What is the Best Bed Height?

When designing the perfect sleep environment, a quality mattress, bed, pillow, bedding, lighting, and even sound may come to mind, but rarely do we consider bed height. However, this often-overlooked factor plays a crucial role in a bed’s comfort and functionality. As sleep experts with over two decades of experience in transforming premium bedrooms and sleep spaces with innovative and comprehensive sleep solutions, we at Airpedic™ understand how the proper bed height can impact your overall comfort, mobility, and even safety. In this guide, we’ll explore optimal bed heights for a variety of circumstances and how to achieve them, determining the bed height that creates your perfect setup for restful sleep and easy movement.

Finding Your Optimal Bed Height

Bed height is about more than just aesthetics; it’s also about comfort and ease of use. The standard height of a bed measured from the floor to the top of the mattress typically ranges from 16 to 25 inches. This range allows for most people to sit on the edge of the bed with their feet flat on the floor and their knees bent at a 90-degree angle—a position that promotes ease of movement and reduces strain on muscles and joints when entering and exiting the bed.

However, the best bed height for you might vary based on personal factors, such as:

Personal Height: Bed heights between 22–25 inches are often more suitable for taller people because they don’t have to squat so far down to reach a seated position, while shorter individuals may find a lower bed height closer to 16–18 inches more comfortable for the opposite reason.
Age and Mobility: Seniors or those with limited mobility benefit from slightly higher bed heights between 20–23 inches. This allows for smoother transitions from standing to sitting and back again, avoiding having to exert the extra leg strength needed to sit at lower heights.
Health Considerations: If you experience joint pain or mobility issues, a higher bed may minimize strain during entry and exit. However, especially if you’re unstable when standing, you don’t want a bed that is so high you could fall trying to exit.

After determining the bed height most compatible with a person’s circumstances, it’s important to remember that several elements influence bed height. The obvious ones are bed frame height and mattress thickness, but bed accessories also play a role. Understanding these factors will help you decide about your sleep setup.

Bed Frame: The base height of your sleep surface depends on the bed frame you choose. Platform beds sit lower, while traditional frames with box springs offer more elevation. Additionally, adjustable bed bases can alter overall bed height.
Mattress Thickness: Mattress thickness can range from 8–14 inches, with some luxury models being even thicker. A thicker mattress can significantly affect the overall height of your bed.
Accessories: Additional components like mattress toppers, pads, or risers also influence bed height and allow for fine-tuning bed height to suit your specific needs.

The combination of these elements will determine the total height of your bed, so it’s crucial to consider all components when deciding the bed height and position that will create your ideal sleep environment.

Types of Bed Frames for Every Height Preference

Your choice of bed frame directly impacts the final height of your bed and is essential to consider when aiming for a specific bed height. There are many styles of bed frames, both in terms of function and aesthetics, each offering unique features and benefits that ensure you can find a solution that meets your needs.

Platform Beds

Platform beds are perfect for those who prefer a modern and minimalist design. With a typical height range of 5–12 inches, these low-profile frames eliminate the need for a box spring. They can work well in smaller spaces, offer solid support, and often include built-in storage options. Platform beds can be an excellent choice for younger adults, shorter individuals, or anyone seeking a clean aesthetic.

Adjustable Beds

Adjustable bed bases take customization to the next level, offering variable height options and enhanced functionality. These bed frames are ideal for improving mobility and for individuals with specific health needs, such as those requiring elevation for circulation or therapeutic positioning. With features like massage settings and position memory, adjustable beds are also attractive for those seeking a luxurious and adaptable sleep experience.

Traditional Bed Frames with Box Springs

Traditional bed frames paired with box springs create a standard bed height of 16–24 inches. This setup offers a timeless look and balanced functionality, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy classic bedroom design. Well-made traditional frames can provide excellent support and are compatible with most mattresses.

Sleigh Beds

Sleigh beds bring a touch of luxury and sophistication to a bedroom. These frames typically stand at 25–30 inches and feature curved headboards and footboards. They’re compatible with thicker mattresses, making them ideal for master bedrooms with ample space. Sleigh beds are perfect for creating a statement piece in your sleep environment and increasing overall bed height.

Loft Beds

Loft beds are an innovative solution for maximizing vertical space. With heights ranging from 60–72 inches, they’re perfect for small apartments, dorm rooms, or studio spaces. These elevated frames create space for desks, storage, or seating. Loft beds are best suited for agile individuals who don’t mind climbing to reach their sleeping surface and those who aren’t concerned with seated bed height.

How to Choose the Best Bed Height for You

Selecting the right bed height involves considering multiple factors, including bedroom design, physical needs, and practical requirements. Here are some specific considerations to guide your decision:

Physical Needs and Comfort
As mentioned, ideal bed height should allow you to sit comfortably on the edge of the bed with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent at a comfortable angle of about 90 degrees. If you experience joint pain or have mobility challenges, opt for a height high enough to minimize strain when getting in and out of bed. Similarly, if you’re unstable when standing or getting up at night, it’s important that a bed not be too high off the ground to reduce the chance of falling upon exit.

Mattress and Frame Combinations
When finalizing your bed setup, calculate the combined height of your mattress, frame, and mattress topper, if any, to determine whether the final height meets your ideal measurements. A thick mattress paired with a tall frame might result in a bed that’s too high, while a low-profile mattress in a platform bed may be too close to the ground.

Room Aesthetics
Of course, the choice of bed height is not all about function. The height of your bed should complement the proportions of your bedroom and your personal style preferences. A bed that’s too high might block natural light or appear bulky, while one that’s too low could make the room feel unbalanced. Consider ceiling height, window placement, and furniture layout when choosing your bed height.

Future Needs
If you feel that your mobility needs might change over time – and they often do as we age – it is advisable to consider an adjustable bed frame that allows for height modifications as well as an adjustable bed base. These options provide long-term flexibility and comfort even as circumstances and needs change.

Why Bed Height Matters

It is hard to overestimate the importance of the right bed height when setting up your ideal sleep space. This often-forgotten factor not only enhances the quality of your rest and reduces physical strain and the chance of injury when entering and exiting your bed, but it also contributes to the overall aesthetics of your bedroom. By determining the right bed height for you, understanding the factors that influence bed height, and exploring the variety and combination of frame and mattress options available, you can achieve the optimal bed height that creates the ideal sleep environment for your specific needs.

The Airpedic™ Advantage

At Airpedic™, we understand that optimal bed height is essential for the comfort and functionality of your sleep space. Our adjustable bed frames offer precision height control and luxurious additional features like massage settings and customizable sleeping positions. Combined with one of our premium adjustable air mattresses, mattress toppers, or bed accessories, you’ll enjoy a premium sleep system tailored to your unique preferences.