Our High Sleeper Bed Buying Guide

What is a High Sleeper or Loft bed, and why are they so good at saving space in a child’s bedroom?

A High Sleeper bed is a single bed that is raised on supports high enough to allow the use of the floor area below for various purposes.  

A High Sleeper bed or Loft bed may look very similar to a Bunk bed except it does not have a bottom bed.

If you need to maximise space in your child’s bedroom, but you don’t need two beds in the room then a High Sleeper bed may be the perfect option for you.

High Sleeper beds are without a doubt, one of the most practical solutions for the child who needs their bedroom to be more than just a place to sleep.

Why choose a High Sleeper bed?

The difference between a High Sleeper bed and a Bunk bed, is all the nifty extras you can get to slot neatly underneath the top bunk.

High Sleeper beds are the ideal space saving solution for those who’d like a bed that also functions as a living space underneath. They provide storage, play space and desk options, along with potential sleepover space.

Sometimes these pieces may be fixed, but more commonly they’re moveable and interchangeable. 

With just the footprint of a full size single bed, opting for a High Sleeper bed means that the rest of their room can be used for play!

Our top tips on choosing a High Sleeper bed

• ROCK SOLID – Selecting a high quality High Sleeper/Loft bed with a sturdy frame made from hard woods (responsibly sourced of course) means that it will be more likely to stand the test of time, so it’s always a good idea to check what materials the High Sleeper bed is made from.

• SAFETY – The safety standards for High Sleeper beds are some of the most rigorous around and unfortunately a lot of claims are made about beds meeting the standards when they probably do not. We’d always advise asking about safety testing when it comes to the product that you are looking to buy. Asking where it has been made, whether it has been tested, and even who designed it, will equip you with lots of the knowledge you need to make an informed choice for the safety of your child.

Special tip – you will probably need a special, thinner mattress for the Loft bed. If you use a thick mattress then it means the “guard rails” that are there to stop the child rolling out of the bed will not be as effective or worse still, might become redundant.  So-called “high bed” mattresses are normally about 15cm thick.

We recommend High Sleeper/Loft beds for ages 6+ which is as stated in the safety standards. As parents you will know your child best and whether or not they will feel safe and comfortable tucked up in the top. 

• CEILING HEIGHT – Be sure to measure the height of your ceilings. If your ceilings are too low, then your child won’t be able to move without risking banging their head on the ceiling. Your child’s height is also an essential factor when making your choice. As they grow, they may find they can no longer sit up.

• PRACTICALITY – What do you need their bed to do? Make a wish list. Work out what you need for your child’s room and prioritise it. People more often than not, buy High Sleeper beds because of their space saving nature, so make sure you know what to do with all that room! Do they need a desk to create a special study station? Perhaps some storage for lots of toys, books and homework essentials? Or maybe a pull-out futon or sofa bed if an extra bed for overnight guests is required?

Hand-picked, smart-looking, high quality beds that are cleverly designed, functional and extra safe are what we at Nest are known for and what we’re really rather proud of.

Our Reece High Sleeper Bed is the benchmark for good looking High Sleeper/Loft beds, where usefulness, design and durability are expertly crafted together.

The Reece High Sleeper Bed is a modern design, built with kids’ busy lives in mind. It has space for sleeping, homework, and storing – all in a compact design. The top-grade engineered wood is finished in a light gray wood-grain tone, and its kid-friendly durability resists scratches, dents, and stains. A built-in desk, ample shelving, and a wardrobe with a sliding door plus clothes rail comprise the lower level, whilst above, the Loft bed features a built-in ladder and front panel with additional shelf. 

Designed and made by one of France’s leading furniture manufacturers. Considering their 90-year presence in the furniture market, it doesn’t take a leap of faith to put your confidence in this earth-friendly (Green Way accredited), attractive product with smart design features. Exclusive to Nest in South Africa.

And for those who like the best of both – a futon on which to lounge, as well as a roomy corner desk for studying stints, then we think our Skyler High Sleeper Bed with Sofa Bed ticks all the right boxes.

The Skylar High Sleeper Bed with Sofa Bed incorporates a practical sleepover bed which can be positioned on either the left or right side. The chair bed folds up to provide comfortable seating during the day, transforming into a comfortable pull-out bed at night – perfect for having their friends to stay. The solid wood slat system allows for easy extension of the bed, and together with the hinged foam cushion set with a black cover, offers a supportive and comfortable sleeping surface.

There is a central ladder with wide ladder rungs for safely climbing up and down. The sleek desk which provides the perfect spot for doing homework, can also be built left or right handed plus there is a handy shelf unit behind the ladder which runs the full width of the bed. The shelf unit features two shelves to provide easy-to-reach storage.

The simple, minimalist style ensures it works well with all bedrooms. This High Sleeper bed is characterised by its high-quality workmanship, stable construction and surrounding safety rails. Exclusive to Nest in South Africa.

And finally, if you are looking for the Rolls-Royce of High Sleeper beds then consider completing your child’s bedroom with this fantastic, 3-in-1 space-saving bed!

Available in White with matching White or contrasting Grey, Blue or Pink trim, the Bentley Compact 3-in-1 Bed includes two full sized extra length adult sized beds, handy underbed storage that can also be used as a third additional bed plus a large pull-out desk with plenty of storage. Your child will remain safe in the top bed thanks to the protective rails. This bed is easy to access via an attached ladder, which can be mounted on either the right or left side of the bed. There is also a dip at either end of the bed to assist entry.

Underneath the spacious pull-out work surface, the second bed moves smoothly in and out on roller guides. Under the second bed the large under-bed trundle on castors with a continuous lower plate, can be used both as storage space, or a third bed for fun sleepovers.

This High Sleeper bed, certainly offers everything your growing child or teenager might want in a bedroom! Exclusive to Nest in South Africa.

If you’d love to know more about the benefits of our High Sleeper beds, then give us a call on 082 747 5443 or drop us an email and speak first hand with one of our team members…we’d love to help!