In our most recent blog, we looked at everything there is to know about mid sleeper beds. From who might sleep in the bed, what kind of décor best suits this type of bed and everything else in between. We were considering producing a similar guide for the faithful high sleeper bed. However, we realised that what our customers are more keen to know is what is the difference between a high sleeper bed and a bunk bed. 

Commonly, bunk and high rise beds are the subject of much confusion. Furthermore, many customers do not know which style of bed is best for them. 

So, we thought instead of looking at just high rise beds, why not look at both high sleepers and bunk beds. For this guide, we will be looking at high sleepers and bunk beds exclusively. We have decided to look at the benefits of both, similarities, limitations of the various models, the main differences and much more. So, let’s look at the main differences between high rise beds and bunk beds. 

The Main Differences Between High Sleeper Beds and Bunk Beds

If you were to think there is a long and complicated explanation to what the main difference between a high rise bed and a bunk bed is; they you would be wrong. To put it simply, a high sleeper bed is a bed which is positioned a sufficient distance from the ground. A bunk bed is essentially a high sleeper bed, but with a bed underneath. 

Essentially other than this, there are no real differences between them. This might be why they are both so commonly mixed up. 

Both forms have very similar bed styles as well as having similar limitations. Whether that be changing bed frames, mattresses or pillows, most can be used on both forms of beds. The only difference being that a bunk bed has to accommodate for another sleeper in a bed underneath.

Advantages of High Sleeper Beds

The high rise is the metaphorical cousin to the mid sleeper bed. Much like the mid sleeper, the bed caters to a younger audience. However, the high sleeper bed can sometimes cater to slightly older children. 

In fact, the high sleeper has proven quite popular with teenagers and even young adults. So this is one of the many advantages of high rise beds.

 Another big advantage of the previously mentioned bed is the fact you can install a sufficient set up underneath the bed. It is actually this factor which makes the model so appealing to so many of the older children and/or teenagers. For example, many users of the bed install a gaming or an office desk set up underneath the bed. 

If you wish, you do not need to have anything underneath the bed. Many people use the space under them as a convenient storage solution. This is particularly popular use for people who may have limited space for storage at their home. 

Another positive is the sheer novelty of being levitated off the ground. While this may not be a particularly big selling point for older children but nevertheless, there is little denying it still has a certain novelty value. 

Advantages of Bunk Beds

Many of the advantages of high rise beds ring true for bunk beds; this is of course minus the underbed storage benefit. Afterall, a bed will be in the place where you planned to store the equipment or items. 

However, this does not necessarily mean it is a bad thing. In fact, one of the main benefits is the that you will have two beds in one structure. This on it’s own has many benefits. For example, having a bunk bed will save you money as usually bunk beds are cheaper than buying two separate child’s beds. 

Bunk beds can also be very helpful for younger children who fear sleeping on their own at night. Younger children can sometimes have a fear of the dark or another kind of bedroom fear. Having someone in the room with them, in an easily contactable position puts their minds at ease and enables them to have a much better night’s sleep. 

On the topic of bed sharing, a potential advantage of bunk beds for many children is being able to technically share a bed with a fellow family member or, even, a friend. 

As you can see, there are many advantages to both high rise and bunk beds. In fact, many of them are shared. 

Disadvantages of High Sleeper Beds

While we have frequently touched on the many advantages of the high rise beds, and as previously stated, there are many, there are a few caveats. 

One potential disadvantage of the highly levitated bed is that it does not overtly appeal to adults or the elderly. Well this can be fine, it actually creates a sense of exclusivity for children using the bed, the sheer practically of an elderly person using a high sleeper bed is problematic. As you get older, your mobility can be severely affected and as such; climbing a set of ladders to get into bed can prove difficult. 

Another potential disadvantage of high sleepers is the fact that you can not customise them. Well this is not a particularly big negative, it is worth stating nonetheless. Because many high rise beds are single beds, you can not implement many double bed features. For example, you could not install one of our luxury double bed frames. 

Disadvantages of Bunk Beds

Much like the frequently mentioned high sleeper beds, bunk beds do not cater to older customers. For many, this can be a negative on it’s own. 

In terms of other disadvantages, the same also rings true in terms of customisation. Moreover, bunk beds have even less room for customisation. This is because you have the added problem of having two beds to cater for. 

Another potential disadvantage of the bunk bed is bed sharing. Earlier this year, we produced a blog detailing some of the advantages of bed sharing. While many enjoy sharing their sleeping space, some do not enjoy this pleasure. When sharing your sleeping quarters with someone else, it opens the door to potential snores and other annoying sleep habits. 

We Provide Quality Children’s Beds

While we have listed some potential disadvantages of high sleeper and bunk beds, there is little doubt that these style of beds expertly fit their purpose. Many of the negatives are actually by design alone. And we feel it pretty clear that the positives certainly outweigh the negatives. 

At UK Bed Store, we stock a wide range of colourful children’s beds. These include our previously mentioned kids high sleepers, loft beds and, of course, bunk beds. We also stock a wide selection of well known kids bed brands. These include Birlea and Thuka. 

So if you are looking for a new bed for your child, please contact us. We are sure we will be able to help you. 

When it comes to children’s beds, there are few options that are as universally popular or as well known as mid sleeper beds. While its metaphorical sibling, the high sleeper bed does have its fair share of fans, the faithful mid sleeper offers a unique and special middle ground. 

While the exciting world of children’s beds can seem rather daunting and sometimes even overwhelming; the crowd pleasing mid sleeper is definitely a bed you should take note of. But the world of high rise beds, mid sleeper and stylish Thuka beds might be so confusing we hear you say. Luckily, we have decided to give you the complete guide regarding mid rise beds. 

What Is A Mid Sleeper Bed? 

 To put it plainly, a mid rise bed is the middle ground between a traditional single bed and the previously mentioned high sleeper bed. Whereas high sleeper beds, or bunk beds for that matter, can usually accommodate for up to two beds or have much more storage space, the mid rise edition is not nearly as fruitful with exactly how high the bed actually goes. 

The bed is sometimes referred to as middle child as far as children’s beds are concerned. This slightly raised bed is more than a simple middle child however, it is actually a fantastic storage solution. Because of this unique use, the beds are sometimes referred to as cabin beds. In cabin beds, you can store a plethora of everyday items and materials (we will expand more on this later). 

Why Choose One?

As previously alluded to, there are many reasons to choose a cabin bed. One reason being that it is incredibly helpful when it comes to storage. Because the beds are only slightly elevated compared to a high sleeper which expertly caters to having another bed underneath or even a desk depending on your requirement; the bed lends itself much better to the storing of many household items. The items can include, but are definitely not limited to; clothes, blankets, game consoles and other day to day items. 

Another contributing factor to why people opt for these industry leading child’s beds is the fact they are exceptionally stylish. Just by having the bed a couple of feet from the floor, this spices up its aesthetic immeasurably. In addition to this, the bed can actually have multiple different themes and/or decor draped around it. We will touch on the different ways you can implement different themes to your mid rise bed later in this blog. 

The famous mid rise bed is also very adaptable making it the perfect child bed to suit a majority of different decors. 

So, as you might have gathered, the mid rise bed is particularly practical, undeniably stylish and caters to a unique requirement in the bed industry.  

What Age Do Mid Sleeper Beds Best Suit? 

As opposed to the high sleeper, which can sometimes be used by much older teenagers or even adults; this being because high sleeper beds can be repurposed as an office desk and bed combo amongst other things. Mid sleepers do not have this distinction. 

The mid rise bed is more commonly associated with younger children. Although we say young teenagers; we might reiterate that before you consider buying a mid sleeper for your child there are some caveats. 

One of these caveats being that you must make sure your child is not too young to cause a safety concern. This is why most manufacturers suggest that your child is at least 6 years old. However, we might additionally ensure that your child is comfortable enough to sleep in a single bed on their own and to be able to do so safely. 

We have taken the liberty of breaking down the 3 main age categories that mid sleepers appeal for you. We have also provided a short detailed explanation as to why this unique bed is so suitable and popular in the specific age categories: 

6-9 year olds

For this age category the bed really helps to expand their imagination whilst also having the clear advantage of being able to store their favourite toys or other items under the bed. 

10-14 year olds  

10 to 14 year olds might still want to keep their imaginations running wild but this age category requires a greater focus on academic achievements. As such, the area underneath the bed can be used for a convenient storage area of pens, notepads and other academia products.  

14-18 year olds

14 year olds and overs are potentially the least likely age category to still have a mid sleeper but that doesn’t mean they can’t find new and interesting ways to explore their unique sleeping arrangements. 

Are They Safe? 

One of the questions on most parent’s minds will of course be, are mid sleeper beds safe? And who would blame them? when it comes to choosing a bed for your children, the overall safety of the bed is paramount. Generally speaking, mid sleeper beds are pretty safe. It must be said however, this is assuming certain rules are always followed.

Firstly, the bed should have been assembled in the correct manner. The same can be said for any bed. If the bed is not assembled correctly then the general integrity of the bed might be called into question. The last thing you want is the bed facing a catastrophic collapse when you or another member of your family are near it, or worse, on it. 

Jumping should also be discouraged. Because the bed is raised slightly off the floor, you can imagine your little one might be tempted to jump down from the bed. But the mid sleepers are not designed for this purpose and subsequently jumping from the bed is heavily discouraged. 

Additionally, a sufficiently sized mattress should be used for the bed. While this is not a great safety concern; having an ineffective mattress can lead to a great deal of discomfort for your child. 

Expanding Your Imagination With A Mid Sleeper Bed

As previously alluded to, mid sleepers are far from a one trick pony. There are many themes and designs which can be implemented. We thought we would break down some of the most common. 

With A Slide

We start with potentially the most fun of all the eligible accessories available for your mid rise bed. When you equip a slide to your bed; you ensure that every time your child comes to get out of bed it is a fun and exciting experience. You might think that this novelty would get boring, but we have heard from our customers, it never actually does!

With A Tent

By installing a tent into your cabin bed; this enables children to create their own little get away from the rest of the world. The tent acts as their own personal play space whilst simultaneously offering a unique and special experience for your child. 

Fit A Pull Out Desk

While the high sleeper bed might be able to have a fully fleshed out desk; the frequently mentioned mid sleeper bed can actually come equipped with a pull out edition. The pull out desk is extremely beneficial as not only is this incredibly practical as the desk can be used for academic purposes but the fact the desk can be put away after use is a clear advantage. 

A Unique Tailored Design

When it comes to designing your mid rise bed, the sky really is the limit. There have been so many different designs tailored to unique ideas we can not actually keep track of them all. One such example is a mid sleeper which had been changed to resemble a doll house. This came equipped with sliding doors which opened to reveal the picturesque bed.

At UK Bed Store, we stock a wide range of children’s beds. From kids’ high sleepers, to mid sleepers to traditional children’s beds. No matter the requirement for your bed, we are sure we will have something to fit your purpose. 

With Christmas just around the corner, you might think that the last thing on your mind is treating yourself to a new bed. But why should that be the case! It’s Christmas for you too!

Treating Yourself

At Christmas time, we know that most people will focus on treating others. Spoiling them with presents, festive dinners and plenty to drink. So when it comes to treating yourself, it may feel like a strange concept. Particularly when it comes to a whole new bed.
However, here at UK Bed Store, we believe that you need a good treat too. And there’s nothing better than the gift of a good nights sleep.
Treating yourself starts with finding the perfect frame, before choosing the mattress that will offer you the bed nights sleep possible.

The Perfect Frame

Everyone has a different idea of the perfect frame, from faux leather beds, to luxury upholstered beds and even a stunning, intricate metal bed. Choosing the right double bed frame is as simple as deciding on your style.
Sleek and stylish – Faux leather beds make for a great addition to your room if you are looking for an excellent sleek style. Consider the Texas double bed frame from Metal Beds, one of our personal favourites.
Plush and comfortable – Upholstered beds are a great choice if you are looking for a soft comfortable finish to your bed. The rust-red colouring of the Time Living Hamburg double bed frame stands out as a statement piece in your room while offering complete comfort.
Elegant and decadent – if your bedroom has an air of elegance, you might want to consider a metal bed frame. The Birlea Bronte is a stunning Victorian classic shape.
Simple and classic – If you are looking for a simple double bed frame, a wooden bed might be just what you are looking for. The Birlea Rio is the perfect understated bed, with matching furniture available.

Good Nights Sleep

Getting a good nights sleep isn’t actually about the bed itself, more the mattress than anything. So once you’ve chosen your new frame, it’s time to make sure that you are getting the right mattress for you.
Head over to our recent blog on “Choosing The Right Mattress For You” for more information on finding the right mattress to give you a good nights sleep.

Treat The Kids

Now we aren’t saying that you need to buy the kids a new bed as part of their Christmas present. Although some of our kid’s range are great fun, so they might enjoy it more than some toys!
We’re thinking practical kids and teens beds. As our kids get older, they might need more space, or storage in their room. So why not consider high sleeper beds? Or even mid sleeper beds?
The Thuka Hit collection offers a selection of high sleeper beds, complete with a desk and a fold out chair bed. Perfect for sleepovers!
For extra storage in a mid sleeper bed, take a look at the LPD Rocco, this will give your little pirates the perfect pirate ship vibes, not to mention storage below deck!

For more information on ordering your new bed in time for Christmas, get in touch with a member of the team here at UK Bed Store who will be happy to help you. Visit our delivery page for more information on delivery.