What is the difference between a mid sleeper or cabin bed? This is a very common question and be it a mid sleeper or a cabin bed, design wise they are very similar.
Anne Davies
Mum of a tweenager and owner of Room to Grow. Anne works with the world’s leading manufacturers to source the best bunk beds, high beds, mid sleepers and low beds in all varieties. She knows as a parent how tricky it can be choosing the right bed that gives the optimum storage, study and sleep space without compromising on style. An expert in helping parents find the right bed for their child and creating a dream bedroom.
What is the difference between a mid sleeper bed or cabin bed? This is a very common question and be it a mid sleeper bed or a cabin bed, design-wise they are very similar. There are just two different descriptions manufacturers use to describe an almost identical concept.
What is a cabin bed & a mid sleeper bed?
A cabin bed or mid sleeper has to one of the most fun and creative bed styles out there. The frame height of these beds will vary, but classically, a kids cabin bed is a slightly elevated single bed that may or may not include a small ladder or steps. Whereas a kids mid sleeper bed can be a little bit higher than a cabin bed and will have a ladder or staircase up to the raised sleeping area. The bed frames are very sturdy and are designed with a wealth of safety features to keep your child safe.
Most importantly though, both bed styles are as much about minimizing floor space and maximizing storage as they are about sleeping. Both are a popular choice and often mid sleeper and cabin bed gets classed in the same category as they offer a complete bedroom solution for sleep, study, storage and even play!
Is A Cabin Bed Or A Midsleeper Bed Right For Your Child?
Mid sleeper and cabin beds are fantastic at squeezing tonnes of functionality into the under-bed space. There are so many different configurations to choose from, some with storage cubes, bookcases, drawers, pull-out desks and even a sleepover bed. You can even create a defined play area for your child in their own bedroom underneath the bed. Due to the raised platform of a mid sleeper, many designs come with an under-bed play tent too, which come in an array of fabulous designs and colours. Your child will love creating their own little under-bed den or simply use the tent to hide away their vast collection of toys!
Some brands, such as our Solitaire Collection offers an ingenious building system that gives you total control and flexibility of the bed you want as your child grows. You can start with a starter bed or single bed and then by using a clever extension kit, you can raise the bed frame to a bunk bed, mid sleeper or high sleeper. There is also matching furniture that completes the Solitaire range, which includes desks, bookcases, chest of drawers, wardrobes etc. The building system is fantastic and allows you to pick and choose the right bedroom combination for your child as they grow.
Here are some frequently asked questions by our customers that you may find helpful in selecting your perfect Mid Sleeper or Cabin Bed.
What age is a cabin bed or a mid sleeper bed suitable for?
Due to safety standards, manufacturers recommend that children under the age of 6 years of age should not use a mid sleeper. Because some cabin beds are slightly lower, then some can sleep children over 4 years, but it’s always worth checking in the product information.
Most importantly, children should never play on a mid sleeper or cabin bed to avoid any nasty accidents.
How much weight can a cabin bed or mid sleeper bed hold?
All of our cabin and mid sleeper beds are tested up to 80 – 100kg and are designed for children. It is not to say that grown-ups cannot sleep in the bed, but the manufacturer only tests up to this weight.
What mattress should I use for a cabin bed or a midsleeper bed?
Use the mattress size that is advised by the manufacturer to ensure that it fits within the bed frame.
This information will be clearly detailed within the product information on the product page.
A standard UK single bed takes a mattress size 90cm wide x 190cm long compared to a European / Continental single bed which requires a mattress of 90cm wide x 200cm long so just an extra 10cm longer. Each of our beds details whether it needs the standard UK or continental-sized mattress.
This doesn’t affect your duvet size but for your fitted sheet you will need a large single fitted sheet to make sure it can accommodate the extra length.
The height of the mattress is even more important than the length. Because the bed is raised, it will have a maximum mattress height recommendation to ensure that the child is safe and doesn’t roll out over the safety rails. All mid sleeper and cabin beds have a safety sticker on the bed frame that will highlight the maximum mattress level so look out for this. Do not remove this safety label as you will need it if you replace the mattress or plan to re-sell the bed in the future.
What bedding do I need to buy for my cabin bed or midsleeper bed?
If you opt for a UK single mid sleeper or cabin bed then you will simply need the standard UK fitted sheets and a normal single duvet.
How do I make the raised bed?
It takes some getting used to, changing the sheet on a mid sleeper!
When it’s time to change the sheets, you can either climb up the ladder but most probably you can reach over from the side of the bed. Perhaps an even better way is to encourage your child to help change the sheet, then they can do the further most corners whilst on the bed and you can do the nearside corners which you can reach from the floor.
What safety issues should I consider?
Mid sleeper and cabin beds when properly constructed and assembled are structurally safe.
Safety issues come from not assembling the bed frame correctly or from playing accidents on the Raised bed. These mistakes can easily be avoided. There are some simple things to keep in mind to make sure no one gets hurt.
Ensure the safety rail is fitted on both sides of the bed. Don’t forgot the safety rail on the wall-side of the bed as small children can slip down between the mattress and the wall.
Don’t place the bed directly under a light fixing or ceiling fan, unless of course there’s plenty of clearance and the child will not hit their head on it.
Make sure that the ladder is secure so it doesn’t slip out from under someone climbing into bed.
Ensure that only one person sleeps in the bed at any one time.
It’s always a good idea to use a night light when your child is sleeping up high, so that they can see if they need to use the ladder during the night.
We recommend that you only use the correct size mattress for the bed as specified for length and height. A mid sleeper /cabin bed will have a maximum mattress height recommendation to ensure that the child is safe and doesn’t roll out over the safety rails. Most beds of this nature have a safety sticker on the bed frame that will highlight the maximum mattress level so look out for this. Do not remove the safety label.
Most mid sleeper beds are designed for children over 6 years and some cabin beds for children over 4 years. Check the product information for this vital detail.
We recommend that you do not attach or hang items to any part of the bed frame that are not designed for use with the bed. For example, but not limited to, hooks, belts and skipping ropes.
Periodically check and ensure that the guardrails, ladder and other parts are in their proper position. Make sure they are free from damage, and that all fixings are secure.
If you want to re-position the bed in the room, ensure it is lifted by 2 people and not dragged. Dragging the bed will damage the joints and weaken the structure and safety of the bed.
Do not use substitute parts that are not designed for use with the bed. Always contact us for replacement parts.