeping space.
You can even have a built in bunk made oversized with a big mattress like an Alaskan king, Texas king or Wyoming king to sleep an entire family!
10. Themed Bunk Bed
A novelty bunk bed can encourage creativity and increase the design of a bedroom. These two factors make novelty bunk beds a perfect addition to a bedroom for the space to be unique and special for a child.
The design options for a novelty bedroom are endless. Examples of novelty bunk beds include fantasy, sports, playhouses, and forest themes. Since novelty bunk beds are most common in small children’s bedrooms, you can expect this style to have two twin-sized mattresses, one atop the other.
Sizes & Dimensions of Bunk Beds
There are various factors to consider when determining the size and bunk bed dimensions. Below you will find these factors. When you purchase a bunk bed, it is essential to evaluate these aspects in great detail to ensure that the bunk bed is to your liking.
Bed Heights
The bed height is an essential factor to consider to guarantee that you have adequate space between the top bunk and the ceiling. A top bunk should typically be at least 33 to 36 inches from the ceiling.
Depending on the type of ceiling in the bedroom space- low, standard, or high- you will need to decide on the bunk bed type accordingly. While average ceiling heights vary from eight to nine feet, in the bunk bed world, ceiling height is vital because 8 feet is considered low, and 9 feet is high.
For example, if you have an 8-foot ceiling (considered low ceilings), you may want to purchase a bunk bed with a low height, like treehouse style. On the contrary, if you have high ceilings (9 feet or above), you can purchase a taller bunk bed option, like a three-tiered style.
Bed Sizes
The bed size combinations for bunk beds can vary greatly depending on style and your preferences! Three typical mattress sizes for bunk beds are twin, full, and queen. If the bunk beds are twin mattresses, the dimensions will be 38 inches wide and 75 inches long.
Full-sized beds typically measure 53 inches wide and 75 inches long. A queen-size mattress is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long.
Bunk beds only come in the major mattress sizes. If you prefer to purchase a bunk bed in an odd or custom size like an olympic queen size (in-between a queen and king size mattress), three-quarter (in between a twin and full) or full xl size (same width as a full mattress but 5″ longer). Then you will have to choose a built in style or custom bunk bed to be made to your specifications.
Bunk Bed Add-ons and Their Sizing
Angled Ladder
An angled ladder is an additional factor when determining needed room space for a bunk bed. Treehouse and novelty bunk beds commonly have angled ladders due to the extra security they bring.
There are four main ladder types for bunk beds, and they differ depending on the size of the bunk beds: high loft/bunk angled ladder, medium bunk-angled ladder, mid loft /low bunk angled ladder, and low loft angled ladder.
A high loft/bunk angled ladder is 71 inches tall and has an angle of 32 ¾ inches. A medium bunk-angled ladder is 66 ¼ inches tall and has an angle of 29 ¾ inches. A mid loft /low bunk angled ladder is 61 ½ inches tall and has an angle of 28 inches. Lastly, a low loft angled ladder is 50 ¾ inches tall and has an angle of 23 ¼ inches.
Examine your bedroom and determine which ladder angle is most appropriate for your available space. Of course, you may not need to explore this factor if you do not want the bunk bed to include an angled ladder.
Staircase
Depending on the type of bunk bed that you purchase, there may be a staircase instead of a ladder attached to it. Loft bunk beds, study bunk beds, and built-in bunk beds commonly have staircases. This feature is a common incorporation into bunk beds accommodated for older children.
Staircases are occasionally hidden drawers, used as dressers, that can store additional clothing or gadgets in a bedroom. While this feature is more than beneficial with the storage space, consider the required room to include this feature before purchasing a bunk bed.
The factor to consider for this measurement is the number of staircases. Typically, three and four stairs are by bunk beds. The exact number of stairs depends on the height of your bunk bed and its design and style.
Slide
A slide is a creative, fun inclusion to add to a bunk in a bedroom. The amount of space a slide needs in the bedroom will depend on its lengths and angles. There are no specific measurements with ladders concerning height since this feature is usually custom. With this varying measurement considered, you should predict that the length of the slide will be longer if your bunk bed is taller.
Guardrail Measurement
The guardrail on a bunk bed will ensure safety. Guardrails are an essential factor since they add height to the total measurement of the bed. For more optimal safety measures, the upper edge of a guard rail should measure at least five inches above the mattress. Remember that the thicker your mattress is, the more guardrail height you need for the bed to be safe.
Additional Features to Consider
Below you will find additional aspects that will impact the measurements of your bunk bed or the layout of your bedroom once it is in your home. Review these features to have a clear plan before ordering the bunk bed.
Tented Top
A fun addition to add to a bunk bed is a tented top. A tented top is placed around the top bunk and creates a sort of canopy over the bed to create an oasis for children to enjoy. The tented top is an additional feature to consider beforehand because it adjusts the bed’s overall height.
If a tented top is a feature you are planning to add to your bunk bed after purchase, ensure that you either have high ceiling space or opt for a bunk bed that has a lower height. Guaranteeing that you have one of these two things will ensure that the installation process is a success.
Hidden Storage Space
There are several ways to implement storage space in your bunk bed area. First, you can incorporate hidden storage space in the staircases. Implement this feature by adding a staircase instead of a ladder to your bunk bed.
Second, add drawers underneath the bunk beds. These bottom drawers are the optimal place to store additional clothing, toys, or gadgets. This feature will elevate your bedroom and help you utilize the space to its best potential.
Connected Fort Area
If you are transforming a bedroom and playroom space, a connected fort to the bunk bed area may be just the ticket. Create a plan for how you will use your bedroom space to build the fort area to the beds. Many use this connected fort area as a home library, play area, or art space.
The dynamics for a connected fort area depend solely on the bunk bed style that you have chosen. For example, this idea may be impossible for built-in bunk beds. With this said, this addition could be both functional and easy to incorporate with a standard and treehouse bunk bed.
Enclosed Area
Like a connected fort, you will need to create a blueprint for implementing an enclosed area to your bunk bed. Enclosing an area around a bunk bed can be done in two main ways. First, you may build a wooden enclosure around the bunk bed to have it appear as a house.
Secondly, you can create a pocket in a bedroom wall and slide your bunk bed into this compartment. While this may appear to be a built-in bunk bed style, it is different. With this pocket, you can add a sliding door to hide the beds in a bedroom space. This enclosed area will help you save space and improve the aesthetics of a bedroom.
Wrapping Up
If you are considering purchasing a bunk bed for your home, review the information above to create the perfect plan for this home feature. While it may seem easy initially, a bunk bed takes lots of planning from style, mattress type, bed heights, slide or ladder angles, guardrails, and additional creative features to make it unique.
First, carefully examine the room you are adding the bed into and determine the appropriate bunk bed dimensions. Secondly, research a bunk bed style that fits your design preferences. Third, consider other unique features that sound interesting to you: slides, angled ladders, tented tops, connected fort areas, and more. Fourth, purchase your perfect bunk bed and enjoy its many benefits!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have questions about bunk beds and their sizes and dimensions? We have got the answers!
1. What are some of the most popular styles of bunk beds?
The style opportunities for bunk beds appear to be endless! Some of the most popular styles for bunk beds include standard, treehouse, built-in, and trundle bunk beds. All options have perks and advantages that will depend on your bedroom needs.
2. Why should I get a bunk bed?
There are several great reasons to get a bunk bed! In addition to saving space in a bedroom, a bunk bed adds privacy, storage space, and many sleeping beds for home sleepovers or vacation houses.
3. What special features can I incorporate with my bunk bed?
A bunk bed can incorporate several different features. Examples of special features include a slide, tented top, connected fort area, and hidden storage spaces. Base the features you add to your bunk bed on available space, personal preference, and home needs!
