Captain's Bed Guide: Double, Queen and King Sizes in Canada
Quick Answer: A captain's bed is a platform bed frame with built-in storage drawers underneath, typically 2 to 6 drawers depending on the size. Captain's beds sit higher than standard bed frames (about 18 to 24 inches) to accommodate the drawer depth. They are available in double, queen and king sizes, with prices ranging from $500 to $2,000 CAD. Solid wood captain's beds from Canadian manufacturers offer the best durability.
In This Guide
- What Is a Captain's Bed?
- Sizes Available
- Captain's Bed vs Other Storage Beds
- What to Look For
- Materials and Construction
- Mattress Considerations
- FAQs
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What Is a Captain's Bed?
A captain's bed gets its name from the compact sleeping quarters on ships, where captains had beds with drawers built into the base to maximize storage in a tiny cabin. The modern captain's bed applies the same concept: a solid platform bed frame with drawers built into the sides.
Unlike a bed frame with a separate under-bed storage box or a bed with detachable drawers, a captain's bed integrates the drawers directly into the frame structure. The drawers are part of the bed, not accessories added to it. This means the drawers are more stable, better aligned and typically more durable than add-on drawer systems.
Captain's beds do not require a box spring. The solid platform top supports the mattress directly. This is one of their advantages: no box spring to buy, no box spring to wear out and no need for a bed skirt to hide the gap between the mattress and the floor.
Sizes Available
| Size | Mattress Dimensions | Number of Drawers | Bed Height | Price Range (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38" x 75" | 2 to 3 | 18" to 22" | $400 to $800 |
| Double (Full) | 54" x 75" | 3 to 4 | 18" to 24" | $500 to $1,200 |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | 4 to 6 | 18" to 24" | $600 to $1,500 |
| King | 76" x 80" | 6 to 8 | 18" to 24" | $800 to $2,000 |
Double Captain Bed
A double captain bed (also called a full captain bed) is the most popular size for kids' rooms, guest rooms and smaller bedrooms. It typically has 3 to 4 drawers on one or both sides. The 54-inch width provides comfortable sleeping space for one adult or two children, with enough storage for clothing, bedding and personal items.
Queen Captain Bed
A queen captain bed is the most popular adult size. With 4 to 6 drawers, a queen size captain's bed provides significant storage, roughly equivalent to a small dresser. This makes it an excellent choice for bedrooms without closets or with limited closet space. The wider 60-inch platform accommodates two adults comfortably.
King Captain Bed
A king captain bed offers the most storage with 6 to 8 drawers. The 76-inch width means drawers can be placed on both sides and sometimes at the foot of the bed. This is the most expensive option and requires a large bedroom, but the storage capacity is unmatched.
Captain's Bed vs Other Storage Beds
| Feature | Captain's Bed | Ottoman Bed | Bed with Storage Drawers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage type | Built-in drawers | Gas-lift compartment | Slide-out drawer boxes |
| Access | Pull out drawers from side | Lift mattress platform | Pull out drawers from side |
| Side clearance needed | Yes (for drawer extension) | No (foot or side lift) | Yes (for drawer extension) |
| Storage organization | Divided into separate drawers | One large open compartment | Divided into separate drawers |
| Box spring needed | No (platform) | No (platform) | Varies |
| Best for | Everyday items, organized storage | Bulk storage, seasonal items | Everyday items |
The key advantage of a captain's bed over an ottoman bed is accessibility. You can open any drawer without disturbing the mattress or bedding. With an ottoman bed, you have to lift the entire mattress to access anything. For items you use daily (clothing, shoes, accessories), a captain's bed is far more practical.
For a comparison with other storage bed options, see our bed frames with storage guide.
What to Look For
Captain's Bed Buying Checklist
- Drawer construction: Full-extension ball-bearing slides are best. Partial-extension slides limit how much of the drawer you can access. Avoid drawers that slide on wood-on-wood rails
- Drawer depth: 6 to 10 inches deep provides useful storage. Shallower drawers look nice but do not hold much
- Drawer placement: Drawers on one side or both? Both sides double the storage but require clearance on both sides of the bed for the drawers to open
- Platform construction: Solid wood slats or a solid panel top. Avoid thin plywood that can sag under the mattress weight over time
- Bed height: Captain's beds sit higher than standard frames. Make sure the height is comfortable for getting in and out of bed, especially for older adults or children
- Headboard: Some captain's beds include a headboard with shelves or cubbies for additional storage
Materials and Construction
Solid Wood
Solid hardwood (maple, birch, oak) is the best material for a captain's bed. The integrated drawer structure puts continuous stress on the frame joints, so material strength matters. Canadian manufacturers like Crate Designs build captain's beds from kiln-dried domestic hardwood. Solid wood captain's beds are heavier (making them more stable) and last longer than engineered wood alternatives.
Engineered Wood
MDF and particle board captain's beds are widely available at lower price points. They can work for lighter use (guest rooms, children's rooms), but the drawer slides and joints may loosen over time with daily use. If you choose an engineered wood captain's bed, look for reinforced corners and metal drawer slides rather than wood-on-wood tracks.
Metal
Metal captain's beds are uncommon. The integrated drawer design works better in wood because drawers require precise box construction and solid mounting surfaces. A few manufacturers offer metal-frame captain's beds with wood drawer boxes, but these are the exception.
Captain's Beds for Ontario Homes
Older Brantford homes, Hamilton row houses and vintage Ontario cottages often have bedrooms with minimal closet space. A captain's bed adds 4 to 6 drawers of storage without taking any additional floor space beyond the bed itself. Visit Mattress Miracle to discuss your storage needs and find a mattress that pairs well with a captain's bed platform.
Mattress Considerations
Captain's beds use a solid platform top, which means virtually any mattress works. There are no height restrictions like loft beds or bunk beds. You can use a memory foam, hybrid, innerspring or latex mattress in any thickness.
The only consideration is the bed height. A captain's bed sits 18 to 24 inches high. Add a 10 to 12 inch mattress and the top of the sleeping surface is 28 to 36 inches off the floor, which is higher than a standard bed setup. If this is a concern (for children, elderly adults or anyone with mobility issues), choose a thinner mattress or a captain's bed with a lower profile.
At Mattress Miracle, we carry mattresses from Restonic and Sleep In that work well on captain's bed platforms. Come try different thicknesses and find one that gives you the right overall bed height.
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We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1987. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Do captain's beds need a box spring?
No. Captain's beds have a built-in platform that supports the mattress directly. Adding a box spring would raise the bed uncomfortably high and is unnecessary. Place your mattress directly on the captain's bed platform.
How much storage does a queen captain bed have?
A queen captain bed typically has 4 to 6 drawers, providing roughly 10 to 15 cubic feet of organized storage. That is comparable to a small chest of drawers. The exact capacity depends on drawer depth and whether drawers are on one side or both.
Are captain's beds good for adults?
Yes. Captain's beds in double, queen and king sizes are designed for adult use. They provide practical bedroom storage without requiring separate furniture. The higher bed height may be a consideration for some adults, but most find it comfortable. Queen captain beds are the most popular adult size.
Can I use a captain's bed with an adjustable base?
Generally no. Captain's beds have a solid platform top designed for a flat mattress. Adjustable bases need a compatible frame that allows the base to articulate. If you want both storage and an adjustable base, look for an adjustable bed frame with add-on storage drawers instead.
Where can I find captain's bed mattresses near Brantford?
Visit Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street in Brantford. Any mattress we carry works on a captain's bed platform. We can help you choose the right thickness for a comfortable overall bed height. Call (519) 770-0001 for availability.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Considering a captain's bed? The mattress height affects your overall bed height, so it is worth trying different thicknesses in person. Come in and we will help you find the right match.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.