How much floor space does a bunk bed need?
A UK single mattress is 90 × 190 cm. The frame is larger, and the ladder, shelves, drawers and a desk add more. Plan the floor from the maker’s overall width and depth, then check the door still opens.
The mattress is the inside, not the footprint
Which? lists a standard UK single at 90 × 190 cm and a small single at 75 × 190 cm. The National Bed Federation’s size table uses the same 90 × 190 cm single. A bunk frame has timber or panel outside that, plus a ladder.
Published examples, all checked on the Amazon listings on 13 November 2026: the Julian Bowen Orion bunk is given as H 172 × W 197 × D 135 cm, so the depth includes shelves rather than a plain 90 cm mattress. The Jupiter midsleeper’s dimensions bullet is H 138 × W 196 × D 135 cm, desk included. The Ocean high sleeper is H 178.5 × W 98.5 × D 196 cm, a long narrow footprint with the desk in that length.
Ladder, drawers and the door
A ladder or stair needs a standing space at the bottom. A pull-out drawer needs the same depth again in front of it while it is open, even if it is closed the rest of the day. A door that opens into the room can hit the frame or the ladder.
The calculator uses planning allowances for a plain frame (a standard bunk allowance is 200 × 105 cm plus 40 cm for a ladder). Those allowances are not the Orion or the Jupiter. If you already have the maker’s width, depth and which side the ladder is on, type those in and ignore the allowance.
Which way to turn it
Try the length along each wall. A 197 cm Orion-style frame will not go on a 190 cm wall, even if the mattress is called a single. Leave a margin you can walk. The calculator calls under 30 cm of spare “tight”, because a ladder and a person need more than a coat of paint.
Published examples
Julian Bowen Orion bunk
A stacked single bunk with shelves and a pull-out drawer. A shared room that can take a frame about 172 cm tall, for a child who is allowed on the upper bed.
- The listing’s dimensions line says H 172 × W 197 × D 135 cm, net weight 122 kg.
- Suitable mattress size stated on the listing: 90 × 190 cm UK single. Mattresses sold separately.
- A second dimensions row on the same listing says 196.7 × 135.5 × 171.5 cm. Use the maker’s sheet if those two rows matter to the fit.
We haven’t tested this product. Dimensions and limits are as the maker’s listing states them (checked 13 November 2026).
Julian Bowen Jupiter midsleeper
A mid sleeper with a pull-out desk, shelves and drawers, lower than a full bunk. A room that needs a desk underneath and has less ceiling height than a standard bunk.
- The listing’s dimensions bullet says H 138 × W 196 × D 135 cm, net weight 126.5 kg, mattress 90 × 190 cm.
- The same listing says the top of the mattress must be at least 16 cm below the lowest part of the guardrail, and that the maximum mattress height is 18 cm.
- A product-dimensions row on the listing shows 53.1 × 77.2 × 54.3 cm, which is not a bed. Ignore that row and use the maker’s sheet.
We haven’t tested this product. Dimensions and limits are as the maker’s listing states them (checked 13 November 2026).
Julian Bowen Ocean high sleeper
A high sleeper with a corner desk, a drawer, shelves and a one-door wardrobe. One older child or teenager who needs a desk in the same footprint as the bed.
- The listing says H 178.5 × W 98.5 × D 196 cm, item weight 143 kg, model OCE001.
- Mattress sold separately. The listing describes it as a 90 cm / 3 ft kids’ and teenagers’ bed and does not state a user weight limit.
- The listing says to use the ladder and not to jump or climb on from the floor.
We haven’t tested this product. Dimensions and limits are as the maker’s listing states them (checked 13 November 2026).
Questions people ask
Is 100 × 200 cm enough floor?
Only for a plain frame with no ladder sticking out and no drawer to open. Real listings above are wider than the mattress once shelves or a desk are included.
Do I include the ladder in the width?
Yes, on the side it occupies. If the listing gives an overall size, that number may already include it. Do not add it twice.
Sources
Opened 13 November 2026. The maker’s sheet and the mark on the bed take precedence.
- UK bed sizes: bed and mattress size guide — Which?
- Introduction to Beds — typical UK bed sizes — National Bed Federation