Bunk beds are the one piece of furniture that most children pine for, as long as they get the top bunk bed that is. There is something thrilling about sleeping nearer the ceiling than the floor. And even those stuck with the underneath bed enjoy creating their own little den beneath its roof. 

If you're wondering whether it's time to free up floor area in your kids' room and invest in a bunk, the top bunk is not advised for those under 6-years-old and if you have daring children who love flinging themselves off things hold off even longer. 

Picking a good one is tricky, however. Here are a few points to keep in mind when bunk bed shopping. If every inch counts opt for a model with a ladder that lies flat to the beds, but if your child is known for clumsiness a sloping ladder should be easier to climb. 

If you think that in the long-term you'd like your children to have separate rooms, bunks that separate into two single beds will make a better investment. 

Some bunk beds also come with useful built-in bookcases, drawers and even wardrobes, but check they'll fit before you buy as they can take up a lot more floor area than a standard bunk.

Read our high sleeper bed buying guide here