The Best Triple Bunk Bed Solutions for Holiday Homes

Vacation homes are all about making memories — but when it comes to accommodating multiple guests comfortably, practicality matters. Whether you’re hosting two families under one roof or need a quick-swap layout for changing guest types, triple bunk beds offer a clever solution.

Designed to fit three sleepers into the footprint of one bed, triple bunks are a natural fit for short-stay properties, family holiday homes, or rental cottages. This guide explores the best triple bunk configurations for vacation spaces, with a focus on real-world function, flexible design, and guest-ready style.

Why Choose Triple Bunk Beds for Vacation Homes?

In vacation homes, space is often limited — especially in shared kids’ rooms or multipurpose guest spaces. Triple bunk beds allow you to increase sleeping capacity without needing additional rooms or floor space. Whether you're hosting a group of friends or several children from different families, the vertical layout keeps the footprint small while still feeling fun and functional.

The benefits of opting for triple bunk beds include:

• Space Efficiency: By stacking beds vertically or using L-shaped designs, triple bunk beds free up floor space for other activities or furniture.
• Cost-Effective: Instead of investing in multiple beds and mattresses, a single triple bunk bed serves three people, often at a lower overall cost.
• Fun Factor: Especially in vacation homes, bunk beds add an element of fun. Kids love the idea of sleeping in bunk beds, and triple bunks take that excitement to the next level.
• Versatility: Triple bunk beds come in various designs that can fit different room sizes and styles, from traditional wood frames to sleek, modern designs.

Types of Triple Bunk Beds

Triple bunk beds come in several configurations, each suited to different spaces and needs. Here are some of the most popular types:

Classic Triple Stack

The classic triple stack bunk bed is the most straightforward design, with three beds stacked directly on top of one another. This design is the most space-efficient, requiring only the floor space of a single bed. However, it does require a room with a high ceiling, as the top bunk will be quite elevated.

Pros:

• • Maximum space efficiency.
  • Ideal for rooms with high ceilings.
  • Simple, traditional look that can fit various décor styles.

Cons:

• • The top bunk can be very high off the ground, which may not be suitable for younger children.
  • Limited headroom between bunks.

Best For: Best for high-ceiling seaside lets or loft conversions in rural holiday cottages.

L-Shaped Triple Bunk

The L-shaped triple bunk bed is a versatile option that combines two beds stacked in the traditional bunk style with a third bed perpendicular to the others, forming an "L" shape. This configuration often includes additional features like storage drawers or a small desk.

Pros:

• • Provides more headroom between bunks.
  • Often includes extra features like storage or workspaces.
  • The lower bed can sometimes be a full-size bed, providing more sleeping space.

Cons:

• • Requires more floor space than the classic stack.
  • Can be more expensive due to the added features and complexity.

Best For: Ideal for children’s rooms in family-friendly rentals

Triple bunk beds are especially useful in vacation homes shared by multiple children — cousins, siblings, or friends staying together. If you’re planning for shared rooms and want to avoid squabbles or sleepless nights, our blog on how to make room sharing work for your kids is full of practical tips for creating peaceful, well-organised shared spaces with bunk beds at the centre.

Triple Loft with Trundle

A triple loft bed features two beds stacked in a bunk bed style, with a third bed placed underneath in a trundle-style drawer. This design is great for saving space while keeping the room looking open and airy.

Pros:

• • The trundle bed can be tucked away when not in use, freeing up space.
  • Offers flexibility in sleeping arrangements—can accommodate extra guests when needed.
  • Lower profile, making it easier for younger children to access.

Cons:

• • Requires pulling out the trundle bed, which can limit floor space when in use.
  • Less headroom on the lower bunks.

Best For: Perfect for flexible guest setups in Airbnb or short-term holiday stays.

Corner Triple Bunk Bed

A corner triple bunk bed features two beds in a traditional bunk bed arrangement and a third bed extending out from the bottom bunk at a 90-degree angle. This design is excellent for corner spaces and often includes built-in shelves or storage.

Pros:

• • Makes good use of corner spaces.
  • Built-in storage or shelves can reduce the need for extra furniture.
  • Offers a unique and stylish design.

Cons:

• • Takes up more floor space than other designs.
  • More complex to assemble and may require a custom fit.

Best For: Ideal for guest rooms with awkward corners or spaces that would otherwise go unused.

 Triple Bunk Bed with Stairs

This design features a triple bunk with a staircase rather than a ladder, making it easier and safer to access the upper bunks. The stairs often double as storage drawers, adding to the functionality of the bed.

Pros:

• • Safer and easier access to the top bunks.
  • The stairs provide additional storage.
  • Sturdier and more stable than ladder-accessed bunks.

Cons:

• • Requires more floor space due to the staircase.
  • Typically more expensive due to the added materials and design complexity.

Best For: Best in vacation homes where safety is a priority. The added storage is also a bonus for keeping rooms tidy and great for guests.

Single Over Double Bunk Bed

A single over double bunk bed features a single bed stacked on top of a UK standard double bed, making it a versatile option for vacation homes. This configuration provides more sleeping space on the bottom bunk, which can comfortably accommodate two people, while the top bunk remains suitable for one person.

Pros:

• • Increased Sleeping Capacity: The bottom double bed can sleep two people, making this configuration ideal for families with kids who might want to share a bed or for couples.
  • Space-Efficient: While it offers more sleeping space, it still maintains a compact footprint similar to a standard bunk bed.
  • Versatility: The different bed sizes cater to a wider range of guests, from children to adults.

Cons:

• • Uneven Occupancy: The top bunk can only sleep one person, which may lead to uneven usage if you're trying to maximize the number of guests.
  • Heavier Bottom Bed: The larger bottom bed can make it more challenging to rearrange the room if needed, and it might also limit the storage space underneath.
  • Height Difference: There is typically more height between the top and bottom bunk, which could make the top bunk feel more elevated and potentially less secure for younger children.

Best For: It's particularly well-suited for guest space where families with children who might want to share the bottom bed. Or mixed ages are sharing the one room. 

Safety Considerations

In rental properties or holiday lets, guests won’t always be familiar with the furniture layout. That’s why it’s essential to choose a bunk bed with clear access, visible guardrails, and easy-to-use ladders or stairs. Always check weight limits and positioning to minimise risk — especially with visiting children or multi-generational groups.

• Sturdy Construction: Choose bunk beds made from solid materials like hardwood or reinforced metal. Look for products that meet UK safety standards — especially important in rental environments where usage varies.
• Guardrails: Ensure both top and middle bunks have secure guardrails on all sides. Gaps should be minimal to prevent falls, particularly with visiting children.
• Weight Limits: Always follow the manufacturer’s weight guidance. In family rentals, beds should be suitable for a range of guest ages and sizes.
• Safe Access: Stairs offer safer, easier access than ladders — especially in unfamiliar environments. If using a ladder, it should be wide, fixed securely, and have non-slip steps.
• Mattress Fit: Mattresses should fit snugly to avoid gaps that could cause entrapment. Avoid overly thick mattresses on upper bunks that could compromise guardrail safety.
• Room Positioning: Place beds away from windows, ceiling fans, and light fixtures. Allow space around the bed for guests to move safely and comfortably.

Choosing the Right Look and Build for a Holiday Home

In a vacation property, beds need to do more than look good — they need to hold up to frequent use, fit the space, and match your interior theme. Luckily, triple bunk beds come in a variety of materials and finishes to suit both aesthetic and practical needs.

• Wooden frames are ideal for rustic cottages, coastal retreats, or countryside homes. Hardwoods like rubberwood and pine offer durability and warmth, blending effortlessly with natural textures and neutral palettes.
• Metal frames are lightweight, durable, and great for modern or industrial interiors. They’re also easy to clean — a bonus in high-turnover rentals — though they may feel cooler or less cosy than wooden designs.

Whether your vacation home leans laid-back and rustic or sleek and contemporary, triple bunk beds are available in styles to match. Many models also offer customisable colours, built-in storage, or space-saving features like under-bed drawers — perfect for tailoring a room to your guests’ needs.

For a wooden option that suits rustic or traditional interiors, the Kelling Triple Bunk Bed combines solid rubberwood construction with a clean, versatile design — ideal for family-friendly vacation homes where durability and style go hand in hand.

Conclusion

Whether you manage a rental cottage or simply want to fit more guests in your own holiday home, triple bunk beds provide the flexibility and comfort that modern travellers appreciate. From classic stackers to L-shaped bunks with storage, there’s a design to suit every room layout and guest mix.

If you're considering using a triple bunk bed in your own home, not just a holiday space, take a look at our guide to the advantages of triple bunk beds in small rooms. It offers additional inspiration for integrating these beds into everyday interiors with style and purpose.