When it comes to finding a bed that fits the bill for storage, sleepover and study, a mid sleeper (or sometimes referred to as a cabin bed) is often the bed type that comes to mind for little ones.
The only way is up!
Essentially a raised bed, it sits just high enough off the ground to allow furniture to sit neatly underneath. Often (but not always), this furniture is on wheels, which allows it to be easily wheeled underneath the mid sleeper cabin bed, but also can be independently moved around the room. This makes this bed type a whizz when it comes to the ability to create multifunctional play, study and sleep zones in a bedroom.
We are often asked about the different types of children’s mid sleeper bed available, so we thought we’d explain them in this blog post:
1. Mid sleeper with storage
‘Oh, but we already have too much storage’, said no parent ever.
These mid sleeper bed with storage options are a parents’ dream bed. – Somewhere to stash away toys, trinkets, books, clothes – you name it, anything goes! From open cupboards ready for totes, to neat and stylish drawer storage with smooth no-wobble drawers. There’s no doubt about it, using the space underneath a mid sleeper bed for storage is un un-regrettable decision.
2. Mid sleeper with desk
Mid sleeper beds allow for children’s rooms to turn instantly into study spaces and play spaces, too! The flexibility and versatility of a kids mid sleeper bed with a desk, means that the desk can be pulled out ready for studies, and then rolled back away underneath the bed once homework has finished. We love this concept of tidying everything away once finished, plus it means that mentally, children aren’t being constantly reminded about school studies when it’s time for rest or play.
3. Mid sleeper single bed
It’s a common misconception that mid sleeper beds are smaller than a regular bed. All of our mid sleeper beds are full size single beds, which means that not only are you not compromising on their bed space, but it’s also a lot easier to find the right sized bedding, too! (Parenting hacks for the win!)
So what’s so great about a mid sleeper bed..?
As if you may need further convincing, here are just a few other reasons why we love a mid sleeper cabin bed so much …
When it comes to saving space, kids mid sleeper beds are top of the class. Here’s why:
- They take up just the foot print of a regular single bed, yet they have the space underneath for storage, and even roll out desks.
- You can reconfigure the furniture underneath (look for mid sleepers with free-standing, or independent furniture options included)
- You can create the illusion of space in a room, by tidying away all the furniture underneath the bed at the end of the day
They’re the best beds for den building.
We’ve seen it all when it comes to using the space under the bed for playing; a beanbag or a few cushions makes for a cosy reading nook, or drape a blanket along the front for a secret hiding place.
Beds that are turned into forts, boats, space ships. – One thing’s for absolute certainty, and that’s that a mid sleeper bed is a great option for younger kids who love to use their imagination through play.
And now for the serious stuff…
Some FAQs when it comes to mid sleepers:
What if I have a young child, are mid sleeper beds suitable for them?
We would advise that childrens mid sleeper beds are suitable for ages 6+, making them the ideal solution for younger children who aren’t quite ready for a high sleeper, but love the idea of climbing a small ladder to oversee their kingdom!
Are mid sleeper beds safe?
Whilst we can't speak for our peers, all of our mid sleeper beds are rigorously tested by us to ensure that they adhere to the latest safety standards for raised beds. So whilst we can't stop your child from falling out of their bed, we can say for sure that our mid sleepers are safe!
Are mid sleeper beds full size single beds?
Yes! All of our mid sleepers are full size, adult single beds and as such, it means that they truly are proper space savers!
Can I add extra furniture underneath?
The versatility of mid sleeper beds means that they can be adapted for use over the years. So yes, it is possible to buy extra furniture later on down the line, but often if you buy what you need up front, there's some sort of cost saving involved.
Need some unique ideas on how to style a mid sleeper?
There are so many ways to style a bedroom with a mid sleeper bed. Here are some of our favourites:
Camp/travel themed:
Create a fun den with a blanket, and add travel themed accessories to create an immersive experience for them. Natural elements like styling with hessian, or adding jars of twigs and stones can really finish off a room nicely, and add lots of realism to a space.
Nautical themed:
A classic scheme for cabin beds and mid sleepers, a nautical themed room creates a fresh, bright interior and keeps things looking ship-shape! If red and blue is a little bold for your little sailor, why not keep things more subtle with mid grey tones and just pops of colour to pull the look together? Vintage oars and ship wheels make fabulous wall art, and whale wallpaper like this one by Scion makes for a fabulous backdrop, too!
Soft and dreamy:
A perfectly pink world, full of delicate textures and pretty colour. To add extra texture to the room, consider wall panelling that can be painted floor to ceiling in a bold pink like this one by Valspar paints. But if all that pink is just a little too much, break it up with a few dashes of white, grey or duck egg blue for a slightly less matched, and more thrown together feel.
Lastly, we’ll leave you with a few top tips when it comes to shopping for a kids mid sleeper bed:
If your child is young, ensure that you look for ladders with wide treads to them; this allows for a safer and easier climb.
Mid sleeper bed frames that are crafted from solid hardwoods will always be much sturdier and therefore last longer than those made from softwoods.
Always select a ‘high bed’/’bunk bed’ mattress. These should be well made and should always be fully specified, but are thinner than a standard mattress which allows the top to sit well within the top of the side rail. This is a safety feature, and means that your child is far less likely to take a tumble out of bed.
As a mid sleeper cabin bed is raised up high, it’s worth looking for handy hook on shelves in place of a bedside table. This allows for a favourite book, toy or drink of water to be kept handy throughout the night.
Avoid cheap mid sleeper beds if your aim is to keep the same bed for a while. – There is no need to replace a child’s bed, and in so doing actually adds to personal carbon footprint. By selecting carefully created, safe and durable mid sleeper beds, you will probably save money (and time researching!) in the long run.
So in summary, investing in a mid sleeper bed is about investing in space, lifestyle and creating a cosy room that can be multifunctional and flexible where needed. Mid sleeper beds are about cabin beds that look just as good as they are practical, and who knows – they might even inspire your child to keep their room tidy!
Take a look here at our full collection.
Happy mid sleeper shopping! x
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