Smart, space-saving children’s furniture designed to work around real-life layout challenges
This fully bespoke mid-sleeper bed (also known as a cabin bed or mid-level bed) was built for a small child’s bedroom in Sevenoaks. Like many compact rooms, it came with its share of awkward features — including a staircase bulkhead at the head of the bed and exposed copper pipework. The goal was to design a safe, functional and space-efficient layout that worked with, rather than against, the room’s limitations.
A Mid-Sleeper Designed to Fit
The height of the staircase bulkhead meant a full-height bed wasn’t practical, making a mid-level cabin bed the ideal solution. We built a custom MDF frame that enclosed the bulkhead cleanly and allowed for built-in storage below. Beneath the sleeping platform sits a large cupboard with two doors, plus a bank of four drawers for everyday storage.
At the foot of the bed, we created a raised platform area to act as a landing at the top of the removable ladder, giving the child safe, easy access to the bed without crowding the space. A gently curved safety rail was also added to help prevent rolling out during sleep.
Extra Storage, Thoughtfully Integrated
At the head of the bed, we built a set of open shelves behind the headboard — offering a practical spot for books, toys or bedtime essentials. On the opposite end, additional shelving at the foot adds more usable storage without increasing the footprint. A larger compartment under the ladder platform also provides hidden storage for bulky items, accessible when the ladder is moved.
Every part of the build was tailored to suit both the space and the child who uses it. The result is a smart, multi-functional piece of children’s furniture that brings order and comfort to a small room; proof that great design starts with understanding the space.
