Bed Height Guide: What Height Should a Bed Be?

While there is no 'correct' height for a bed, there is generally an accepted 'standard' size. Including the mattress, the average bed height is around 60cm or 63cm off the floor, but this can vary considerably depending on your chosen product.

Looking specifically at Happy Beds frames, 80% of our bed frames have a height of 32cm to 35cm, measured from the slats to the floor (so from the base of your mattress rather than the top). Our tallest beds are up to 45cm from the slats to the floor, while our lower beds begin at 25cm from the slats to the floor.

The lowest bed frames we have available are the Berlin, Xiamen, Hemlock and Grande, which are all 25cm tall to the base of the mattress. The tallest are the Mission, Woodbury and Yorkie, which are 45cm, 40cm, and 39cm, respectively. In addition, all of our made-to-measure divan beds are either 6”, 10” or 14” tall (15.24cm, 25.40cm or 35.56cm).

Bed style can affect the height of a bed, so if a particular style is crucial to you, you should consider the bed height. For example, many divan and storage beds will naturally sit slightly higher, as they need space for under-bed storage.

The height of children’s beds varies much more than ‘adult’ beds simply because there are more design options available: bunk beds, cabin beds, mid-sleepers, and the list goes on. However, generally, if the bed is aimed at toddlers or young children, it will be lower to the ground for safety reasons.

Height varies from bed to bed - all our beds come with exact dimensions on the product page, so you can check the precise measurement before purchasing. Dimensions will be shown similarly to the below:

Most people will carefully consider what size of bed they choose, while few will consider its height. However, bed height is important as it can impact how easily you can use your bed and how it looks in your room.

1. Bed height can impact your mobility

If you have mobility issues, you may struggle to get into or out of a bed that is too high or too low. Sleeping on this type of bed can cause injury as it will strain your joints, so it’s vital to establish the ideal bed height for you.

2. Bed height is influenced by your mattress thickness

Bed height is the sum of the thickness of your mattress and how tall your bed frame is (taking into account any sunken styles). So, if you have a thick mattress, choose a lower bed frame and vice versa. This will make sure your bed is easy to climb into each night.

3. According to Feng Shui, it could impact your sleep quality.

If you’re a follower of Feng Shui, choosing the right height bed is essential as it can affect the flow of energy around your room. A low bed may block energy, while a tall bed is thought to cause restless sleep due to high energy levels.

For most people, bed height is simply a question of personal preference, whether that means comfort or aesthetics. Generally speaking, your bed should be at a comfortable height that makes getting in and out of it as comfortable and easy as possible without putting strain on your joints and muscles.

As a rule of thumb, the optimum height should reflect your own, i.e. taller people have higher beds, and shorter people have lower beds. If you're sitting on the side of your bed with your legs out, you should be able to place your feet flat on the floor with your knees aligned with your hips. Getting up and sitting down in this position should feel natural. If your knees are above the hips, your bed frame may be too low - if your feet can't comfortably sit flat on the ground, your bed may be too high.

The average knee height of an adult ranges from 40cm to 60cm - if you're taller, you may want a taller bed frame, and vice versa if you're shorter. One way to determine this height for yourself is to find a comfortable chair and measure your ideal sitting level, then look for beds within this range. If in doubt, opt for a bed around the top of this range, as a high bed will have less impact on your joints than a low one and a step could be used if required.

If you're a couple with a height difference, we'd recommend meeting in the middle to find a bed that suits you both equally.

As we age, we become less nimble, and a bed should be at a comfortable height to make getting in and out as easy and stress-free as possible. Your overall health should also be considered when deciding on the height of your bed. If you experience joint or back pain, a bed that is too low may not be the best choice, as you can strain your legs and joints when lifting yourself in and out. Similarly, any issues with lower joints, including hips, knees or feet, can be exacerbated by jumping in and out of a bed that is too high.

Using the above idea of matching a bed with your height, measure a comfortable sitting level – maybe using a favourite chair. This will make sitting and swinging legs in and out of bed much more comfortable.

If you experience any joint issues or are elderly, we'd always recommend going for a standard bed size - not too high and not too low.

Our children’s beds will have dedicated product info about their dimensions and age suitability. However, toddlers beds are generally low to the ground to avoid any dramatic falls or rolls out of bed as they get used to no longer sleeping in a cot.

Of course, bigger kids, who are used to sleeping in a bed, have many more options at varying heights, including mid-sleepers, cabin beds and bunks which all involve a ladder.

Style is also a consideration for most people when buying a bed. Low bed frames bring a modern vibe to the bedroom, while taller frames can bring a touch of classic elegance. See below for some of the options available at Happy Beds to help you find your ideal bed height.

Low bed frames

Low bed frames, usually from the floor itself to around 20-25cm tall, are a great option if you're looking to create a modern, contemporary space, as the lower style can make ceilings feel higher and give the impression of more space.

Standard beds

Standard bed frames, from around 25cm to 35cm tall, are a versatile option. They work well in various rooms and with different décor styles.

Tall and raised beds

Tall framed beds, usually over 35cm tall, are ideal if you're looking for an elegant vibe. Our range of tall framed beds includes styles such as divans, which often come with handy storage options underneath. You can also find tall kids' beds, such as bunk beds, raised storage beds and bookcase beds.

Before purchasing a bed, we recommend considering where it will be located. For example, if you place it in an attic room or space with an apex ceiling, ensure enough headroom and space for the headboard.

If you'd like a higher bed, a higher mattress can help you add more height. You can also buy specialist bed risers placed underneath the bed's legs, which can compromise a bed's stability. Replace your bed frame if you're finding it's a little short for you, as it's the safest and most effective way to raise the height of a bed.

As well as the height of your bed frame, the height of your mattress can also make a difference to the overall look and feel of your bedroom set-up.

At Happy Beds, mattresses can vary in height from 12cm to 33cm deep, depending on the mattress size and the filling it uses. However, mattress height shouldn't simply be added to your frame height to determine the overall height of your bed, as some bed frames can come in a 'sunken' style where the mattress sits within the frame, beneath the outer frame. If you'd like to know exactly how tall your bed and mattress will be combined, double-check the details for your specific bed and mattress.

If you want to replace your bed or mattress to increase or reduce the height, look no further than the Happy Beds collection. From low, modern beds to practical tall storage options, we have everything you need to create the boudoir of your dreams.