With race cars, tents and princess-style four-poster beds, there’s a temptation for fantasy when it comes to choosing for kids. We all knew someone with an enviable bed when growing up.
To get the most for your money, aim for something fun but practical, with added storage or flexibility to change as your family grows. Usually mattresses aren’t included so you’ll have to factor that cost in, as well as choosing the right size: there are different standards for the UK than Europe.
1. Dreams Piper Midsleeper Bed: £149, Dreams
One for kids 6 years and up, this space-saving single bed from Dreams is made in metal with a cream finish. Rounded edges minimise the chance of scrapes, and the elevated design means there’s room for storage or play underneath. It’s quick and easy to assemble, and the height of 131cm isn’t too intimidating for little ones. A maximum mattress depth of 15cm is recommended.
2. The Children’s furniture Company Georgia 4-poster bed: £399, The Children’s Furniture Company
A four-poster bed is what every little princess dreams of. This one is classic in style, and allows you to add your choice of hanging fabric – much easier than changing the whole bed when your girl has grown out of loving Frozen. The posts are detachable, there’s the option to add a trundle bed underneath, and the beechwood construction is very durable.
3. Ikea Busunge Extendable Bed: £130, Ikea
This simple but useful bed can be extended between 138cm and 208cm in length as your child grows. The slats are solid pine which is good for support, and a high headboard with safe rounded edges gives a feeling of protection for those cosy bed-time story moments. The bed comes in dark blue or baby pink and it suits kids 4 years and up.
4. De Eekhoorn Kids Teepee Cabin Bed: £345, Cuckooland
This tent-style bed is ideal for little ones who love adventure. The pine frame contrasts with white MDF “awnings” that have look-out holes at either end and a large opening to climb into. Under the bed, there’s space for an extra mattress. This cabin bed takes a continental size mattress (90x200cm). Two people are required for assembly.
5. Oeuf Classic Toddler Bed: £513, Huggle
If you care about materials, this luxurious kids’ bed by Oeuf is an expensive but well considered design. The birch and plywood base have been sustainably sourced, and all the finishes are non-toxic. The guard rail around the bed makes it suitable for toddlers and kids up to the age of 6. It’s easy for one person to assemble, unlike many on the list.
6. Habitat Pongo Detachable Bunk Bed: £495, Habitat
Habitat’s bunk bed transforms into two singles, which is a flexible solution that can grow with your family. The design of the bed is kept simple, with smooth edges finished in white lacquer. A ladder can be fitted on either side of the bed, and there’s space underneath the bottom bunk for storage. The bunk bed requires two continental size mattresses (90x200cm).
7. Kidspace Milo Mid Sleeper bed: From £191, Very
Great for small bedrooms, the Kidspace Milo bed comes with options to pack a lot into its design. Instead of a stepladder, the steps up to the bed have integrated drawers; a pull-out desk and extra drawers can be added on. There’s a choice of a blue or pink finish and a standard or premium mattress. Assembly isn’t the easiest, but Very offers a service for this. The bed isn’t suitable for kids under 6.
8. Mothercare HelloHome StarBright Toddler Bed: £149.99, Mothercare
Inspired by the night’s sky, this toddler bed from Mothercare is designed for transitioning your child from cot to bed. There’s an inbuilt night light that projects stars onto the wall, and a cloud-shaped headboard with guard rails and side table. It takes a toddler size mattress (140 x 69cm) and is suitable for children between 18 months and 3 years.
9. Oliver Furniture Seaside Bed: £609, ,Mini Objects of Desire
The Seaside bed from Oliver Furniture is a full size bed, designed for an older child. It’s made in Denmark from birchwood with a white lacquered finish. There’s options to add a trundle bed or storage drawer underneath and the guard rail is detachable for use as a guest bed. This bed is made to order and delivery takes three weeks.
10. Next Evie metal bed: £199, Next
This antique-style bed from Next is bound to bring out the inner princess. The traditional metal bed is given a feminine twist with curved lines and crystal bauble details to the head and foot ends for a touch of glamour. The Evie bed has a white-coloured metal frame and takes a standard single mattress. It requires self-assembly.
The Verdict: Kids’ beds
The Piper bed from Dreams is a good value, sturdy option for older kids that’s easy to assemble. It's made from tough metal, but has rounded edges that are child-friendly. The storage space underneath makes it a good buy for rooms where space is tight.
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