Living with Hostel Bunk Beds Long-Term?

Hey everyone,

I’ve been hopping between hostels for a while now, and one thing that always stands out is the furniture, especially the bunk beds. Some are solid and surprisingly comfy, while others feel like they might collapse if you even breathe too hard near them 😅

Lately, I’ve been wondering if this kind of setup could actually work for long-term living. Not just for a few nights, but as a full-time arrangement like in a co-living space or a really compact apartment.

I’ve seen a few hostels that nailed it: thick mattresses, built-in storage, privacy curtains, even reading lights and outlets built into the bed frame. It made me think... with the right setup, maybe it’s not so different from a minimalist bedroom. But then again, a lot of places still go with the wobbly metal bunks and wafer-thin mattresses that make you question all your life choices.

I’m kind of fascinated by the idea of using this kind of furniture full-time, mainly for the simplicity and space-saving. Just not sure if the comfort is really there unless it’s done right.

Has anyone else thought about this or even tried something similar?

My parents bought bunk beds for me when I was a kid and they could also be used as twins. This was in the mid 1940s, so before IKEA. They were limed oak. Those beds stayed in my room up until 2007 when my mother died. When Bob and I were home, we put them together and turned the mattresses sideways and made a King size bed out of them. I still have them in my house

When I started having kids I bought bunk beds from Sears - they could be bunk beds, twin beds or one of them could slide under a twin bed as a trundle bed. This was c 1965. When I brought my childhood set down, I sold the Sears set because it wasn't as good quality, but they were perfectly OK for children.

I (UK) also bought bunk beds for my children. Solid wood, full single bed size. As they got older we separated the beds out and they used them until they left home.

I see no reason why solidly-built, properly-sized bunk beds shouldn't be used for adults when space is needed. Well-built beds with decent mattresses. UK prisons use them (2-tier max) and some of those guys are pretty big! :-)

Quoting greatgrandmaR

My parents bought bunk beds for me when I was a kid and they could also be used as twins. This was in the mid 1940s, so before IKEA. They were limed oak. Those beds stayed in my room up until 2007 when my mother died. When Bob and I were home, we put them together and turned the mattresses sideways and made a King size bed out of them. I still have them in my house

When I started having kids I bought bunk beds from Sears - they could be bunk beds, twin beds or one of them could slide under a twin bed as a trundle bed. This was c 1965. When I brought my childhood set down, I sold the Sears set because it wasn't as good quality, but they were perfectly OK for children.

Wow, that’s such a cool bit of history, thanks for sharing! It’s kind of wild how furniture from decades ago was built with that much versatility and durability. Being able to convert them into twins or even a king is seriously smart design.

Makes me think that maybe we’ve gone backwards a bit when it comes to hostel furniture. So many modern bunks feel like they’re barely holding together, while yours clearly stood the test of time! Definitely gives me hope that with the right setup, bunk beds can work for adults long-term.

Quoting leics2

I (UK) also bought bunk beds for my children. Solid wood, full single bed size. As they got older we separated the beds out and they used them until they left home.

I see no reason why solidly-built, properly-sized bunk beds shouldn't be used for adults when space is needed. Well-built beds with decent mattresses. UK prisons use them (2-tier max) and some of those guys are pretty big! :-)

That’s a great point, and honestly, you're right! If bunk beds are good enough for grown adults in tough environments like prisons, they can definitely work in regular living situations too 😄

Solid wood and proper sizing really do make all the difference. It’s encouraging to hear how your kids used theirs for years, separated or stacked. I feel like with decent materials and a mattress that doesn’t feel like a yoga mat, bunk-style living could actually be super practical, especially for small apartments or co-living setups.

Appreciate the insight, it gives me a bit more confidence that this idea isn't totally out there!
By the way, do you happen to remember what brand you bought, or have you come across any solid bunk bed makers in the UK lately?
I'm on the lookout for ones that are built to last and adult-friendly.

>do you happen to remember what brand you bought, or have you come across any solid bunk bed makers in the UK lately?

Don't remember the brand (it was a long time ago!) but they weren't particularly expensive. If you google 'bunk beds separate singles uk' you'll find loads of UK suppliers.

Quoting leics2

>do you happen to remember what brand you bought, or have you come across any solid bunk bed makers in the UK lately?

Don't remember the brand (it was a long time ago!) but they weren't particularly expensive. If you google 'bunk beds separate singles uk' you'll find loads of UK suppliers.

I came across a retailer called -snip-. They have a really good variety of detachable bunk beds. I actually found one I really like and am planning to make a purchase in the next day or two. Have you heard of them?

Moderator comment: please see Forum Rules. Please keep this discussion on the general topic rather than promoting specific companies.

[ Edit: Sorry, no promos please. Link to Forum Rules added. ]

A lot of colleges have beds for students which have the desk study area underneath. Called Loft beds. Some students are pretty large and they can be hard on the furniture.

Assuming the question is genuine (and I doubt that it is but what the heck):

All of the dorm rooms at the university I attended had bunk beds, as did a 3-bedroom apartment I later shared with 5 other women, as did a 1-bedroom apt. my husband shared with a friend.

My parents bought them for a room my sister and I shared in a small house when we were young, and later separated them for single-bed arrangements in larger homes with separate bedrooms.

So yes, they are good space-savers when there's no disagreement over who gets bottom versus top bunk: one of my assigned roommates was quite obese so there was no question who had to take the top! You do have to be cautious of the construction so you don't end up with wobbly frames, or insufficient slats causing mattress sag. Some have brackets that can attach to a wall for greater stability.

The top bunks are generally not recommended for very young children, and some have weight limits. Mattresses are generally not sold with the frames; you have to buy them separately.

[ Edit: Edited on 2 Jul 2025, 14:42 GMT by goodfish ]

My 2nd daughter put her baby sister on a top bunk in temporary quarters on the base. When I told her to take her sister down, she just pulled the bed away from the wall a little bit and let her sister fall down behind the bed. She wasn't hurt, but that wasn't what I meant.