What Bed Height Is Best? Are Higher Beds Easier to Get In and Out Of?

Bed height is easy to overlook when buying a mattress, yet you notice it every morning and every night. A bed that is too low can require a deeper bend to stand up. A bed that is too high can leave your feet hanging and make getting into bed awkward. The right height depends on your body, mobility, mattress thickness and personal preference.

Measure the finished bed, not just the base

When comparing bed heights, add the mattress, base and legs together. A 250 mm base with tall legs will feel very different once a deep mattress is placed on top.

Retail product photos can make beds look lower or higher than they really are, so ask for actual measurements if height matters to you.

Are higher beds easier to get out of?

For some people, yes. A slightly higher bed can reduce how far the knees and hips need to bend when standing up. That can make the movement feel easier, particularly for taller people or anyone who dislikes a very low bed.

But higher is not automatically better. If the bed is so high that you have to climb onto it or cannot place your feet securely on the floor when sitting on the edge, it may be less practical.

A simple at-home test

Sit on the edge of your current bed with your feet on the floor. Notice whether your hips are much lower than your knees, roughly level or significantly higher.

Then think about the movement you make to stand. If you are comfortable, measure your current finished bed height and use it as a reference when shopping. If you dislike it, decide whether you want the new bed slightly higher or lower rather than guessing from photos.

Your height matters

A height that feels perfect to a tall person can feel excessive to a shorter person. Couples sometimes need to choose a compromise, especially if there is a large height difference.

If one person has mobility limitations or uses transfer equipment, speak with an occupational therapist or appropriate health professional about the safest height rather than relying on a general retail rule.

Tall legs vs short legs

Changing leg height is one of the easiest ways to alter the finished bed height without changing the mattress. At Luxury Orthopaedic Beds, base options include short 75 mm legs and tall 145 mm legs.

That 70 mm difference is noticeable. Tall legs can create easier under-bed access and a more substantial bed height, while short legs create a lower, more streamlined look.

Drawers and bedside furniture

Bed height also affects the rest of the room. A tall bed may sit above a low bedside table, while a low bed can make a tall bedside unit feel out of proportion.

If you are choosing a drawer base, also check that the drawer fronts clear rugs and that there is enough room beside the bed to open them fully.

The best bed height is the one that works in daily life

Do not choose height from appearance alone. Think about getting in, getting out, making the bed, cleaning underneath, bedside table height and how the bed looks in the room.

If you are visiting our Hamilton showroom, try sitting on the edge of the bed and standing up a few times. It is a much more useful test than looking at the bed from across the room.

Frequently asked questions:

What is the ideal bed height?

There is no universal ideal. The right height depends on your body height, mattress thickness, mobility and preference.

Is a higher bed better for older adults?

A somewhat higher bed can feel easier for some people, but too high can be unsafe or awkward. Individual mobility needs should guide the choice.

How do I measure bed height?

Measure from the floor to the top surface of the mattress when the bed is fully assembled.

Can I change bed height without changing the mattress?

Often yes. Different leg heights or a different base can change the finished height substantially.

Need help choosing the right bed for the way you sleep? Visit our Hamilton showroom or contact the Luxury Orthopaedic Beds team for practical advice on mattress feel, size, base options and delivery.