Key Takeaways
- Bed Risers and Adjustable Frames: Elevate your bed easily with bed risers or adjustable frames, creating more storage space and improving accessibility for a comfortable sleep experience.
- Mattress Toppers and Bed Wedges: Increase your bed’s height and enhance sleep quality with mattress toppers that provide added cushioning and support, or bed wedges that offer customizable angle adjustments for various health needs.
- DIY Solutions and Safety Considerations: Customize your bed height according to personal preferences or specific requirements using DIY options such as wooden pallets or handmade risers, while ensuring safety measures and aesthetic considerations for a well-balanced sleep environment.
Having trouble entering and leaving a too-low bed? Looking for additional storage space beneath it? You are not alone!
Making alterations to the height of your mattress can provide comfort, improve accessibility, and allow more room. We have compiled helpful advice on how you can adjust your sleep sanctuary in this guide about raising a bed higher.
There’s introducing risers or extra padding with toppers all the way up to purchasing adjustable frames. We will show you different strategies that enable customizing the size of your sleeping area so as to optimize its quality. There are also DIY solutions, but we will cover why these are not ideal.
From designing bedrooms that fit particular tastes & preferences down to individual health requirements — get set by transforming yours today using our tips detailing exactly how to make a bed taller!
Quick Guide: A 30-Second Summary
Best Upholstered Bed Frame | Amerisleep Upholstered Bed Frame |
Best Platform Bed Frame | Amerisleep Platform Bed Frame |
Using Bed Risers
One cost-effective way to increase the height of your bed is by using bed risers. They come in various materials and can easily be secured beneath a bed frame’s legs.
Examples of different types of bed risers include:
- Wood bed risers
- Metal bed risers
- Plastic bed risers
Not only do these products allow you extra storage space underneath, but also boost accessibility since they raise the mattress up to a comfortable level. These options are quite inexpensive compared to a new frame, so they can be a key part of a budget bedroom makeover.
Before putting them into use, make sure that you have enough for each platform leg as well as your headboard so everything is securely installed. This will help keep stability intact while preventing any unwanted movement with the bed surface!
If you don’t like the look of your risers, you can try concealing them with a bed skirt.
Choosing the Right Bed Risers
When looking to purchase bed risers, consider the available materials we mentioned (wooden, metal and plastic) as well as their aesthetics. Wooden bed risers are attractive and sturdy while also providing a more classic look whereas plastic risers or metal varieties offer an upgraded appearance for those who want something modern yet affordable.
For customizability, there are stackable/adjustable options that permit easily changing the height of your own bed whenever needed rather than having to buy new ones each time you decide differently on how high it needs to be set up!
Other factors such as weight capacity and expected durability must be taken into consideration when looking to buy bed risers.
Installing Bed Risers
For an easy process, here’s the way to install bed risers:
- Begin by lifting up each leg of your bed.
- Place the risers below them so that they are firmly held in position. Be sure to adhere closely to whatever instructions come along with the additional equipment for your bed-riser needs.
- Confirm all bed legs have been elevated evenly or otherwise there might ensue issues such as warping or movement instability from the sides of your platformed bed frame.
This can also be made simpler by first taking off your mattress before beginning any assembly on top of the newly constructed framework. Once assembled, put back what belongs on top and make the bed again!
Enjoy this new higher standing plus better storage space access from having installed these extra helpful and convenient technological aids!
Adding a Mattress Topper
A mattress topper can give a bed added height with just a few extra inches, while also improving overall sleep quality. See, mattress toppers provide the body with an additional layer between itself and the bed for improved comfort as well as supporting neck and back muscles.
They can be used to fix up a too-soft or too-firm mattress or a bed that’s prone to retaining body heat. Some are even made to ease any joint or back pain. Simply place the topper on the surface of a bare mattress and make up the bed as usual.
When picking one out, take into account the firmness level, body weight distribution, and so forth.
Incorporating a Bed Wedge
If you want to increase the head of your bed, a foam insert under your mattress, known as a bed wedge, is an effective solution. Bed wedges are made from wood and can be adjusted so that users may set their ideal angle or height for optimal comfort.
This can also improve health issues such as acid reflux, sleep apnea, and back pain, as opposed to using a wedge pillow for these issues.
We suggest having two people on hand when installing it to ensure a secure fitting, with no undesirable movement taking place.
Attaching Wheels to the Bed Frame
Attaching wheels to the bed frame is a great way of introducing mobility and heightening your bed. Such caster wheels are made to be fitted to the bottom of a bigger object for easier mobility. It’s important, though, that the caster wheel has locking features so it remains in place when necessary.
When considering this setup, you need to take into account its requirements as well as the added elevation from adding wheels. Make sure all aspects are stable enough for safe use before enjoying it yourself!
Implementing a Mattress Foundation
A mattress foundation can contribute to a higher bed height as well as improved support for your mattress. Bed foundations come in varying heights, ranging from 4 to 9 inches, and pair well with panel beds.
Not only will a mattress foundation lift up your sleeping space, but this accessory also prevents mattress sagging and impressions and creates airflow between the base and top layers.
When selecting which type of foundation works best with your bedroom décor, take into account all aspects like comfort, support, airflow, design and aesthetic possibilities. Naturally, make sure it fits with your bed frame size and setup.
Some only work well with a few mattress types, too. For example, a box spring can raise an innerspring mattress, but it’s really only compatible with that type of mattress.
Get a Thicker Mattress
While not the cheapest option, you can consider how mattress thickness contributes to a taller bed and choose a thicker model. A thicker mattress can increase the overall elevation, making the bed seem taller without any adjustments to the frame itself.
This can be especially helpful if you are looking to create a more substantial presence in your bedroom without making structural changes. Additionally, a thicker model can provide a more comfortable sleeping experience, offering enhanced support and cushioning for a restful night’s sleep.
However, make sure your bed frame can accommodate both your body weight and the weight of a mattress that’s thicker and likely heavier than the model you are currently sleeping on.
Upgrading to an Adjustable Bed Frame
Adjustable bed frames provide a versatile and adjustable solution to getting the perfect sleeping surface. Not only can you alter its height, but you also have full control over the angle of your mattress.
The benefits of inclined beds and their flexibility can help those who suffer from medical ailments like sleep apnea, asthma, or GERD. Raising the head of the bed makes breathing much easier and keeps stomach contents where they belong, rather than letting them travel up your throat and irritate it.
Now, adjustable bed frames are more expensive than other bed bases. However, they still offer long-term value due to their convenience and superior comfort levels.
Many shoppers find adjustable bed and mattress combos a worthwhile investment.
Safety and Aesthetic Considerations
The safety of the bed when it is raised should be your top priority, particularly if there are seniors or those with limited mobility in your home.
Consider also how having a higher bed will impact the look of your bedroom decor. As we mentioned earlier, a bed skirt can prove useful to hide any frame legs as well as risers and other items underneath the frame. It helps you enjoy its advantages without compromising on neatness and style aesthetics at all.
Customizing Bed Height for Specific Needs
When looking to tailor the ideal bed height for individual needs, you should take into account:
- Age
- Stature
- Mobility
- Any existing medical issues
Typically beds vary between 16 to 24 inches in elevation. However, the elderly or people with physical disabilities may find that a bed of 20 to 23 inches is more suited to them.
Different heights may also need consideration depending on cultural preference or certain health requirements. For example, low-floor futons are popular in Japanese households that use tatami mats regularly. Tradition has Japanese beds much closer to the ground than what you find in many Western households.
Meanwhile, elevated beds can be good for those recovering from back injuries or post-hip surgery procedures.
Why We Don’t Recommend DIY Options for a Taller Bed
While DIY bed height solutions can offer a cost-effective and creative approach, they may not always guarantee the necessary stability and safety required for raising a bed. Homemade bed risers, such as those made from wooden pallets, cinder blocks, or handcrafted supports, may lack the structural integrity needed to ensure the bed remains secure and balanced.
Similarly, we can’t recommend repurposing your old mattress into a makeshift box spring or foundation. In other words, putting a mattress on top of another mattress.
Putting a mattress on top of a mattress can create an unstable sleeping environment. Your new mattress is much more likely to sag and may even slide out of place.
These improvised options might pose a risk of instability and potential damage to the bed frame, which can compromise the overall safety of the sleeping environment. Safer alternatives include commercially available bed risers designed with stability and weight-bearing capacity in mind, or investing in adjustable bed frames that offer customizable height settings without compromising on safety and stability.
If you want the look of a taller bed more than you truly want a higher bed surface or underbed storage, you can also try a few simple tricks to create the illusion of a taller bed without physically increasing its height:
- Opt for bedding that has a more substantial drape to create the appearance of added height.
- Choose bed skirts that are longer and in a color that complements the bedding to give the impression of an elevated bed frame.
- Add decorative pillows and throws or blankets that draw the eye upward.
By strategically using these design elements, you can make your bed look taller without the need for physical adjustments to its structure.
All of these alternatives provide a reliable and secure means of achieving your desired bed height while prioritizing safety and structural integrity.
FAQs
How can I increase my bed height?
A popular and inexpensive way of adding height to an existing bed is with bed risers. Wheels are also viable options that might be considered for additional lift as well! If you want a bigger change then consider getting a bed foundation, a mattress topper, or an adjustable bed frame.
How do you put on bed risers?
Installing bed risers is a relatively straightforward process. To put on bed risers, you’ll need to lift the bed with the help of another person. Then, carefully slide the solid wood risers under each wheel of the bed frame.
Ensure that the risers fit securely to provide stability, preventing any wobbling or instability. Adjust the risers so that all four corners of the bed are adequately supported, providing extra support and elevation.
Are bed risers safe to use?
Bed risers are generally safe to use if they are compatible with your bed frame and have been securely installed. They allow for easier access to get in and out of bed, making the sleeping experience more comfortable and convenient.
However, it’s crucial to ensure that the bed risers are stable and do not compromise the structural integrity of the bed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for proper installation and usage. Do not use DIY bed risers, such as cinder blocks, as these can come with safety issues.
How can I make my low platform bed taller?
Consider installing either bed risers or adding a mattress topper. Bed risers can be found in various designs and height measurements and attach directly onto the legs of the frame. A mattress topper can add extra height and comfort to the sleeping surface, making it more accessible and convenient. However, it may not be the best solution if you already enjoy a comfortable mattress.
Is 25 inches too high for a bed?
While 25 inches might be considered high for some, it can provide added accessibility and comfort for others, especially those with mobility issues or specific health requirements. Your ideal height for a bed should let you move in and out of bed with ease. Some may simply need added home and bedding accessories to accomplish that.
How much can a mattress topper boost bed height?
A mattress topper can raise the bed’s height by several inches, providing an extra layer of comfort and support. This added padding not only increases the bed’s elevation but also contributes to a more comfortable and restful sleep experience. Some toppers make a bed softer, others firmer, and some are used to cool down a bed.
Conclusion
Finding the right bed height for you can make a huge difference to your sleep experience and be advantageous in terms of accessibility. To tailor it towards meeting individual needs, there are an assortment of solutions like risers, mattress toppers, adjustable frames or DIY alternatives – each one worth exploring.
Bed risers are good if you want space to store books in the bedroom under the bed, for example. While a mattress topper can give life to an old mattress.
Ultimately, comfort should take precedence when trying to get optimum restful sleep. That’s why personalizing your bedroom furniture by altering its height, whether your goal is raising or lowering the bed, pays off big time!
About the author
Geoff McKinnen is a writer focusing mainly on the healthcare industry and has written articles on everything from foods to help you lose weight to the connection between Alzheimer’s and sleep. Geoff’s passionate about helping readers improve their well-being to lead happier lives. Outside of work, Geoff enjoys cycling and hiking and believes that by leading a healthy lifestyle, he can help others do the same.
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