When shopping for a new bed, most people consider the type of mattress they want. But one factor that many people forget about is the bed’s height and which type of bed frame is best for them. And while it might not seem all that important, but you’ll be happy you did your research to choose the right height for you.
Several factors go into bed heights, including box spring height and the size of the bed. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about bed heights.
What are the standard bed heights?
The biggest factor that determines how high your bed will sit is the bed frame that you choose. There are four common bed frames, each with its own standard height.
Standard bed frame
Traditional bed frames are about 25 inches high. These frames are about knee-high for most people and usually require a box spring to be used with your mattress. This is the type of bed frame you’re most likely to run into and will work well for most people.
Platform bed frame
A platform bed frame sits lower to the ground, at around 18 inches in height. These bed frames are becoming increasingly popular, especially with the increasing number of types of mattresses available. Many people might enjoy this bed height, but it may not be the best choice for taller people or those with mobility issues. You may have a more difficult time getting out of bed.
Adjustable bed frame
Adjustable bed frames are the most versatile option since you can alter them to suit your needs. Some adjustable beds allow you to change the bed’s height, while others allow you to adjust the angle of different parts. You can elevate your feet or head for a more comfortable position. These bed frames can be a good option for people with body pains.
Antique bed frame
Antique beds tend to sit higher off the ground than other bed frames on the market. In most cases, these frames will have you sitting about 36 inches off the ground. These bed frames are usually the best option for older individuals who have difficulty getting up from a low position. However, they may be challenging for smaller people who have to climb into them.
What other factors affect the ideal bed height?
When it comes to choosing the right bed frame for you, there are several factors you’ll need to consider.
Age
When you’re choosing the right bed height, consider the age of the person or people who will be sleeping in it. Smaller children will have an easier time getting into a shorter bed like a platform bed. But older children might prefer a taller bed and are mobile enough to climb in and out.
Elderly individuals, on the other hand, won’t want to climb up into their bed, nor will they want to crouch down to get into a platform bed. When choosing a bed frame for an older individual, it’s best to choose one at a neutral height compared to their height.
Height
Your height will certainly impact the type of bed you choose. Most people don’t want to work too hard to get into their bed at night or, perhaps more importantly, out of it in the morning. As a result, shorter individuals might prefer platform beds, while especially tall people might prefer antique beds.
Mattress height
Just like bed frames, mattresses also come in different heights. Mattresses come in a wide range of sizes. Some are less than a foot high, while others can be as tall as 25 inches. It might make sense to pair your mattress with a complimentary bed frame.
Mobility
If you suffer from mobility issues, that should certainly be a factor when choosing the right bed height for you. Choose a bed frame that allows you to easily sit down without having to crouch down or crawl up. The right bed height will be different for everyone depending on their height.
Aesthetic
A final factor to consider when choosing a bed frame is simply which you prefer aesthetically. Depending on your personal style and the decor in your bedroom, a certain type of bed frame might make the most sense.
How to Select the Best Bed Frame Height
Are you ready to find the perfect bed frame height for you? First, consider the bed you have now. Do you like the height? You can experiment with laying down and standing up from it and decide whether it sits at a comfortable height for you. If you think it’s the right height, then stick with the same design.
If your current bed frame isn’t working, decide whether it’s too tall or too short. If you find that you have a difficult time getting out of bed in the morning, it might be that your current bed frame is too short. On the other hand, if it’s a struggle to climb up into bed at night, then your current frame might be too high.
Either way, using your current bed frame, or another bed frame in your home, as a reference is a great place to start.
A standard bed frame is about 25 inches high, though it will depend on the height of your mattress as well.
The height of your bed probably won’t affect the quality of your sleep, but it will impact how easy or challenging it is to get into and out of bed each day.
The right mattress height for you depends on several factors, including your age, height, mobility and simply personal preference.
The platform bed frame is the shortest option and sits around 18 inches high.
The antique bed frame is the tallest option and sits around 36 inches high.
Final Thoughts
Most people don’t think about bed height when shopping for a bed frame, but it’s actually incredibly important. While your bed height likely won’t impact your sleep, you’ll definitely notice it when you get into and out of bed each day. The right bed height is especially important for those with mobility issues. Before buying your next bed frame, test out a few different heights to decide which is right for you. You can also read our in-depth guide about the different types of bed frames.