Bedroom
Published January 11, 2022
7 minHow to Make Your Bed Higher
Six straightforward methods — from bed risers to mattress toppers — so you can get in and out of bed without the daily crouch.
Table of contents
The Quickest Fix: Bed RisersThe Feel Changer: Mattress ToppersA New Foundation or Box SpringAdjustable Bed FrameSwitch Up Your Bed FrameAdd Caster WheelsWhat's the Right Bed Height for You?The Right Fix Depends on What You Actually NeedFrequently Asked Questions
Bed height matters more than most people realize. Too low and getting up every morning puts strain on your hips and knees. Too high and you're doing a small climb every night. Most beds land on the low side, but luckily, you can easily raise them without replacing your whole mattress.Here are six ways to make your bed higher, what each method costs you, and how to decide which one fits your setup.
The Quickest Fix: Bed Risers
Bed risers are the most common way to raise a bed, and for good reason — they're fast to install, inexpensive, and add anywhere from 2 to 12 inches depending on the model. You attach them to the feet of your bed frame, and that's it.Types of bed risers:- Plastic risers — the most affordable option. Fine for lighter beds, but they can crack under heavy loads over time.
- Metal risers — more durable and often adjustable, so you can dial in the exact height. Check that they're compatible with your frame's leg style before buying.
- Wood risers — the most visually appealing. They hold up well and blend into most bedroom setups without looking like an afterthought.
The Feel Changer: Mattress Toppers
A mattress topper won't give you the same lift as risers, but it does double duty: it adds 2–4 inches while changing the feel of your sleep surface. If your mattress has gotten firmer over time or you want a softer landing, a topper addresses both at once. There are also mattress toppers that offer a firmer feel, if you’re having the opposite issue.The tradeoff is that you can't go higher than the topper itself allows. If you need 6+ inches, risers or a new foundation are the better call. But if a couple of inches and a different feel would solve your problem, a topper is worth considering before you start moving anything.Shop Nectar’s mattress toppers.Installing a mattress topper:Unpack it and leave it to expand for a few hours — most foam toppers take some time to fully decompress. Lay your topper flat on your mattress, and make your bed as normal. Your sheets should help lock everything into place.Not sure which mattress fits you best? Find out now.
A New Foundation or Box Spring
A mattress foundation is a low-profile base with a solid surface for your mattress to sit on. If your mattress is currently sitting directly on a platform frame with no added base, swapping in a foundation can add 4–9 inches — a meaningful jump that doesn’t alter your mattress or the frame itself.Shop Nectar’s Foundation Bed Frame.Adjustable Bed Frame
If you want full control over height — and a handful of other features — an adjustable base is worth knowing about. These let you raise and lower different sections of the bed independently, and most modern versions are remote-controlled.They're on the higher end of the price range, but height adjustability is just one piece of what you're getting. Many include zero-gravity positioning, massage settings, and under-bed lighting. Worth it for some setups, overkill for others.Shop Nectar’s Adjustable Bed Frames.Switch Up Your Bed Frame
Sometimes the frame itself is what's limiting you. Platform frames sit low by design — typically 6–12 inches off the floor. A standard bed frame with legs runs taller, usually 14–18 inches. If you're on a platform and want meaningful height without any accessories, swapping the frame is the most permanent fix.Shop all Nectar bed frames.Add Caster Wheels
If your bed frame has legs without wheels, swapping in locking casters adds a few inches and makes the bed easier to move when you're cleaning or rearranging. The gain is modest — most casters add 2–4 inches — but it's a reasonable mod if your frame is compatible and you'd use the mobility.One thing to check first: not all bed frames accept caster wheels, and some installations involve drilling into the frame. If you're renting or would rather not modify anything permanently, risers or a topper are definitely the easier path.What's the Right Bed Height for You?
There's no universal number, but a useful test: sit on the edge of your bed and check that your feet rest flat on the floor with your knees at roughly a 90-degree angle. That's a reliable personal gauge.A few other things worth thinking through:- Height and mobility. Taller people and those with joint pain typically do better with a higher bed — it reduces the range of motion required to stand up each morning.
- Kids and pets. A lower bed is easier for small kids and animals to get on and off.
- Room proportions. A taller bed in a room with low ceilings can feel cramped. A low bed in a large room can disappear.
