Specialty Bed Types: Lift Beds, Metal Beds, Cabin Beds, Mezzanine Beds, and Bed Boards

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Lift Beds (Storage Lift / Ottoman Beds)

A lift bed uses gas struts to raise the entire mattress platform, revealing a large storage compartment underneath. Think of it as a giant ottoman for your bedroom. Unlike storage beds with drawers, a lift bed provides one continuous open space with no dividers.

Who Benefits Most

• Condo and apartment dwellers who lack closet space
• Seasonal item storage: Winter blankets, holiday decorations, luggage
• Small bedrooms where a dresser would make the room feel cramped
• Guest rooms that double as storage areas

What to Look For

• Gas strut quality: Cheap struts lose pressure over time, making the bed hard to lift. Quality struts should feel easy to operate for years
• Weight capacity: Check that the frame supports your mattress weight plus whatever you store inside
• Lift direction: Most lift from the foot end. Side-lifting options exist for rooms where foot-end clearance is limited
• Base ventilation: A slatted base inside the storage area prevents moisture buildup, especially in humid Ontario summers

Price range in Canada: $800 to $2,500 depending on size, material, and mechanism quality.

Metal Beds

Metal bed frames have come a long way from the squeaky institutional frames of decades past. Modern metal beds offer clean lines, strong support, and excellent value.

Advantages of Metal Bed Frames

• Durability: Steel and iron frames can last 15 to 20 years without warping, cracking, or splintering
• Price: Generally less expensive than comparable wood frames. A quality metal queen frame starts around $150 to $300
• Weight capacity: Metal frames often support more weight than wood frames at the same price point
• Pest resistance: Metal does not harbour bed bugs or woodworm the way wood can
• Easy to move: Lighter than solid wood frames and typically disassemble into flat-pack pieces
• Style range: From industrial minimalist to ornate Victorian, metal comes in more design varieties than most people expect

Common Concerns

• Squeaking: Connection points can develop noise over time. Tightening bolts every 6 months and adding felt washers to joints solves this for most frames
• Cold feel: Metal feels cold in winter. A headboard pad or blanket draped over the top fixes this
• Scratch potential: Metal frames can scratch hardwood floors. Always use felt pads under the legs

Cabin Beds

A cabin bed (also called a mid-sleeper) raises the sleeping surface about 3 to 4 feet off the ground, creating usable space underneath for a desk, storage, or play area. They are lower than full loft beds, making them suitable for younger children.

Best For

• Children ages 6 and up (check manufacturer age recommendations)
• Small bedrooms where floor space is at a premium
• Kids who want a desk and sleep area in one compact footprint

Safety Considerations

• Guardrails: Should be on all sides, with the opening for ladder access no wider than necessary
• Ladder stability: Must be firmly attached and not wobble
• Weight limits: Check the rated capacity, especially if your child has friends sleeping over
• Ceiling clearance: Measure the distance from the sleeping surface to the ceiling. Your child needs at least 36 inches of space above the mattress to sit up comfortably

Price range in Canada: $400 to $1,500 depending on material (wood vs. metal) and built-in features (desk, shelves, drawers).

Mezzanine Beds (Loft Beds)

A mezzanine bed (or full loft bed) raises the sleeping surface to near ceiling height, freeing up the entire footprint below for a desk, seating area, wardrobe, or even a second bed. These are taller than cabin beds, typically placing the mattress 5 to 6 feet off the ground.

Adult vs. Children's Loft Beds

Mezzanine beds are not just for kids. Adult loft beds are available with higher weight capacities and larger mattress sizes (up to queen). They are popular in studio apartments, basement suites, and rooms with high ceilings.

Price range in Canada: $500 to $2,000 for metal or wood options. Custom-built mezzanine structures can run $3,000+.

Bed Boards

A bed board is the simplest item on this list. It is a flat, rigid board (usually plywood, MDF, or solid wood) placed between your mattress and the bed frame or box spring to provide additional support.

When You Might Need a Bed Board

• Your mattress feels too soft and you want more firm support without buying a new mattress
• Your bed slats are too far apart, causing the mattress to dip between them
• Your box spring is worn out and sagging but you are not ready to replace it
• Temporary firmness adjustment while you decide on a new mattress

DIY vs. Commercial Bed Boards

You can buy a ready-made bed board for $30 to $80 from most bed and bath retailers. Or you can make one from a sheet of 3/4-inch plywood cut to your mattress dimensions. If you go the DIY route, sand the edges smooth and consider wrapping it in a breathable fabric to prevent moisture from getting trapped.

Quick Comparison: Specialty Bed Types