Cabin bed vs mid sleeper: what is the difference?
Cabin beds and mid sleepers are both raised children's beds with something useful underneath, and the names are often used loosely. The main difference is height, which changes what fits underneath and who the bed suits.
Cabin beds
A cabin bed raises the mattress a modest amount off the floor and fills the space underneath with storage: drawers, cupboards, shelving or a pull-out desk. Because they're relatively low, cabin beds are easy to get in and out of and are often a good first raised bed. Cabin beds in our range come from Flair Furniture, Kids Avenue, Mathy By Bols and Noomi.
Mid sleepers
A mid sleeper sits higher, usually reached by a short ladder or steps, leaving enough space underneath for a play den, a desk, a storage unit or a small wardrobe. They're a halfway step between a cabin bed and a high sleeper. Makers include Flair Furniture, Kids Avenue, Noomi and Parisot.
Comparison at a glance
| Cabin bed | Mid sleeper | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Lower | Medium: between a cabin bed and a high sleeper |
| Underneath | Built-in drawers, cupboards, shelves or a pull-out desk | Open play space, a desk, storage units or a den |
| Getting in | Step up or a small ladder | Ladder or steps |
| Often suits | Younger children ready for a raised bed | Children who want play or study space under the bed |
| Ceiling height | Fine in most rooms | Check sitting room above the mattress |
Which suits your child?
- Mostly need storage? A cabin bed packs drawers and cupboards into the base, which can replace a chest of drawers. See cabin beds with storage.
- Want a den or play space? A mid sleeper's open underside is perfect for a play tent, cushions or a reading nook. See mid sleepers with storage for designs that do both.
- Need homework space? Both come with desks. Cabin beds tend to have pull-out desks; mid sleepers can fit a desk underneath. Compare mid sleepers with desks and mid sleeper cabin beds.
Age guidance
There's no single age for each type, because heights vary between designs. Lower beds are generally easier for younger children. For any raised bed, follow the minimum age the manufacturer gives. Where a bed's sleeping surface is high enough to count as a high bed, the standard BS EN 747 applies and the bed isn't suitable for children under six.
Measuring tips
- Check the bed's overall height plus the mattress against your ceiling, especially for a mid sleeper.
- Leave space in front of drawers and cupboards so they open fully.
- Allow room for the ladder or steps and check which side they fit.
- Use the mattress size and maximum depth stated for the bed.
Moving on later
Children often move from a cabin bed to a mid sleeper and then to a high sleeper as they grow and need more desk space. If you want to buy once for the long term, a mid sleeper with a desk or flexible storage can bridge several of those stages. For the next step up, read bunk bed or high sleeper.
Shop cabin beds
Frequently asked questions
Is a cabin bed lower than a mid sleeper?
Generally, yes. Cabin beds sit lower with built-in storage underneath; mid sleepers are taller, leaving more space underneath for play, a desk or storage units. Exact heights vary by design.
Which is better for a young child, a cabin bed or a mid sleeper?
Lower beds are usually easier for younger children, which is why cabin beds are a popular first raised bed. Always check the manufacturer's minimum age for the bed you choose.