Bed Height Guide NZ: Should You Choose a Higher or Lower Bed?

We often spend ages choosing the right mattress feel, yet overlook something we use every morning and evening: the height of the bed.

That final floor-to-mattress height can change how easy it feels to sit down, stand up, make the bed and reach nearby furniture. It also affects the proportions of your bedroom.

There isn't one perfect height for every person. Here's how to work out what suits your space and everyday habits.

What does bed height actually mean?

When comparing beds, distinguish between the height of the legs, the base, the mattress, and the finished sleeping surface.

The measurement most people care about is from the floor to the top of the mattress once everything is assembled. A product described as having “tall legs” doesn't tell you the full finished height unless the base and mattress are included.

At Luxury Orthopaedic Beds, our shorter-leg configuration is approximately 670mm from the floor to the top of the bed, while our taller-leg configuration is approximately 740–750mm, depending on the setup. Confirm the current finished measurement for your chosen configuration before ordering.

The simple sit-down test

If you can try a bed, sit on its edge with your feet on the floor. Consider whether you can place your feet comfortably, stand up without unnecessary effort and sit down without feeling as though you are dropping too far.

Height preference depends on your stature, mobility, mattress edge and personal comfort. Someone who likes a tall, hotel-style bed may make a different choice from someone who prefers a lower, less imposing profile.

If you have mobility or balance concerns, seek individual guidance from an appropriate health professional rather than choosing height from an online rule of thumb alone.

Reasons to choose a higher bed

• It can be easier for some taller adults to sit down and stand up.
• It gives a more elevated, hotel-inspired appearance.
• Depending on the base design, it may create more visual or practical space beneath the bed.

But higher isn't automatically better. Very tall beds may feel less secure for shorter users, and fitted sheets or heavy bedding can be harder to manage.

Reasons to choose a lower bed

• It may suit shorter adults who prefer to keep their feet comfortably on the floor.
• Its lower profile can help a compact room feel less visually crowded.
• It may be easier to reach across when making the bed.

A low bed is not always easier to get out of, particularly for someone who finds rising from a low seated position difficult.

Consider the furniture around your bed

Look beyond the mattress itself. Is the top of your bedside table easy to reach? Does a tall headboard sit comfortably below a window? Will drawers open fully beside wardrobes and other furniture? Are any power points or switches hidden behind the finished bed?

For storage bases, measure the floor space needed for the drawers to open rather than assuming a higher bed automatically means more useful storage.

What about bed height for retirement living or downsizing?

When moving into a smaller home, it's worth testing bed height alongside walking space and bedside storage. A bed that looks ideal in a showroom might feel different when positioned close to a wall or wardrobe.

Prioritise an easy route around the bed, comfortable access from the side you usually use, and sufficient clearance for any aids or furniture you require.

A short checklist before ordering

1. Measure the height of your current mattress surface and note what you like or dislike.
2. Compare the finished height of the new mattress-and-base combination.
3. Check bedside table height, window placement and available space.
4. Consider who will be using the bed every day.
5. Confirm your selected leg height and base options on the order.

Choose the height that works for your life

The right bed height isn't simply about style. It's about how your bed fits your body, room and daily routine.

Luxury Orthopaedic Beds offers base and leg-height options with our NZ-made Orthopaedic Merino beds. If you're unsure which will suit your room, contact our team with your preferred mattress size and existing bed height, and we can help you compare the available configurations.