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Guide · Kids' beds

Cabin beds, mid sleepers & high sleepers explained

Updated 4 October 2026 ExcellentTrustScore 4.3 | 18,318 reviews

Raised kids' beds free up floor space in a small bedroom, but the names can be confusing. Here's what each type is, which ages it suits and what to check before you buy.

What's the difference?

TypeWhat it isUnder the bedTypical age
Cabin bedA single bed raised a little off the floor on a storage baseDrawers, cupboards, shelves, sometimes a pull-out deskDepends on the height: check the product page
Mid sleeperRaised to about mid height with a short ladder or stepsOpen space for play, a den, or storageUsually 6+ (see below)
High sleeperRaised high enough for a desk or seating underneathDesk, wardrobe, futon chair or a chill-out space6+, often bought for older children and teens
Low sleeperOnly slightly raised, easy to climb intoSmall storage or a play curtainYounger children (check the product)

Retailers use these names a little differently, so always look at the actual measurements on the product page: the height of the mattress base from the floor, and the bed's overall height.

The 600 mm line and the age 6 rule

The European standard for bunk beds and high beds, EN 747, covers any bed whose base is 600 mm or more above the floor. Beds in that group must have safety barriers on all sides, a marked maximum mattress thickness, and a warning that they're not suitable for children under 6. In practice that includes most mid sleepers and all high sleepers.

Rule of thumb: if the mattress base is 60 cm or more off the floor, treat the bed as suitable from age 6. For a younger child choose a low bed, a toddler bed or a cabin bed with a low mattress height, and check the age guidance on the product page.

There's more on barriers, mattresses and set-up in our bunk bed safety guide; the same rules apply to high sleepers.

Cabin beds

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Which works best in a box room?

Box rooms are common in Irish semi-detached and terraced houses, and every centimetre counts. A raised bed puts the bed above the space you need for other things:

  • Need storage? A cabin bed replaces a chest of drawers or a toy box.
  • Need a homework space? A high sleeper with a built-in desk means you don't need a separate desk. See beds with desks.
  • Need play space? A mid sleeper leaves room underneath for a den or a beanbag.

Measure the ceiling first. Your child needs to be able to sit up in bed on a high sleeper, so compare the bed's overall height with your ceiling height (and any light fitting). Our box room guide has more small-room ideas.

High sleepers

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Mattresses for raised beds

On any bed with a safety rail, use a mattress no thicker than the maximum marked on the bed, so the rail stays high enough above the sleeping surface. Most cabin beds, mid sleepers and high sleepers take a standard 3ft single (90 × 190 cm); some take a small single or another size, so check before you order. Read mattresses for kids' beds and bunks, or use the mattress quiz.

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Or answer a few questions in the kids' bed finder.

Common questions

What is the difference between a mid sleeper and a high sleeper?

Both raise the bed off the floor. A mid sleeper sits at roughly mid height, leaving space underneath for play or storage; a high sleeper is tall enough to fit a desk or seating underneath. Exact heights vary, so check the measurements on the product page.

What age is a high sleeper suitable for?

High sleepers have a raised bed base, and EN 747 (the European standard for bunk beds and high beds) requires a warning that they are not suitable for children under 6. They are usually bought for children from about 6 up to teenagers.

Is a cabin bed the same as a mid sleeper?

Not quite. A cabin bed is a raised single on a storage base (drawers, cupboards or a desk), while a mid sleeper is usually open underneath. Some ranges use the names interchangeably, so go by the height and features listed on the product page.

Do I need a special mattress for a high sleeper?

You need the right size, usually a 90 x 190 cm single, and a mattress that is no thicker than the maximum thickness marked on the bed, so the safety rail stays high enough.

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