High Sleeper Beds with Curtains for Privacy and Sleep
High sleeper beds with curtains give children a raised sleeping platform where curtains or drapes can be drawn to form a private, cosy den that helps them settle at night. These designs combine extra floor space underneath with the option to add soft furnishings for light-blocking and comfort, making them popular for shared rooms or smaller bedrooms in UK homes.
Why Choose a High Sleeper with Curtains?
A high sleeper lifts the mattress from the floor, freeing the area below for a desk, storage or play space. Adding curtains turns the bed into an enclosed cocoon that reduces visual distractions and creates a defined sleep zone. This is especially useful for children who find it hard to switch off or share a room. Curtains also soften the look of the wooden or metal frame and improve the room’s acoustics at bedtime.
Before buying, measure your ceiling height. Most high sleepers need clearance for the bed plus a safe gap above the mattress. Check the exact product page for required room height.
UK Mattress Sizes and High Sleeper Compatibility
High sleepers are most commonly built for single or small single mattresses. Use these exact UK sizes when planning:
| Size | Dimensions | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Small Single | 75x190 cm (2ft6) | Younger children, smaller rooms |
| Single | 90x190 cm (3ft) | Most common for high sleepers |
| Small Double | 120x190 cm (4ft) | Older children or occasional sharing |
Always confirm the bed’s maximum mattress depth on the product page; the top bunk guard rail on any raised design must rise at least 16 cm above the mattress surface to meet UK safety standards. Bunk beds sold in the UK must comply with BS EN 747. Top bunks are not recommended for children under 6.
Curtains and Soft Furnishings for Privacy
Curtains turn an open high sleeper into a private retreat. Look for blackout or heavy-weight fabrics that block light and reduce noise. You can attach rails or tension rods to the bed frame or ceiling. Visit our Soft Furnishings section for suitable curtain panels, tie-backs and voile drapes that work with high sleepers. New arrivals are listed at New Soft Furnishings.
Practical checklist before ordering curtains:
- Measure the exact gap between the mattress platform and the top of the guard rail
- Choose flame-retardant fabrics that meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988
- Fixings must be secure and out of reach of younger siblings
- Ensure curtains cannot tangle around the ladder or stairs
Safety and Practical Considerations
All high sleepers must follow UK fire safety rules for upholstered furniture and mattresses (BS 7177). Guard rails are mandatory on the top level. Choose designs with solid stairs or a staircase rather than ladders if your child is younger or less steady. The Flair Stepaside Staircase High Sleeper Bed with Staircase White offers wide, safe steps and a handrail.
Decision rule: if your child is under 8, select a model with enclosed stairs and a minimum 16 cm guard-rail height above the mattress. Always use the mattress depth stated by the manufacturer.
Many high sleepers also include storage, desks or wardrobes underneath. See the full range at High Sleeper Beds or narrow by colour with White Kids' Beds.
Recommended High Sleeper Designs
The Noomi Kayla High Sleeper Bed White is FSC-certified and provides a clean, simple frame that is easy to dress with curtains for a private feel. Its straightforward design leaves maximum space below for additional soft furnishings.
The Flair Stepaside High Sleeper Bed with Staircase White features solid stairs and a wide platform that works well with curtain rails, creating an enclosed den while keeping access safe.
For children who want both privacy and function, the Flair Coco Gaming High Sleeper with Desk and Wardrobe Oak & White gives a large under-bed area that can be screened off with curtains at night.
Explore more options in Kids' Beds or Wooden Children's Beds.
Pairing with the Right Mattress
Choose a single mattress 90x190 cm (3ft) or small single 75x190 cm (2ft6) to fit most high sleepers. See our full selection at Single Mattresses. Check the exact depth allowed on each bed’s product page before ordering.
General guidance: avoid very thick mattresses on high sleepers as they reduce the guard-rail height. Stick to the manufacturer’s stated maximum depth.
Our picks for this guide
- Noomi Kayla High Sleeper Bed White – Clean FSC-certified frame that is easy to dress with curtains to create a private cosy den.
- Flair Stepaside High Sleeper Bed with Staircase White – Solid staircase access and wide platform ideal for adding curtain rails to form an enclosed sleeping space.
- Flair Coco Gaming High Sleeper with Desk and Wardrobe Oak & White – Generous under-bed area that can be screened with curtains at night while providing daytime workspace.
- Flair Willow High Sleeper with Desk & Storage White & Oak – Storage and desk combination that leaves room below for curtains to create privacy at bedtime.
Frequently asked questions
Can you add curtains to any high sleeper bed?
Most high sleepers can be fitted with curtains if there is sufficient clearance around the frame. Tension rods or screw-in tracks work on wooden models. Always check the product page for exact dimensions and ensure fixings do not compromise guard rails or ladder access. Flame-retardant fabrics are recommended to meet UK regulations.
What age are high sleeper beds with curtains suitable for?
High sleepers with curtains are generally suitable from age 6 upwards, provided the child can safely climb the stairs or ladder. Top bunks and raised beds are not recommended for children under 6. The guard rail must be at least 16 cm above the mattress. Always follow the BS EN 747 standard.
Do curtains affect the safety of a high sleeper?
Curtains must be fitted securely so they cannot be pulled down or create a strangulation risk. Avoid long trailing fabric near ladders. Use only flame-retardant materials that comply with the 1988 Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations. Check that the curtain rail does not reduce the required 16 cm guard-rail height above the mattress.
How much floor space do you gain with a high sleeper?
Exact gain depends on the bed’s footprint and whether it includes integrated storage or a wardrobe. Measure your room carefully before purchase.
Are there high sleepers with curtains already included?
Most high sleepers are sold without curtains so you can choose fabric and style to match the room. A few designs include canopy rails that make fitting curtains straightforward. Browse the soft furnishings range for ready-made panels that suit the bed’s dimensions. Always verify compatibility on the individual product page.