Beds are going lower and lower, a trend that reflects the rising popularity of minimalist design. But while it’s true that lower bed frames take up less space visually, they’re not always the best choice for everyone.
The ideal bed height depends on your age and mobility needs, among other factors. For example, people with arthritis or back pain may struggle to get in or out of a bed that’s too low or too high.
You also need to consider your sleeping habits, bedroom style, and storage requirements when deciding between a high vs. low bed. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.
Table of Contents
What Is A Low Bed? | What Is A High Bed? | Why Does Bed Height Matter? | Advantages and Drawbacks | How To Choose The Right Bed Frame Height
What Is a Low Bed?
The average bed height is around 24-25″ from the floor to the top of the mattress. That’s about knee level.
Low-profile beds are 11″ or less and can be low, ultra-low, or Japanese-style. The latter are only a few inches high or consist of a thick mattress that goes directly onto the floor.
Platform beds fall into this category, too, though they are typically up to 18″ tall. They are still lower than traditional beds and can fit into small spaces.
What Is a High Bed?
This type of bed is 25″ to 36″ tall, which makes it suitable for rooms with high ceilings. Think about antique beds, divan beds, or ottoman beds.
High beds take up a lot of space and can make a room look smaller. However, they often have room for storage underneath, allowing you to maximize storage space.
Why Does Bed Height Matter?
Your bed height can impact your sleep, joint health, and overall comfort.
For example, taller people may find a high bed frame more comfortable than a low-profile bed. But if you’re rather short, you might be better off with a low bed frame.
As far as health goes, a bed that’s too high or too low can place strain on your joints. For instance, you may experience back or knee pain when getting in and out of bed. This aspect is particularly important for the elderly and people with mobility issues.
Bed height matters from an aesthetic perspective, too, as it can impact the overall look and feel of a bedroom. A lower bed will create the illusion of space, while a taller bed can add a touch of sophistication.
Consider your sleeping habits as well. If you toss and turn around a lot during sleep, you could fall out of a high bed. This is particularly true for children and people who sleepwalk.
That said, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of high vs. low beds.
High vs. Low Bed: Advantages and Drawbacks
Each style of bed has pros and cons. For example, low beds have a modern feel and can be a great choice for minimalist bedrooms. The downside is that they have little or no storage underneath and can pose issues for people with limited mobility.
High beds, on the other hand, can make a small room look cramped. Plus, they’re not ideal for families with children or pets. On the positive side, they tend to have a timeless design and provide a lot of storage space.
Below you can see the advantages of each bed style.
Advantages of High vs. Low Beds
High Beds
- Suitable for tall people
- More under-bed storage
- Can add a touch of style and elegance to your bedroom
- Allow for easier cleaning under the bed
- May be easier to get out of
- Require less bending when changing the sheets
Low Beds
- Can make a small bedroom look bigger
- Ideal for people who want to share the bed with a dog
- Feature a sleek, minimalist design, which makes them suitable for contemporary homes
- Easy for kids to hop on and out of
- Take up less space than a higher bed
- May reduce the risk of injury from falls, especially for children or people who toss and turn during sleep
As far as drawbacks go, both styles of beds can pose issues for people with joint pain and mobility issues. This aspect depends on their construction, height, and design.
Also, some issues are subjective.
For example, if you don’t feel comfortable sleeping with your pet, then you’ll appreciate the height of an antique bed. But that can be a problem for someone who wants to share the bed with his four-legged friend.
Disadvantages of High vs. Low Beds
High Beds
- Take up a lot of space and can make a small room look crowded
- Require more extensive assembly
- May increase your risk of falls (especially if you’re a restless sleeper)
- Some high bed frames look old-fashioned
- Not suitable for small children and pets
- May be difficult to get into
Low Beds
- Can be difficult to clean underneath
- No built-in storage
- May pose issues for people with back or joint pain and those recovering from surgery
- May not be suitable for taller users
- May feel cooler in the winter because they are closer to the floor
- You may breathe in dust, allergens, and other debris from the floor
How to Choose the Right Bed Frame Height
Generally speaking, the taller you are, the higher your bed should be. Apart from that, consider the following aspects:
- Your age
- Your overall mobility
- Your partner’s needs
- Your sleeping habits
- The thickness of your mattress
- The size and style of your bedroom
- Whether or not you have pets
- Your personal preferences
For example, if you plan to keep your current mattress, consider its thickness when choosing a bed frame.
The average mattress, across 200+ mattresses tested to date, is 11.98″ thick. Be sure to consider this number in your final calculations when determining the right height for your bed.
One way to determine your ideal bed height is to visit a furniture store and do the following:
- Sit on the edge of a bed you like, with your feet hanging down
- If your knees are positioned lower than your hips, then the bed is too high.
- If your knees are above your hips, then the bed is too low.
Ideally, your knees should be in line with your hips, and you should be able to touch the floor with your feet. This will ensure you can easily get in and out of bed, especially if you have back or joint pain.
Test several bed frames until you find one that meets your needs. After that, you can either buy it from the store or go online and order a bed frame with the same measurements. In general, online retailers offer better prices or discounts that may not be available in brick-and-mortar stores.
