Do you have a large young family with 3-6 children or do friends and extended family wish to stay regularly? You’re 2-3 boys or girls have an option of an L shaped bunk bed for sleeping on, and some models also have additional features, such as drawers.
Taking up less bedroom space kids would also have a choice of having a seating area if parents purchase that certain design bed model.
An L shaped bunk bed configuration is in the shape of an L for 2 children, with the top bunk lying perpendicular to the bottom bunk at 90% angel. Some designs have an option for two beds above and one below & space for a sofa seating area, desk & storage, although they take up more bedroom floor space.
What is an L shaped bunk bed?
Traditional L shaped bunk beds or one bed above and one below at a 90% right angel perpendicular positioned in an L shape layout with part of the top bunk over the lower bed. Wood & metal model designs you can choose also come with added features such as storage drawers, wardrobe, study desk and seating sofa space.
There are L bunk models on the market that have 2 beds above and one bunk below providing space for 3 kids, teenagers or adults to sleep.
L shaped beds in a bunk layout are fairly popular, although they take up more floor area in a young child or teenager’s bedroom. There a good idea if parents opt for included seating and storage as much of the bedroom furniture is concentrated is one area.
Before purchasing an L shaped bunk check the overall height and add 33-40 inches to get enough room ceiling clearance. Some models don’t covert in 2 free standing beds. An L bunk is a good configuration for children sleeping in a small room, and could be less claustrophobia being more open.
L shaped bunk sized beds and dimensions
Single/twin over twin/single bed L bunk measurements: Height 145.5cm x 113.4cm width x 196.6cm length. Weight capacity each bed around 76.2kg. Recommended mattress size around 90 x 190cm, thickness bottom & top max 16cm.
Gap between bottom & top bunk: 75cm
Top bunk to floor 107cm
Standard L bunk for children, where both bottom & top sleeping berths are the same size.
Single/twin over double/full bed L bunk measurements: Height 80cm 128cm width x 196 cm length. Mattress size required 120cm x 190cm mattress with 16cm thickness
Top bed is single size and bottom is a small double. Good option for 2 girls or boys sharing a room, one teenager and the other younger.
Benefits of L shaped bunk sleeping arrangements
- The top bunk is not directly over the bottom resulting in much more room to move around compared to a traditional bunk.
- Perpendicular bunk bed layouts are good for small rooms as it saves bedroom space.
- Parents can use bunks in a 90% right angle if they have part of the room with a lower ceiling if the bottom bed doesn’t require so much head clearance.
- Good idea if 2-3 boys or girls are sharing a bedroom.
- Provides additional bed spaces for you’re son or daughters friend’s sleepovers or extended family members to sleep on occasionally.
- Distributed weight of an L bunk, and possible additional features results in a sturdier & stabile frame structure with less wobbles and bit less shaking that regular framed bunks.
- Choose an L bunk with twin/single beds or a model with twin/single over full/double bed on the bottom. This is a good option if parents have girls or boys of different ages or one is taller and requires a bigger bed.
- Children and adults will find them comfortable to sleep on, if choosing the right length and width size bed matching they’re body size.
Additional features options for L shaped bunk layout beds
Not all L shaped bunk manufacture models separate into 2 separate beds, although they can come with additional features:
- Sofa seating area.
- Built-in study desk for hobbies, university, college & school homework.
- Possible storage from drawers, shelves, wardrobe and or cupboards under the upper bunk.
- Option for steps or slide included.
What age are l shaped bunks suitable for?
Guideline age for using or sleeping on L bunk beds is 6 years old and above in the UK & USA for top bunks, this is for height safety reasons, and ladder use. Younger children 3-5 years old can use the lower bunk as its low to the ground, around 20cm height.
Parents know they’re sons & daughters best and can decide if a high bunk is suitable at a certain age where children are responsible enough, and aware of the safety issues.
L shaped bunk beds are they safe?
Both traditional designed and L bunk sleeping beds are safe if used responsibly and parents construct them appropriately according to the instructions supplied by the maker. A 6 year old young child or teenage boy or girl will find the beds stable & sturdy for use for 15 years or more when maintained.
Any new bed that’s offered for sale in the UK or sold must meet The Bunk Beds (Entrapment Hazards) (Safety) Regulations 1987, also British Safety Standard number BS EN 747:2012 + A1 2015 for safety construction.
- You as parents require periodically checking the bunks & frames for any defects and regularly tighten bolts & screws to help stop wobbling, making the beds more secure.
- Parents should have bunk bed guidelines what each child follows for safety reasons, especially climbing the ladder and getting off the upper bed.
- Bed bunk lamp installation is a good idea to see in the dark at night when on the top bunk.
- Safety rails must be installed and secure.
- Don’t obstruct the ladder with any item or overload the bed frame with hanging items on it, and only allowing 2 children on the top bunk area.
- The ladder and attached slide requires being checked for defects, and it securely fixed to the bed frame.
- No jumping on the beds or off onto the floor to reduce any possible injuries.
Why are l shaped bunk beds expensive?
An item that is built to safety standard requirements in the UK or USA, such as L bed bunks is going to be more expensive to design & produce. Beds with added features of slide, stairs and storage options means more raw materials, design stage & safety checking costs.
Wooden made bunks in an L shape just like regular style bunk berths are a bit more expensive than metal as wood costs more than metal materials for children’s bed production costs.
Remember, when buying the bed check if it comes with mattress, (usually not) and add in costs for purchase & delivery for 2-3 mattresses on top of the bed price.