Skip to Content

How Tall Should Ceilings be for Bunk Beds? (Answered)

The new obsession of the interior is perhaps the bunk beds. The traditional design of attaching two beds together has returned yet again. The designs of the bed are fun and funky. Who wouldn’t want one right?

How tall should ceilings be for bunk beds?

To set up a bunk bed the length of the ceiling should be taller than the traditional ceilings. In order to maintain a 33 to 36 inches of comfortable space the ceiling and the bed you should have the ceiling about four inches more height wise. The ceiling should be about 100 Inches for the bed.

Traditional ceilings are about 8 foot. But for a bunk bed the ceiling should be four inches taller than the normal height. 100 inches should be appropriate to set a bunk bed. This leaves enough space between the mattress of the bed and the ceiling.

What is the standard ceiling height for a bunk bed?

It is important to measure the size and height of both the ceiling and the bunk bed before setting the bed up. There should be a gap between the ceiling and the mattress of the top bed. Otherwise, it might get uncomfortable or even impossible to get on the top bed.

The standard gap between the top bed mattress and the ceiling is 33 inches to 36 inches. By that calculation the ceiling should be around 100 inches tall. This way there will be a gap of four inches between the mattress and the actual ceiling.

DHP Full over Full Bunk Bed for Kids, Metal Frame with Ladder (Black)

What is the minimum ceiling height for bunk beds?

There should be a gap of at least 33 inches from the ceiling and the top bed mattress when it comes to setting up a bunk bed. This way it will be comfortable to get on and get off the bed. The minimum height of the ceiling should be 100 inches to avoid any problems.

The average ceiling is around 8 foot. Which is okay for a normal bed. But with the bunk bed, the height of the ceiling should be around 4 inches more than the average height. A ceiling of around 100 inches at least should be good for a bunk bed.

How much headroom do you need for a bunk bed?

The general suggestion about headroom is to keep about 36 inches from the mattress of the bed to the ceiling. For a bunk bed, at least 33 inches of headroom should be allowed. This measurement is from the mattress of the top bed to the surface of the ceiling.

33 to 36 inches should be allowed for a comfortable bedding system when setting up a bunk bed. This is to make sure a person can get on and get out of the bed without their head touching the ceiling. It also makes the bed more comfortable to sleep on.

Dorel Living Brady Solid Wood Bunk Beds with Ladder and Guard Rail, Twin Over Full, Graphite

6 things to consider before buying bunk beds

When buying any furniture many things come into consideration. Other than how the piece will look there are many other factors to keep in mind. While the price is a common factor, there are a few things you should make sure that fits well-

The room:

Make sure the design of the bed goes with the overall look of the room. A bunk bed will take up a lot of space. Make sure the room is spacious enough to complement the bed.

The positions of the windows should be taken into account. Try not block them and any other important parts of the room.

The person:

This means to consider the person, or more accurately, the people using the bed. The number of people aiming to use the bed should be kept in mind. Though the general bunk bed is comfortable for 2 people easily, some beds are okay and comfortable for 4 people as well.

Size and accommodation:

Bunk beds have their own set of measurements. Make sure you get the size of the bed and the space of the room before getting a bunk bed. The overall spacing and positions of the other furniture should also be considered and measured.

Harper & Bright Designs Bunk Beds Twin Over Twin Size, Solid Wood Bunk Bed with Trundle for Kids and Toddler (Grey Bunk Beds with Trundle)

Ceiling size:

One of the most crucial things to consider is the height of the ceiling. The bunk bed requires more headroom because of the two attached beds. This is why you should consider the measurements again.

Usually, the ceiling with 100 inches should be good enough for the attachment of a bunk bed. Just make sure to keep the headroom around 33 to 36 inches.

Design:

The design of the bed matters for the people using it. The design of the bed can make or break the overall interior design of the room. And you will have many designs. If it’s for the kids try to keep it a bit fun.

Other furniture:

There will obviously be other pieces of furniture in the bedroom. If you buy the other furniture after the bed then the designs will match. But if the bed is the last to arrive in the room then consider the designs and matching of the other pieces with the bunk bed as well.

These are a few things you should definitely consider before getting a bunk bed. It is not always about the price or the design. As it is a permanent and essential piece of furniture, you should give the other factor a second thought.

What bunk beds are good for low ceilings?

When getting bunk beds size and measurements matter the most. Especially for low ceiling rooms. There are many types of bunk beds. It is best to know the measurements and get a bed. For the standard bunk bed, the height of the ceiling should 100 inches;

  • The high height bunk beds are more like queen size bunks. These beds are great for 8 foot ceilings;
  • Medium height bunk beds are great for 96 inches ceilings, which is the average 8 foot ceiling height;
  • The Low bunk bed is, as the name suggests, shorter than the average bunk bed. This bed fits well with the standard ceiling height, 8 feet, and even less.

Max & Lily Low Bunk Bed, Twin, White

These are the standard bunk beds which can be used for low ceilings. The average ceiling height is about 8 inches, which is considered low in terms of bunk beds. But the mentioned bunk beds will adjust fine.

How to build a bunk bed for low ceilings?

If you have the right tools and the right measurements along with experience you can build your very own bunk bed. As for the bunk beds for low ceiling, with the right guidelines things won’t seem that complicated-

  • Pick the design and get your detailed blueprints ready.
  • Start measuring from the ceiling down to set the top bunk and the bottom bunk in the right alignment.
  • For the 8 foot ceiling build a frame from 2-by and cut three inches off the ledger. Keep the thickness of one and a half inches.
  • Fasten the ledger with the studs. Use 3 inches deck screws for each stud.
  • Use temporary posts as you start to place the posts. Start from left to right. Finish it off with the center.
  • Square up the box and attach the 2×2 cleat inside the mattress box
  • Install the mattress platform.
  • Attach the safety ladder, The top of the ladder should be screwed at the top of the frame

Walker Edison Alexander Classic Solid Wood Stackable Jr Twin over Twin Bunk Bed, Twin over Twin, Grey

With these simple steps you can have your own bunk bed. Make sure to adjust the measurements when you build a bunk bed for a high ceiling room.

Can you do bunk beds with 8 foot ceilings?

On the contrary to popular belief, a bunk bed can fit perfectly with 8 foot ceilings. With mid lofts or low bunks, the top bed will be comfortable enough to sleep on.

For a lower ceiling try to keep the headroom around 24 inches or 2 feet for safety issues. With this headroom over and above the top bed mattress your bunk bed should not be a problem in an 8 foot ceiling.

Are 10 foot ceilings too high for a bunk bed?

A 10 foot ceiling is actually good enough for a bunk bed. Though it does depend on the height of the bunk bed, especially the mattress of the top bed. But a ceiling 10 foot tall should not be a problem for the standard bunk bed.

Usually the headroom above the bed should be around 33 inches at least. And for the bunk bed, the height of the ceiling should be 100 inches. But a 10 foot ceiling should be good for the bunk bed as well. It will not be too high.

Bunk beds are cool and fun beds with a variety of designs. Picking the right bunk bed for your room should not be a difficult job. Just make sure the measurements are considered with utmost accuracy.