Ways to Raise the Height of Your Bed

If you need additional storage, you'd like your bed to be easier to get into and out of, or you just want your space raised for aesthetic appeal, raising your bed height can make all the difference. There are several simple, affordable, and effective ways to raise bed height, and in this new guide, we’re going to lay each one out clearly so you can make your choice about what will best fit your home, your needs, and your budget.

Why Raise The Height Of Your Bed?

Before getting into the how-to, it's probably worth taking the time to consider why you might want to raise your bed in the first place. There are many practical and even stylistic reasons why people opt to raise their beds.

Smoother Entry: A higher bed will facilitate smoother entry/exit, particularly if you happen to be taller or if you’re dealing with mobility issues.

Better Ventilation: If your mattress is raised off the ground, it ensures better ventilation under it, keeping it dry, cool, and fresh in the long run.

Extra Storage: By elevating your bed, you get useful storage space underneath, perfect for keeping storage bins, extra bedding, or seasonal garments tucked away out of sight.

Style and Design: The raised bed generally just looks nicer. It has the power to make the whole room look better put-together, giving the space just a little presence.

Comfort and Body Support: When paired with a supportive mattress, a higher bed can take pressure off your joints and make daily movements like sitting or standing much more comfortable.

1. Use Bed Risers

One of the easiest and quickest ways to raise your bed up is with risers. These convenient little devices are offered in a variety of materials, styles, and sizes, generally giving you a height increase anywhere between 2 and 12 inches.

Types Of Bed Risers

• Plastic Risers
• Wooden Risers
• Adjustable Risers

What’s Great About It:

• Budget-friendly and easy to find
• Simple to set up
• Optional and can be removed at your discretion

Things To Keep In Mind:

• They are not a one-size-fits-all solution
• Might feel unsteady if unevenly installed

Make sure you always check the weight rating on the risers, particularly if your mattress is heavy or you sleep with somebody. And put them down evenly underneath each leg to avoid tipping. If you have tile or hardwood floors, opt for risers with non-slip bottoms or rubber strips to keep your bed stationary. Some styles actually incorporate power outlets or USB ports, a useful extra if you like charging equipment bedside.

2. Upgrade To A Higher Mattress

Upgrading the mattress thickness is another effective means to raise the height of the bed. 8-inch to 14-inch thicknesses are common in regular mattresses, but luxury, pillow-top, and other styles go even higher.

You not only get taller, but you feel better, with improved support for your spine.

• Pillow-top or hybrid mattresses for extra support
• If the new height of the mattress matches your current frame and bedding
• Your comfort needs do not compromise comfort with height

Before you purchase, get your current mattress's dimensions as well as total height with base if you use one. If you sleep with someone, ensure both sleepers concur with the upgrade.

If you’re unsure about what thickness of mattress you’re comfortable with, it’s probably worth getting down to a showroom and giving it a try with a couple. Take note of how easy it is, once you’re on it, to roll off the edge onto your hands and knees, and then get upright again, especially if you’re a victim of stiff joints in the mornings. Some firms actually give you in-home trials, so you get height and comfort both without making any promises.

3. Add A Mattress Topper

If you're looking for an easy way to add some extra height to your bed, you might consider purchasing a mattress topper. The great majority will give your bed an extra 2 to 4 inches in height, but they will usually make your bed feel better, period. Memory foam, latex, and feather-filled are some of the most popular types.

What’s Great About It:

• It's much more affordable than purchasing an entirely new mattress
• Simple to take off, turn, or exchange when you feel like it
• It's made for comfort and support in your sleep configuration

4. Install A Platform Bed Frame

Platform bed frames naturally sit higher than traditional ones and include built-in foundations, eliminating the need for a box spring.

Why Choose A Platform Frame?

• Typically adds 12–18 inches in height
• Often includes built-in storage options
• Simplifies bed assembly

Many shoppers choose platform frames for a cleaner look and dual functionality. Some even feature adjustable legs or modular bases that grow with your needs.

5. Use A Box Spring Or A Bunkie Board

Another method to raise your bed is by adding a box spring or replacing a thin bunkie board with a thicker one.

Box Spring:

• Adds 5-9 inches
• Suitable for innerspring mattresses
• Builds up a strong, stable base

Bunkie Board:

• Usually 1-3 inches thick
• Excellent with foam or hybrid mattresses
• Spreads weight uniformly throughout slats

These are very useful with low-profile frames, providing extra height with minimal structural modifications. A higher base also enhances ventilation and keeps your sleep surface sanitary.

6. Upgrade To A Higher Bed Frame Or Headboard

It's an easy matter to increase overall height with a taller bed frame. There are even frames with height-adjustable legs or with lift kits.

Appearing with an oversized headboard along with an elevated frame will also give the illusion that you have more height, and your assembly appears more deliberate.

Before Buying:

• Check the frame’s total height
• Review the slat design and weight capacity
• Match frame height with your mattress so it's not too tall

Choose strong materials like wood or metal for durability and long-lasting reliability.

7. Install Under-Bed Storage Drawers Or Cubbies

It may not be the first thing you'll consider when you talk about raising your bed, but under-bed storage will get the job done, provided you put your bed right on top of it. It will provide your bed with a little boost, but it's also going to provide you with a sneaky place where you can stash the extras.

Why It Works:

• You can gain around 10 to 16 inches in height
• Built-in storage keeps your clothes, extra bedding, or off-season belongings tidily hidden away

It's an excellent choice where space is an issue, I think studio apartments, shared rooms, or small bedrooms where storage space is minimal. It's all about making your setup more efficient without adding bulk.

Best of all? Modular systems adapt with you. You can move them around, add them later, or reassess the layout without having to buy into an all-new frame or start over.

8. Test Bed Leg Extenders

Leg extenders are like risers, except that they secure directly onto your bed legs instead of sitting underneath. They are usually screwed into place or clipped.

Best Used With:

• Wooden bed frames
• Adjustable bases with removable legs

They’re inconspicuous, sturdy, and keep the figure streamlined. Just make sure the extensions are evenly and securely attached. Unevenness leads to stress later, or annoying creaks on the frame.

9. Pallet Bases Or DIY Wood Blocks

If you’re handy, custom wooden blocks or pallet bases are a practical DIY method for height adjustment.

This Works Well If:

• Your floors are uneven
• You want a specific, customized lift
• You like an industrial or rustic aesthetic

Just make sure to sand edges, test for weight limits, and add felt or rubber pads to prevent movement on hard floors. Repurposed or reclaimed wood is a great sustainable option.

10. Combine Multiple Methods

Now and again, the best result includes the combination of multiple height-increasing procedures. Having two, three, or four will get you right into that range you want. Certain popular combinations are:

• A 3-inch riser with a 12-inch-thick mattress
• A platform bed frame with an extra plush mattress topper
• A box spring underneath a bed that's already sitting on storage drawers

Typically, the best height for an adult person's bed is 25 inches off the floor, measured from the floor up to the surface of the mattress. This ensures that when you are sitting at the edge of the bed, your feet will be resting on the ground, making it comfortable when getting in and vice versa without straining.

It’s a good idea to measure your current bed setup before making any changes. That way, you can avoid adding more height than you really need and prevent ending up with a bed that feels awkward or uncomfortable to use every day.

Points To Think About Before Increasing Bed Height

Ask yourself these questions before making any changes:

• Is this change temporary, permanent, or somewhere in between?
• Will I be comfortable getting in and out of bed daily?
• Will my sheets and bedding still fit properly?
• Are there safety concerns for kids or elderly users?

Measure your current bed height and decide exactly how much you want to add. Be sure to account for flooring type, too. Adding height to tile or hardwood may increase movement or noise. Rug pads or non-slip grips can help keep things in place.

Don’t forget to revisit your bedding setup once your bed is raised. Higher beds often require deeper fitted sheets or longer bed skirts. It's a small detail, but it ensures your sleep space still feels polished and put-together. A little planning goes a long way in making sure everything works seamlessly from style to comfort.

FAQs About Raising Your Bed

1. How can I safely raise my mattress height?

1. Mattress toppers and mattress platforms are an excellent way to raise the height of your bed. You can also elevate your mattress height with bed risers you can install on the bed frame.

2. Is there an alternative to bed risers?

1. Bed risers will do the trick, but they aren’t always necessary. There are alternatives to raising the height of your bed such as using a bed or pillow wedge and adjustable bed frames.

3. When should I not use bed risers?

1. Bed risers are excellent for raising a bed’s height. But be careful about using them if the flooring is uneven or weak, the bed has missing legs or castors, or when using adjustable beds.