NapLab is supported by readers. When you buy with our links, we may earn a commission.Learn more.
Home » » High vs. Low Bed Frames: A Side-by-Side Comparison
By
Published
Beds are going lower and lower, a trend that reflects the rising popularity of minimalist design. But while it’s true that lower bed frames take up less space visually, they’re not always the best choice for everyone.
The ideal bed height depends on your age and mobility needs, among other factors. For example, people with arthritis or back pain may struggle to get in or out of a bed that’s too low or too high.
You also need to consider your sleeping habits, bedroom style, and storage requirements when deciding between a high vs. low bed. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.
Table of Contents
What Is A Low Bed? | What Is A High Bed? | Why Does Bed Height Matter? | Advantages and Drawbacks | How To Choose The Right Bed Frame Height
What Is a Low Bed?
The average bed height is around 24-25″ from the floor to the top of the mattress. That’s about knee level.
Low-profile beds are 11″ or less and can be low, ultra-low, or Japanese-style. The latter are only a few inches high or consist of a thick mattress that goes directly onto the floor.
Platform beds fall into this category, too, though they are typically up to 18″ tall. They are still lower than traditional beds and can fit into small spaces.
What Is a High Bed?
This type of bed is 25″ to 36″ tall, which makes it suitable for rooms with high ceilings. Think about antique beds, divan beds, or ottoman beds.
High beds take up a lot of space and can make a room look smaller. However, they often have room for storage underneath, allowing you to maximize storage space.
Why Does Bed Height Matter?
Your bed height can impact your sleep, joint health, and overall comfort.
For example, taller people may find a high bed frame more comfortable than a low-profile bed. But if you’re rather short, you might be better off with a low bed frame.
As far as health goes, a bed that’s too high or too low can place strain on your joints. For instance, you may experience back or knee pain when getting in and out of bed. This aspect is particularly important for the elderly and people with mobility issues.
Bed height matters from an aesthetic perspective, too, as it can impact the overall look and feel of a bedroom. A lower bed will create the illusion of space, while a taller bed can add a touch of sophistication.
Consider your sleeping habits as well. If you toss and turn around a lot during sleep, you could fall out of a high bed. This is particularly true for children and people who sleepwalk.
That said, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of high vs. low beds.
High vs. Low Bed: Advantages and Drawbacks
Each style of bed has pros and cons. For example, low beds have a modern feel and can be a great choice for minimalist bedrooms. The downside is that they have little or no storage underneath and can pose issues for people with limited mobility.
High beds, on the other hand, can make a small room look cramped. Plus, they’re not ideal for families with children or pets. On the positive side, they tend to have a timeless design and provide a lot of storage space.
Below you can see the advantages of each bed style.
Advantages of High vs. Low Beds
High Beds
- Suitable for tall people
- More under-bed storage
- Can add a touch of style and elegance to your bedroom
- Allow for easier cleaning under the bed
- May be easier to get out of
- Require less bending when changing the sheets
Low Beds
- Can make a small bedroom look bigger
- Ideal for people who want to share the bed with a dog
- Feature a sleek, minimalist design, which makes them suitable for contemporary homes
- Easy for kids to hop on and out of
- Take up less space than a higher bed
- May reduce the risk of injury from falls, especially for children or people who toss and turn during sleep
As far as drawbacks go, both styles of beds can pose issues for people with joint pain and mobility issues. This aspect depends on their construction, height, and design.
Also, some issues are subjective.
For example, if you don’t feel comfortable sleeping with your pet, then you’ll appreciate the height of an antique bed. But that can be a problem for someone who wants to share the bed with his four-legged friend.
Disadvantages of High vs. Low Beds
High Beds
- Take up a lot of space and can make a small room look crowded
- Require more extensive assembly
- May increase your risk of falls (especially if you’re a restless sleeper)
- Some high bed frames look old-fashioned
- Not suitable for small children and pets
- May be difficult to get into
Low Beds
- Can be difficult to clean underneath
- No built-in storage
- May pose issues for people with back or joint pain and those recovering from surgery
- May not be suitable for taller users
- May feel cooler in the winter because they are closer to the floor
- You may breathe in dust, allergens, and other debris from the floor
How to Choose the Right Bed Frame Height
Generally speaking, the taller you are, the higher your bed should be. Apart from that, consider the following aspects:
- Your age
- Your overall mobility
- Your partner’s needs
- Your sleeping habits
- The thickness of your mattress
- The size and style of your bedroom
- Whether or not you have pets
- Your personal preferences
For example, if you plan to keep your current mattress, consider its thickness when choosing a bed frame.
The average mattress, across 200+ mattresses tested to date, is 11.98″ thick. Be sure to consider this number in your final calculations when determining the right height for your bed.
One way to determine your ideal bed height is to visit a furniture store and do the following:
- Sit on the edge of a bed you like, with your feet hanging down
- If your knees are positioned lower than your hips, then the bed is too high.
- If your knees are above your hips, then the bed is too low.
Ideally, your knees should be in line with your hips, and you should be able to touch the floor with your feet. This will ensure you can easily get in and out of bed, especially if you have back or joint pain.
Test several bed frames until you find one that meets your needs. After that, you can either buy it from the store or go online and order a bed frame with the same measurements. In general, online retailers offer better prices or discounts that may not be available in brick-and-mortar stores.
About Derek Hales
Derek Halesis the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab. His insights and work has been featured on ABC's Tamron Hall Show, CBS News, ESPN, Reader's Digest, Homes & Gardens, New York Post, Business Insider, CNET, & More. Derek has personally 330+ mattresses and began testing mattresses in 2014.
9.82 Best Score (Winkbed)
6.23 Worst Score (Sealy Cocoon Chill)
For more information see our testing and scoring system explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-cooling', {content: 'Mattress materials and design can impact how cool or hot a mattress sleeps. Our cooling score is a subjective assessment based on materials, design, sinkage, and objective temperture data.Cooling Score Summary
8.8 Average Score (210+ mattresses tested)
10 Best Score (27 mattresses)
6.0 Worst Score (3 mattresses)
For more information see our cooling score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-sinkage', {content: 'Sinkage is the level to which sleepers will sink into the layers of the mattress. To test sinkage we use a 12 pound medicine ball to objectively measure the depth to which that ball sinks. This is representative of pressure point sinkage.Sinkage Data Summary
2.16" Average Sinkage (210+ mattresses tested)
3.20" Most Sinkage (Awara Premier)
1.05" Least Sinkage (Plank Firm) For more information see our sinkage score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-motion-transfer', {content: 'Motion transfer is the level of motion felt when a sleep partner moves, changes position, or gets in / out of bed. Our motion transfer score is an objective measure based on our accelerometer tests. We drop a 12 pound medicine ball on one side of the mattress and place an accelerometer on the other side. Acceleration is measured in meters per second squared (m/s^2). If an object (in this case our accelerometer) accelerates in 5 m/s^2 that means the speed is increasing by 5 meters every second.
Motion Transfer Score Summary
8.1 Average Score (210+ mattresses tested)
10 Best Score (51 mattresses)
3.7 Worst Score (Naturepedic Chorus)
For more information see our motion transfer score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-ease-of-movement', {content: 'How quickly a mattress responds to sleeper movements impacts how easy or difficult it may be to change positions, move around, and get up from the mattress. Our response score is an objective measure based on mattress response time (aka responsiveness). Response time is how long the mattress is able to respond to movements and adjust back to its original shape.Response Score Summary
8.9 Average Score (210+ mattresses tested)
10 Best Score (52 mattresses)
5.0 Worst Score (8 mattresses)
For more information see our ease of movement score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-bounce', {content: 'Our bounce test is an objective measurement based on the level of bounce achieved by dropping a 12 pound medicine ball on the mattress.Bounce Data Summary
9.69" Average Bounce (210+ mattresses tested)
17.15" Most Bounce (Helix Moonlight)
3.34" Least Bounce (Tempur Cloud)
For more information see our bounce score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-edge-support', {content: 'Edge support is the amount of support provided by the edge of the mattress when sitting or lying directly on it. We measure edge support by sitting directly on the edge and taking an objective measurement of edge sinkage. We also lie directly on the edge and make a subjective assessment of performance.
Edge Support Score Summary
8.6 Average Score (210+ mattresses tested)
10 Best Score (12 mattresses)
5.1 Worst Score (Purple)
For more information see our edge support score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-sex', {content: 'Our sex score is based on 5 factors including: bounce, edge support, noise, cooling, and pressure relief. Those 5 factors are weighted based on their relative importance.Sex Score Summary
8.5 Average Score (210+ mattresses tested)
10 Best Score (10 mattresses)
6.0 Worst Score (Nectar Original)
For more information see our sex score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-pressure-relief', {content: 'Mattresses with thin comfort layers, poor material quality, poor material design, and other factors may create pressure points for some sleepers. Our pressure relief score is a subjective assessment of multiple factors.Pressure Relief Score Summary
8.8 Average Score (210+ mattresses tested)
10 Best Score (46 mattresses)
4.0 Worst Score (Sealy Posturepedic Carver)
For more information see our pressure relief score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-off-gassing', {content: 'New mattresses may release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) for a period of time. This off-gassing can create a strong smell that lingers for a period of days. Our off-gassing score is a subjective measure of the duration of the off-gassing period.Off-Gassing Score Summary
8.4 Average Score (210+ mattresses tested)
10 Best Score (16 mattresses)
0.0 Worst Score (Sealy Cocoon Chill)
For more information see our off-gassing score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-company', {content: 'Our company score is based on 5 factors including: trial period, warranty, returns, shipping, and trust. Each score is an objective rating, excluding trust, which is a subjective assessment.Company Score Summary
8.7 Average Score (210+ mattresses tested)
9.7 Best Score (12 mattresses)
5.2 Worst Score (Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid)
For more information see our company score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-performance-tests', {content: 'Our performance tests look at 10 unique factors. These factors are a blend of objective testing data and subjective expert analysis. For more information see our performance tests explanation here. Most testing factors are color coded (green = good, yellow = okay, red = bad). However, sinkage and bounce are not color coded, despite being testing factors. These factors are not color coded because sinkage and bounce are preference based.Overall Score Summary
8.64 Average Score (210+ mattresses tested)
9.82 Best Score (Winkbed)
6.23 Worst Score (Sealy Cocoon Chill)
',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-firmness', {content: 'Firmness is rated on a 1-10 scale where 10 is the most firm. Most sleepers prefer a medium firm feel, which is a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale. Our firmness rating is a subjective assessment. For help in choosing the right firmness for you please visit our mattress firmness guide.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-support', {content: 'Mattress type, materials, firmness, and sleeper weight impact how a mattress will support you and the sleeping positions that are best suited for that mattress. Our support rating analyzes mattress firmness alongside body weight and sleeping positions to help ensure you select the mattress that best meets your needs.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-mattress-types', {content: 'Different mattress types have different feels. The materials used within the mattress and the mattress design can dramatically alter how a mattress feels. Your preferences and needs may make one or more types better suited to your needs. Our mattress types guide explains the major mattress types in-depth and can help guide you to the type that is best for you.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-best-for', {content: 'Our best for selections are mattresses that earned spots on one or more of our best mattress lists. You can learn how we test and score mattresses here and how we choose our best mattress winners here',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-mattress-prices', {content: 'Prices include any relevant promotions, sales, and discounts at the time of update. All mattress pricing listed in USD, except for mattresses exclusively available in a non-US country, in which case prices are listed in the respective local currency of that country. Prices subject to change without warning.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-body-contour', {content: 'Body contour is how the mattress hugs and wraps around the body. Mattresses that create a slight body contour don’t have a significant hug and float sleepers more on top of the mattresses. Mattresses with a dramatic body contour create a more significant hugging sensation and wrap around the exact shape of the body. Mattresses with a balanced body contour create more of an even and less polarizing feel.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-mattress-sinkage', {content: 'Sinkage is how deeply the body sinks into the mattress when you’re lying down. More / less sinkage is neither good nor bad. However, it will create a more specific feel. Mattresses with more sinkage generally have a more dramatic body contour. Mattresses with less sinkage generally have only a slight level of body contour, creating more of a floating on top fo the mattress feel.Sinkage Data Summary
2.16" Average Sinkage (210+ mattresses tested)
3.20" Most Sinkage (Awara Premier)
1.05" Least Sinkage (Plank Firm)',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-mattress-bounce', {content: 'Bounce is tested by dropping a 12 pound medicine ball onto the mattress. The bounce height is determined by how far the ball sinks down and rebounds back up. High / low bounce is neither good nor bad, but subject to personal preferences. However, most sleepers prefer a bounce in the moderate to high range, as it improves sex performance and makes it easier to move around on the mattress.
Bounce Data Summary
9.69" Average Bounce (210+ mattresses tested)
17.15" Most Bounce (Helix Moonlight)
3.34" Least Bounce (Tempur Cloud)',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-derek-bio', {content: 'Derek Hales - Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Derek has tested 330+ mattresses to date and began mattress testing in 2014. Derek leads all mattress tests on NapLab and is a respected voice in the world of mattresses and sleep. His insights have been featured by ABC, CBS News, ESPN, Reader's Digest, & More.
You can read Derek's full bio here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-kayla-bio', {content: 'Kayla Hein - Creative Director
Kayla has been writing about mattresses since 2017. She leads our review development process, ensuring our tests, analysis, and data come together in a way that is both easy to understand and aesthetically beautiful. Her dual master’s degrees in Product Design & Architecture give her a unique perspective that helps to improve our reviews. Kayla’s insights have been featured by Homes & Gardens, Apartment Therapy, Realtor.com, Elle, and others.
You can read Kayla's full bio here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-kyle-bio', {content: 'Kyle Wandelt - Content Manager
Kyle joined NapLab in 2021 and works directly with Derek to conduct the actual testing on each mattress we review. He uses the data we collect on each mattress to build relevant charts, graphs, tables, and video clips. These assets allow Derek to create more interesting insights and analysis, and provide visual aids that help make our reviews easier to understand. ',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-samantha-bio', {content: 'Samantha Hales - Data Analyst
Samantha is married to Derek and has been an integral part of our mattress testing success since 2014. In 2021, she helped Derek develop the underlying systems, processes, and data structure that would allow Derek to build NapLab. Samantha’s degree in mathematics and genius level Google Sheets skills empowers our team to create the better reviews, comparisons, and best lists.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });tippy('#tooltip-earning-trust', {content: 'Data-Driven Testing
All mattresses are tested with a consistent battery of data-driven tests. We conduct 10 individual tests and gather 35 data points on each mattress. We've tested 210+ mattresses using the exact same tests, photos, and videos so it's incredibly easy to compare mattresses.
Transparent & Fair Scoring
All testing and scoring methodologies are summarily explained within our reviews and tooltips, and fully here. Our scores are formulaically derived from our objective, systematic, and data-driven reviews.
No Paid Content
The brands we test cannot pay us to review their mattress, give them a higher score, or buy a top ranking. While many other sites promote certain mattress brands based on who pays them the most, we select winners based on our scores and clearly defined metrics',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true, });
