Trade guide
High sleepers, mid sleepers and cabin beds: a trade guide
Short answer: A cabin bed is a raised single bed with storage underneath; a mid sleeper is raised higher with play or storage space below; a high sleeper is tall enough for a desk, sofa or wardrobe underneath. Any bed whose base is 600 mm or more above the floor counts as a "high bed" under BS EN 747-1:2024, so it needs safety barriers, a marked maximum mattress thickness and a warning that it is not suitable for children under 6.
Key facts
- 600 mm base height or more: in scope of BS EN 747-1:2024.
- Use a mattress no thicker than the marked maximum.
- Check ceiling height before selling a high sleeper.
- Flair, Noomi and Recoil all make raised beds for kids and teens.
The three types
| Type | What is underneath | Typical buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin bed | Drawers, cupboards or a pull-out desk | Younger children who need storage |
| Mid sleeper | Play space, storage, sometimes a slide | Children who want a raised bed but not full height |
| High sleeper | Desk, sofa bed, wardrobe or shelving | Older children, teens, students, small rooms |
Browse cabin and mid sleepers and high sleepers. Recoil gaming high sleepers are in Recoil.
Safety: what BS EN 747 means for raised beds
BS EN 747-1:2024 defines a high bed as one where the upper surface of the bed base is 600 mm or more above the floor. Those beds need continuous safety barriers at least 260 mm above the base, with the mattress top at least 160 mm below the barrier, and a warning that the bed is not suitable for children under 6. Full summary: BS EN 747 explained.
Ceiling height and room fit
For a high sleeper, check the room height against the bed height plus space to sit up. Each Flair product page lists overall dimensions. Check door widths and stairs for delivery and for the box count listed where available.
Mattresses for raised beds
Use a mattress no thicker than the bed's marked maximum. Thinner mattresses are common on raised beds; for example, some Noomi mattresses are described as ideal for bunk beds because of their 15 cm depth. See kids' mattresses.
Selling tips
- Show the overall height and the space underneath in your listings.
- Sell the mattress with the bed so the depth is right.
- Pass on assembly instructions and the warning about under-6s.
- Use the product images and specifications from your stock feed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a mid sleeper and a high sleeper?
Are high sleepers safe for young children?
What mattress goes on a high sleeper?
Do cabin beds count as high beds?
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Trade prices and delivery charges are shown only to approved accounts or confirmed in a written quote; we do not publish them in guides. apply for a trade account, request a contract quote, or call 01924 950955 (Mon to Thu 9am to 5pm, Fri 9am to 4pm).
Flair Trade is a trading name of Flair Furniture Ltd, Old Delivery Office, Oldfield Lane, Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire WF16 0JD. Registered in England and Wales, company no. 7536751. VAT no. GB121713455.