When it comes to height, not all beds are the same. While some beds sit directly on the floor, others are raised several tens of centimeters off the ground. This difference affects the bed’s appearance, but that’s not all. A bed’s height primarily affects the sleeper’s comfort. Therefore, you shouldn’t choose the height of your bed at random.
When discussing bed height, however, it’s important to consider the height of all the components of the bed: legs, box spring, mattress thickness, etc. Thus, the height of the bed is more accurately defined as the distance between the floor and the top of the mattress.
On average, a bed is between 50 and 55 cm high. However, this standard height may not be suitable for everyone. Your body type—and more specifically, your height—will help you choose the most suitable height. We invite you to keep reading to learn more and find out how to choose the right bed based on its height.
What factors should you consider when choosing the right size for your bed?
While some people may be happy with a bed of standard height, others will find greater comfort by choosing a bed whose height is tailored to their body. In addition to height, age and certain health issues are key factors in choosing the right bed height.
Why is your height a key factor in choosing the height of your bed?
In principle, the height of a bed cannot be the same for someone who is 1.90 meters tall as for someone who is 1.60 meters tall. It is indeed important to be able to get out of bed as comfortably as possible upon waking, otherwise you risk causing or aggravating health problems. In fact, repeating the same movement every morning on a bed that is too high or too low can lead to knee, back, or even hip problems. To protect your health, it is therefore important to choose a bed whose height is suited to your body type.
Thus, a low bed may be perfectly suitable for a person of short stature. However, it will be inconvenient for a taller person, who will then have to adopt an uncomfortable and unnatural position to get out of bed. The same is true for a bed that’s too high for a shorter person, who would then have to bend over to get out of bed. But what if you share a bed with a partner who is a very different height from you? In that case, unfortunately, you’ll have to make some compromises.
Why should age and health issues be taken into account when choosing the height of your bed?
While your height is the most important factor in choosing the right height for your bed, there are other factors you should also consider.
It is indeed all the more important to choose a bed with an appropriate height for older adults, or simply for people who already have medical conditions that cause weakness in the back, hips, or knees. To prevent the onset or worsening of pain caused by unnecessary pressure, it is important to choose a suitable bed.
How do you determine the right height for your bed?
Choosing a bed that’s the right size is actually quite simple. The taller a person is, the higher the bed should be. Conversely, the shorter a person is, the lower the bed should be. By correctly calculating the appropriate bed height based on your height, you’ll be able to get out of bed without difficulty. But how do you determine the ideal height for your bed?
The quickest way is still to check for yourself by sitting on the edge of the bed. Your feet should be flat on the floor, and your legs should ideally form a 90° angle. Don’t have a chance to test the bed’s height in person? Want to buy a new bed online while making sure its height is right for your height? In that case, here are a few of our recommendations:
- A standard height of 50 cm is ideal for people who are 1.75 m tall;
- A height of 55 cm is suitable for people who are 1.90 m tall;
- A height of 45 cm is suitable for people who are 1.60 m tall.
So, if you're on the shorter side, you should opt for a bed height of about 45 cm. If, on the other hand, you're on the taller side, you'll need a minimum height of 55 cm.
How do you adjust the height of your bed?
Don't want to replace your entire bed just to adjust its height to your body type? There are various tricks you can use to adjust the overall height of a bed with varying degrees of ease. In fact, you can gain or lose a few centimeters depending on the thickness of the mattress, by adding a mattress topper, or simply by changing the bed legs.
Pay attention to the thickness of the mattress
While the height of the bed depends mainly on the frame, it can vary depending on the thickness of the mattress. Depending on the mattress technology, its thickness can range from 15 cm for the thinnest models to 50 cm for the thickest.
But be careful: you shouldn’t choose the thickness of your mattress based on the height of your bed. Instead, the bed should be adjusted to fit the thickness of your mattress. Therefore, you should take this factor into account when purchasing a bed frame so that you can adjust the height of the sleeping surface.
Changing or adjusting the bed legs
If you find that your bed isn’t tall enough, you can also add a little height by simply changing the legs. Bed legs are easy to find in stores. To have a bed with a custom height, you can also contact a carpenter, who can adjust the height of your bed legs for you.
Add a mattress topper
You can also gain a few centimeters by adding a mattress topper. This is certainly the most practical and easiest solution if your bed isn’t high enough and you want to add a little more height to your sleeping surface. Mattress toppers come in various thicknesses. In addition, the main purpose of a mattress topper is to improve your comfort when you’re lying in bed.
And what about aesthetics in all of this?
As we mentioned in the introduction, the height of a bed isn’t just a matter of comfort. Some people do, in fact, choose the height of their bed based on their personal taste. Choosing a bed that’s tall enough also allows you to take advantage of storage space underneath. As you now know, it’s important not to choose the height of your bed based solely on aesthetics. This factor also plays a significant role in your comfort and health.
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