What’s The Best Bed Height?

Height is typically not what most people think of when they’re shopping for a new bed. This is especially true for those who don’t have any mobility issues to worry about—they just fall into bed at night and jump out in the morning.

However, for older people, people with back problems, or patients with other health issues that limit mobility, bed height can be one of the most important aspects of their bed buying experience. Finding the correct measurements can mean the difference between getting in and out of bed at all.

However, finding the ideal bed height isn’t as easy as you might think. Below, we’ll talk about how to figure out the correct bed height for you, as well as what to do if you’re sleeping with a partner whose height needs are different.

Ideal Bed Height

If you search for “ideal bed height,” you’ll get a lot of contradictory answers. You might see ranges of 16 to 24 inches, solid figures like 25 inches, and vaguer suggestions or wider ranges. All of these suggestions can be right or wrong, depending on one thing: your height.

The ideal bed height is about knee level. This way, you can get in and out of bed without either having to stoop down too low or climb up onto the mattress. Naturally, there are also exceptions, such as bunk bed mattresses.

Of course, the problem is that not everyone’s knee is the same height. If you want to get technical about it, you can grab a tape measure and measure from the floor to the top of your knee to get the ideal bed height.

If you want a less formal approach, you can sit on a few beds to get a sense of the best height for you. You’ve found your ideal bed height when you can sit on the edge of the bed with your feet flat on the floor and your thighs parallel to the floor (instead of angled downward from your hips).

How to Make Your Bed the Ideal Height

Since there’s more to a bed than just the mattress, you’ll need to consider the height of all your bed’s different components. Remember, the total height of all combined parts is the actual height of your bed.

Mattress Height

Mattress thickness can vary pretty widely, anywhere from 6 inches for a cheaper, thinner mattress to 14 or 15 inches for a luxurious extra-thick mattress. You’ll need to be aware of your mattress’s depth when shopping for a base or frame to ensure you get the correct height.

Thickness is especially important if the mattress will be tucked away at times, like a mattress for a Murphy bed or a trundle bed.

Bed Base Height

Bed bases are optional, depending on what kind of frame you have. Shorter people may consider eliminating a bed base/bed frame combo in favor of a platform bed if box springs or foundations add too many inches to their bed’s profile.

Those who want taller beds can consider a bed frame and box spring or mattress foundation combination. A box spring set or a mattress foundation will go into your bed frame. These bed bases add anywhere from 4 to 12 inches to the overall height of your bed.

Bed Frame Height

Bed frames are typically low to the ground because they’re meant to accommodate both a mattress foundation or box spring set and a mattress. If you go for a bed frame combined with a mattress foundation or box springs, you’ll need to add the thickness of the frame’s slats to the height of the bed base and the mattress to get your correct bed height.

You can also raise the height of your current bed frame by using a set of bed risers.

SEE ALSO: Bed Frame Sizes and Dimensions Guide

Compromising on Bed Height with a Partner

Compromising on a bed height can be tough, especially for couples with large height disparities. One way to compromise is to measure both partners’ knee heights and split the difference.

Meeting in the middle might be tougher for couples who have mobility issues, such as arthritis. If only one partner has a tough time getting in and out of bed, it might be best to base the bed’s profile on the mobility-limited partner’s ideal height.

However, if both partners have issues, it may be best to consider getting a bed to suit the taller partner’s needs and placing a platform or step on the shorter partner’s side to make it easier for them to get in and out of bed.

If even this won’t work, separate beds of different heights may be the only solution. It might be possible to create a split king size bed by using two twin XL mattresses and bed bases of different heights so that each partner’s side of the bed is a suitable height for them.

SEE ALSO: King vs. Split King: What’s the Difference?

Mattress Sizes

FAQs

How can couples decide on a bed height?

If you and your partner are of different heights, it can be helpful to measure the distance between your knees and the floor. Then combine the two numbers and split the difference. Compromise is difficult if one or even both partners have mobility issues.

With one partner, it’s best to get a bed that accommodates their ideal bed height for easier warnings. If both partners have mobility difficulties, we recommend a bed height that suits the taller sleeper’s needs, with a stepping block on the shorter partner’s side. Separate beds with different heights are another solution.

What if I want a low-profile bed?

A low bed can offer a modern look to people who want a sleeker bedroom style. Lower profiles can also offer a few practical advantages. Since most low beds feature only a platform and mattress, there are fewer components to move around if you relocate, not to mention fewer components to pay for—making low beds an often more convenient and less costly option.

Just remember, lower beds are harder to get in and out of, so if you have mobility issues, you may want to stick with a knee-height bed.

How will I know if my bed is too high?

Higher beds have their place in fashion. They make a bold statement and can help fill out larger bedrooms or those with high ceilings. Deep mattresses or tall bed frames with high posts and canopies are also often viewed as the height of luxury.

However, once again, mobility issues can cause problems with getting in and out of bed. If you can climb into a high bed without difficulty, then no worries. Shorter people or those with limited mobility may need to consider a platform or stepstool to get into a high bed, which might grow inconvenient night after night.

What if I’m more comfortable with a shorter or taller bed?

Of course, your personal preference is going to override a stranger’s advice on your ideal bed height. If you like your feet dangling off the bed or feel more secure with less space between you and the floor, then choose the bed height that’s right for you regardless of your knee height. Remember, there’s an exception to just about every rule.

Do bunk beds have an ideal height?

Bunk beds are a little tricky because the bottom bunk will be very low, while the top bunk is very high. There’s no “ideal” height for bunk beds because they’re not intended for people with limited mobility. The one thing you will need to watch out for is ceiling height. You’ll want to make sure that your top bunk is not so tall that whoever sleeps in it is at risk of hitting their head on the ceiling.

Bottom Line

As we’ve seen, the height of your bed is a more important factor than many people think. While there’s no standard height for all beds, there is a right bed height for each sleeper. The easiest way to determine how high your new bed should be is to measure your knee height. As long as your bed corresponds to that, you can’t go wrong!