Redecorating your bedroom can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. From choosing the right mattress size (King? California king? So many options!), to finding the perfect bed frame — it’s all important for achieving the comfort and style you’re after. However, one decision that needs to be made is often neglected — what you want in terms of bed height.
Choosing the right bed height for you can greatly impact your comfort levels when getting in and out of bed. It can also play a large part in how you want your bedroom to look and feel.
The ideal bed height varies by person and greatly depends on how tall you are and what stage of life you’re in. However, the standard bed height sits at approximately 25 inches. You can find your current bed height by measuring from the top of your mattress to the floor.
Alternatively, to find out if your bed height is too high or too low, sit on the bed and notice where your feet fall or what the angle of your knees looks like. If your feet don’t reach the floor, your bed may be too tall. If your knees aren’t at a 90º angle with your feet on the floor, it’s probably too short.
When determining the ideal bed height, you should also factor in your height, age, sleep partner, and personal style.
When choosing a bed frame and mattress combo, there are a few factors to consider to find the combination that’s the best height for you. One factor to consider is your personal preference. You may prefer to have a Princess and the Pea style bed that’s miles high, or you may lean more towards the contemporary low-bed style. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, take it and the factors below into consideration.
When determining your perfect bed height, you need to account for how tall you are. If you’re shorter and aren’t keen on hoisting yourself into bed every night and jumping out in the morning, you’ll be better off with a shorter bed.
Likewise, taller folks will often opt for something higher so they don’t have to lift themselves out of bed in the morning. If you feel your bed is too short, you can make it taller by adding a box spring or other type of support below your mattress, or by purchasing a tall bed frame.
You also want to consider your current stage of life. When choosing a mattress for a child, consider that younger kids may want a bed that’s lower to the floor because they’re small. Taller beds can be harder to get into while also having a further drop to the floor if the child were to fall out of bed.
Similarly, older adults and seniors with mobility issues will benefit greatly from having a bed at an appropriate height. Shorter beds often require you to crouch or sit slowly to reach the bed. This can be difficult for those with weak joints — particularly the knees and hips. Getting out of bed can also be uncomfortable because it takes arm strength to push yourself up, as well as hip, knee, and ankle control to ensure you don’t fall.
The thickness of your mattress plays a large role in what kind of bed frame you should have if you want to achieve the ideal bed height. Mattresses can range from eight inches to 14 inches in thickness. If your bed frame is 14 to 15 inches tall, you would need an 11-inch mattress to reach the average 25-inch bed height.
You’ll also want to account for the height of any additional mattresses or supports you use or plan to use.
While it would make finding the perfect bed height a little easier, it’s unlikely that you and your partner are the same height. When determining how tall you would like your bed to be, consider both of your needs.
If either of you has recurring muscle or joint pain or any other condition that makes getting into or out of bed difficult, adapt to that person’s needs. If this means the bed is too tall for one of you, try using a step stool to make it easier to get in and out of each morning and night.
Lucky for you, there are many styles of bed frames at different heights. This means you can have your ideal bed height while also making your room look and feel the way you want. Keep reading to learn about a few popular bed frames.
A platform bed is any bed frame that can support your mattress on its own. They are typically lower to the ground and have a solid or slatted surface. These bed frames don’t require a box spring or other foundation layer unless you prefer the added height.
If you’re looking for a platform bed, take a look at our Repose Bed Frame and Platform Bed Frame to find the right fit for your needs.
Adjustable bed frames come in a variety of heights with many different features. These frames are best for those who have varying needs throughout the night. With an adjustable frame, you can change the positioning of your bed from propping up your upper body to laying flat.
If you’re looking for a tall bed frame, but want the option of making it lower from time to time, try out the Casper Rise Pro Adjustable Base or the Rise Max Adjustable Base. If you’re not worried about changing your bed height but would like to move it into different positions, our Rise Adjustable Base might be the right fit for you.
For those who are taller or prefer the look of taller beds, a traditional bed frame might be the best option for you. These frames typically require a box spring or other foundation layer, making the top of your mattress sit higher off the ground.
You’ll often find that these frames come as a simple metal outer support for a foundation. Check out our Foundation + Metal Frame to decide if this is the style and height you prefer.
Bed frames that are covered in fabric typically fall under the category of “upholstered.” You may find that the whole frame is upholstered, or just the headboard. Many upholstered frames sit lower to the ground, but if you like the look and prefer something taller, you can add an additional foundation layer for the height.
If you’re looking for a low-profile bed that’s cozy and easy on the eyes, take a look at our Upholstered Bed Frame and our Casper Haven Bed Frame.
A low-profile bed refers to any bed that sits low to the ground. This usually includes frames that don’t require a box spring or foundation to be placed underneath the mattress, such as a platform bed frame or adjustable bed frame. Because they don’t require the extra layer, the top of the mattress sits lower to the ground than it would otherwise.
Those who are taller may prefer something higher for an easier transition on and off the bed, while those who are shorter are likely to prefer something closer to the ground. This also depends on your stage of life — older adults and seniors may have a more difficult time pushing themselves up from a shorter bed and would therefore want something taller.
To make your bed sit higher off the ground, you can add a box spring or other foundation layer between the bed frame and your mattress. An average box spring is around 7 inches thick, which can quickly give your bed the added height you’re looking for.
While the average bed height sits around 25 inches, if you prefer a bed with a fuller look or are tall yourself, you may prefer a bed around 30 inches off the ground. However, if your own height is below average, a 30-inch bed may be too high for you.
The distance between the top of your mattress and the floor depends on a few factors such as how tall you are and what stage of life you’re in. However, the average distance is about 25 inches.
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a mattress and bed frame that will both fit your style and sit at a comfortable height. While the average bed sits around 25 inches tall, this may not be right for your needs. Accounting for your own height, stage of life, and personal style will help you determine the right bed height for you.
Is it time to replace your mattress or bed frame and find a combination at a better height? Look through our guide to disposing of a mattress and then take a look at some new mattress options so you can have the room (and sleep) of your dreams.
