Kids’ Bed Buying Guide: Types & Sizes

Cots & Nursery (0-2 Years)

Cots provide a safe, secure sleeping environment for babies and young toddlers. Standard cots typically measure 60cm x 120cm and are suitable for children from birth to around two years old. Many modern cots convert into toddler beds, extending their lifespan and providing excellent value. For complete nursery solutions, explore our nursery furniture sets that coordinate beautifully with your cot.
Need advice on choosing? Read our guide to the best cot beds.

Toddler Beds (2-4 Years)

Toddler beds bridge the gap between cots and single beds, typically measuring 70cm x 140cm. These low-to-the-ground beds feature safety rails to prevent nighttime tumbles while allowing your child independence. Shorty beds (75cm x 175cm) offer another transitional size for younger children aged four and above, providing more length while maintaining a compact footprint.
Are you unsure if your little one is ready? Read our guide on signs your child is ready for a toddler bed, or explore our selection of the best toddler beds.

Kids' Beds (4-11 Years)

From around age four, children can move into standard children’s single beds (90cm x 190cm) that will last them through their primary school years. This age group has the widest variety of bed options available, allowing you to choose based on space, interests, and practical needs. Choose fun novelty designs, bunk beds, and cabin beds to space-saving kids’ storage beds.
Most children in this age range fit comfortably in single beds; however, taller children or those seeking extra space may benefit from kids’ small double beds (120cm x 190cm). For tips on creating healthy sleep habits, read our guide on how to get your child to sleep without fuss.

Teen Beds (12+ Years)

Teenager beds cater to the evolving tastes and needs of older children. These beds often feature more sophisticated designs, such as gaming or TV beds in neutral colours, and larger sizes like kids’ double beds.

Novelty Beds

Novelty beds transform bedtime into an adventure. From car beds to princess beds and house beds, these imaginative designs capture children's interests, making their bedroom a place they genuinely want to spend time. These are best suited for children aged 3-8 years with strong interests or themes, and parents who want to create a magical bedroom sanctuary.

Benefits of Novelty Beds:

• Encourages enthusiasm for bedtime
• Creates a personalised and imaginative sleep space
• Often includes exciting features like slides or tents
• Supports imaginative play

Cabin Beds & Mid Sleepers

Cabin beds elevate the mattress off the ground, creating valuable storage or play space underneath. These versatile beds typically stand at mid-height, making them safer than high sleepers whilst still maximising vertical space in your child's room. These are best for children aged 6+ years due to their elevated design, smaller bedrooms requiring clever storage solutions, and families wanting multifunctional furniture.

Benefits of Cabin Beds:

• Storage underneath helps keep rooms tidy
• Some include desks or shelving
• Moderate height suits younger children
• Creates extra floor space for play

Bunk Beds

Bunk beds stack two sleeping spaces vertically, making them ideal for shared bedrooms or maximising space for sleepovers. Available in wooden, metal, and L-shaped configurations, bunk beds come in numerous styles to suit every bedroom. These are best for shared bedrooms, siblings close in age, and families with limited space who need maximum sleeping capacity.

Benefits of Bunk Beds:

• Doubles sleeping capacity without using extra floor space
• Perfect for siblings sharing a room
• Great for sleepovers and visiting family
• Triple bunk beds accommodate three children

For more information on choosing the right bunk bed, explore our bunk bed buying guide.

High Sleepers

High sleepers position the mattress at the highest point, leaving substantial space underneath for desks, seating areas, or storage. These beds transform bedrooms into multifunctional spaces, ideal for older children and teenagers who require a study area alongside their sleeping space.

Benefits of High Sleepers:

• Maximises vertical space in small rooms
• Creates dedicated study or gaming zones underneath
• Feels grown-up and independent
• Ideal for teenagers' changing needs

Storage Beds for Kids

Kids' storage beds incorporate clever storage solutions directly into the bed frame, helping keep bedrooms organised and clutter-free. Options include beds with drawers, ottoman beds, and beds with trundle options. These kids' beds are best for smaller bedrooms, children with lots of toys or clothes, and families wanting streamlined, clutter-free spaces.

Benefits of Storage Beds:

• Eliminates need for additional furniture
• Keeps toys, clothes, and bedding organised
• Maximises usable floor space
• Teaches children tidiness habits

Gaming Beds

Gaming beds combine sleeping space with dedicated gaming zones, typically featuring integrated desks, shelving for consoles, and cable management systems. These purpose-built beds create organised entertainment areas whilst keeping bedrooms tidy. Perfect for young gamers, teens, and children who need combined study and play areas.

Benefits of Gaming Beds:

• Dedicated space for gaming equipment
• Keeps cables and accessories organised
• Combines sleep and entertainment in one unit
• Appeals to gaming enthusiasts

Day Beds & Kids' Sofa Beds

Day beds and kids' sofa beds serve dual purposes as seating during the day and sleeping spaces at night. Perfect for guest rooms, playrooms, or bedrooms where space is limited, these versatile pieces adapt to your family's changing needs. Great for guest rooms, playrooms and occasional sleepovers.

Benefits of Day Beds & Sofa Beds:

• Multi-functional design maximises space
• Perfect for unexpected guests
• Creates comfortable daytime seating
• Ideal for smaller rooms or studios

Beds with Desks

Beds with desks integrate study areas directly underneath elevated sleeping spaces, creating efficient workstations perfect for homework, creative projects, or hobbies. These space-saving designs keep everything your child needs within easy reach. Ideal for school-age children, teenagers, and kids seeking a dedicated study space.

Benefits of Beds with Desks:

• Complete sleep and study solution
• Saves valuable floor space
• Encourages good homework habits
• Grows with your child's academic needs

Kids' Bed Sizes

Understanding standard kids' bed sizes helps you choose the right one for your space and your child's needs.

Choosing the Right Size

• Consider your child's current height and growth trajectory
• Measure the bedroom to ensure adequate clearance around the bed
• Think about how long you want the bed to last
• Account for any special features like storage or desks

For comprehensive sizing information, visit our UK bed sizes and mattress size guide, or read our article on choosing the right bed size for your child.

Are Kids Beds Durable?

Yes, kids' beds are built to withstand the rigours of childhood. At Bed Kingdom, we construct our children's beds using robust materials, including solid wood, sturdy MDF, and strong metal tubing, ensuring they remain stable and safe throughout your child's formative years.

What Makes Kids' Beds Durable?

• Solid Wood Construction: Natural wood, like pine, offers excellent strength and longevity. Our wooden children's beds are built to last.
• Quality MDF: Engineered wood provides stability and durability whilst keeping costs reasonable.
• Reinforced Metal Frames: Metal beds feature robust tubing with secure joints that handle daily use.
• Safety-Tested Fixings: All hardware is tested to meet UK safety standards.

Most quality kids' beds last 8-10 years or more with proper care, easily accommodating your child from early childhood through their teenage years. Regular maintenance, like tightening screws and checking for wear, ensures maximum lifespan.

Kids' Beds Safety Features

Safety remains our top priority when designing and selecting children's beds. Here are the essential safety features to look for:

• Guard Rails: Elevated beds feature protective rails that prevent falls during sleep. UK safety standards require rails on all sides where there's a drop.
• Rounded Edges: Sharp corners pose injury risks, especially in children's rooms. Quality beds feature rounded external fixings and smooth edges throughout.
• Sturdy Construction: Beds must withstand jumping, climbing, and general play. We use robust materials and secure joints that maintain stability over years of use.
• Non-Toxic Finishes: All paints, stains, and finishes meet UK safety standards, ensuring no harmful chemicals come into contact with your child.
• Ladder Safety: Beds with ladders feature wide, stable rungs with secure attachment points. Some include glow-in-the-dark grips for safe nighttime access.
• Age-Appropriate Design: We clearly mark age recommendations for each bed. Top bunks, high sleepers, and mid sleepers are suitable only for children aged 6 and above.
• Weight Limits: Each bed carries a specified weight capacity. Following these guidelines ensures structural integrity and safety.
• Gap Specifications: Spacing between rails and slats follows strict UK standards to prevent entrapment hazards.

Styling a Kids' Bed

Creating a bedroom your child loves involves more than just choosing a bed. Here's how to style their space beautifully:

• Colour Coordination: We offer kids' beds in popular colours, including white, grey, black, blue, and pink. Choose a base colour that grows with changing tastes, allowing accessories to provide pops of personality.
• Material Choices: choose from natural woods, soft fabrics, or industrial metal.
• Bedding Selection: Quality kids' bed linen transforms the entire look. Choose patterns and colours your child loves, knowing these are easily updated as tastes change.
• Furniture Ranges: For coordinated looks, explore our kids' furniture range featuring matching pieces.

Do Kids' Beds Come with a Mattress?

Every Bed Kingdom kids' bed offers the option to add a quality mattress at checkout, often at a discounted bundle price. We recommend pairing your bed with one of our specially designed kids' mattresses. Choose memory foam for soft comfort, spring for targeted support, or hybrid for the best of both worlds. Protect your child's health and extend mattress life with our mattress protectors, often available at a discount when purchased with your bed.

For detailed guidance on choosing the perfect mattress, read our mattress buying guide.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Kids' Bed?

Browse our complete collection of children's beds to discover hundreds of options in every style, size, and price point. Whether you're furnishing a nursery, updating a toddler's room, or creating a teenager's sanctuary, we have the perfect bed waiting.

Need assistance choosing the right bed? Our knowledgeable team is ready to help. Call us on 01924 950108, fill out our contact form, or visit our West Yorkshire showroom to see our beds in person. For quick answers, check our FAQ page