Mid Sleeper vs High Sleeper vs Cabin Bed: Which Is Right?
Raised beds are brilliant for children's rooms. They free up floor space for storage, play or study. But the names can be confusing, and the right choice depends on your child's age and your ceiling height. Here's how cabin beds, mid sleepers and high sleepers compare.
The quick difference
- Cabin bed: raised a little off the floor, with built-in storage underneath such as drawers, cupboards or shelves. Often no ladder, or just a small step.
- Mid sleeper: raised to around half height, reached by a short ladder. The space underneath suits storage, a play den or a pull-out desk.
- High sleeper: raised high enough to fit a full desk, wardrobe or seating area underneath. Reached by a taller ladder or staircase.
Mid sleepers and high sleepers
Which suits which age?
As a general rule, raised beds with a ladder are not recommended for children under six, which is in line with the British Standard for bunk and raised beds. Always check the age guidance on the product page.
- Younger children: a cabin bed keeps them close to the floor while giving you plenty of storage.
- Six and over: a mid sleeper adds a fun den or storage space underneath without too much height.
- Older children and teenagers: a high sleeper with a desk underneath turns a small room into a bedroom and study in one.
Measure your ceiling height
This is the step most people forget. Check the total height of the bed on the product page, then add the depth of the mattress. Your child needs enough room to sit up in bed comfortably without hitting their head, so leave a generous gap between the top of the mattress and the ceiling. Watch out for sloping ceilings, light fittings and windows too.
Measure from the floor to the ceiling where the bed will actually go, not in the middle of the room.
Choose the right mattress
Raised beds have guard rails to stop your child rolling out, and they only work properly with the right mattress. Always check the maximum mattress depth on the product page and stay within it. A thinner, lighter mattress is also easier when you're changing the bedding at height. Our guide to kid-friendly mattresses explains what to look for.
Safety checklist
- Follow the assembly instructions exactly and use every fixing provided.
- Fix the bed to the wall if the instructions say to.
- Check bolts and fixings every few months and tighten them if needed.
- Keep the ladder clear, and don't let children play on the top level.
- Don't position the bed near hanging blind cords, lights or heaters.
Our guide to high sleeper safety during installation has more detail.
Storage that grows with them
Many mid sleepers and cabin beds include drawers, cupboards or shelves, while high sleepers often come with a desk or wardrobe built in. Think about what your child will need in a couple of years, not just today, so the bed lasts as they grow.
Find the right bed
Browse cabin beds, mid sleepers and high sleepers, or see all kids beds. If you'd like help, email info@restrelax.com with your child's age and your ceiling height, and we'll suggest beds that fit. We reply by the next working day.