At a Glance:
Pros and Cons of a Low Bed Frame
Pros and Cons of a Tall Bed Frame
The choice between a tall or low bed is not just a matter of aesthetics; it's a decision that can significantly impact your comfort, accessibility, and overall bedroom experience. The height of your bed, whether tall or low, influences how you get in and out of it, how it fits into your bedroom's design, and even your quality of sleep. Each option has its own unique set of advantages and considerations, making it crucial to weigh the pros and cons before making your decision. In this discussion, we will explore the characteristics of a tall vs low bed, the ideal bed height, the pros and cons of a high vs low bed frame, and recommend our low and tall bed frame picks from Colder’s.
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Shop NowWhat is the Ideal Bed Height?
Your total bed height will be a combination of your bed frame, any mattress foundation or boxspring, mattress, and a mattress topper (if you use one). For example, if you have a 14” platform bed with a 12” mattress and no foundation or topper, then your total bed height is 26”. If you have a 14” bed frame with a 4” box spring, 14” mattress, and 1” mattress topper, then your total bed height is 33”.
Standard bed heights range from 16” to 25” from the floor to the top of the mattress. Low beds will measure on the lower end of this spectrum while tall beds will measure on the higher end of this spectrum or potentially taller than 25”.
The ideal bed height depends on a number of factors such as your height, mobility, and any specific health concerns. Here are some general guidelines to determine the ideal bed height for you:
✔ Comfort: Your bed height should be comfortable for getting in and out of bed. Some sources recommend that you sit on the edge of the bed with your feet flat on the floor, knees bent at a 90-degree angle to test bed height. However, Dr. Alan Hedge, a certified professional ergonomics expert and a professor emeritus at Cornell University suggest simply sitting on the edge should indicate whether a bed is comfortably tall for your specific height.
✔ Height: How high should a bed be? As a general rule of thumb, taller individuals will prefer a taller bed while shorter individuals will prefer a lower bed. If you are choosing a bed with a partner, it’s important to take both of your heights into account.
✔ Bed Mobility: If you have mobility issues or physical limitations, a lower bed may be safer and more accessible, but if it’s too low, it may be difficult to get into. An adjustable bed is a great option for those with mobility issues.
✔ Age: As people age, they often find it easier to use a bed with a lower height to minimize the risk of falls, but make sure not to get a bed that’s too low because that can also be difficult to get in and out of. Again, this will depend on the height of the individual, and a good test is to see whether you can back onto and easily sit down on the mattress while having both feet flat on the ground.
✔ Mattress Thickness: Keep the thickness of your mattress in mind when determining bed height. A thicker mattress can add several inches to the overall height of the bed.
✔ Aesthetics: Bed height can also be a matter of aesthetics. Some people prefer a lower, minimalist look, while others like the grandeur of a higher bed. A lower bed is often a good choice for a small bedroom and helps it feel more spacious.
Pros and Cons of a Low Bed Frame
With all that’s been said, are low bed frames good? There are specific pros and cons of a low bed and there are also pros and cons of a taller bed foundation. Our experts have reviewed them to help you understand which is the better option for your specific bed needs.
Pros
✅ Health benefits: There are several benefits of low bed frames in terms of health. For starters, a short bed frame presents less of a risk of falling out of bed. It’s a great option for a child because it allows them to get in and out of bed unassisted. For many individuals, a low bed makes it easy to get in and out of bed, especially those who do not have any mobility issues or physical limitations.
✅ Space: Low bed frames are a great option for small bedrooms. They can make the room feel more spacious whereas a tall bed with an elaborate headboard and footboard might make the room feel cramped.
✅ Style: A low platform bed frame gives a simple, minimalistic feel to a room. For those who prefer modern, minimalist, and mid-century modern designs, a low bed frame fits right into your favorite design style.
Cons
✖ Space: If you have a large bedroom, a low bed can feel disproportionately small and throw off the cohesion of your space.
✖ Storage: A low bed provides little to no room for under the bed storage.
✖ Obstacles: If a bed is too low, it can be difficult to get in and out of bed. This is especially difficult for those with pain or weakness in their knees, hips, or lower back.
Pros and Cons of a Tall Bed Frame
Here’s how a tall bed frame compares to a low bed setup.
Pros
✅ Health benefits: Tall beds are great for taller individuals and those without mobility issues or physical limitations.
✅ Storage: A tall bed frame leaves room for under the bed storage.
✅ Space: In a large bedroom, a tall bed frame can make a statement and anchor your room.
✅ Style: High bed frames are often accompanied by headboards and footboards, which can add to the aesthetic appeal of your room.
Cons
✖ Space: Tall beds often make a small bedroom feel crowded.
✖ Mobility: A tall bed frame may put too much pressure on your joints. It can be awkward to hoist yourself into bed or jump out of bed if your frame is too tall.
Learn More: 8 Favorite Queen Bed Frames That Make Adulting Easy
Best Low Bed Frame Picks
Often, low bed frames are platform beds that do not require a box spring. With a platform bed, a low profile bed foundation is the bed itself. There are shorter panel beds available that still require a box spring, but adding a box spring to your total bed height may move you into the medium to tall category of total bed height. Here are a few examples.
Signature Design by Ashley Brymont Dark Gray
Shop This Signature Design by Ashley Platform Bed
This platform bed is simple and sleek in a cool gray wood finish. If you are designing a small bedroom with a modern feel, this is the perfect platform bed and no mattress foundation is required. It is also a budget-friendly pick, and at just over 15” tall, even thicker mattresses pair well with this pick without adding too much height to setup.
Featured Signature Design by Ashley Brymont review: “Bed is well made, pretty easy to put together and looks great. Color matches what was described.”
Signature Design by Ashley Larstin Brown Full Platform Bed
Shop This Signature Design by Ashley Platform Bed
This full bed frame—which is also available in twin and queen sizes—just so happens to also be our most affordable option. Despite the friendly price point, this low profile wood bed is full of style with a golden wooden finish has a busier grain that gives it a rustic feel. As a whole, this bed frame is charmingly simple and helps create a warm, calming space. This is a great option for a mid-century modern or Scandinavian design.
Featured Signature Design by Ashley Lartstin review: “My going on 5 year old jumps on it... No issues. For the money, it is a good bed.”
Signature Design by Ashley Robbinsdale Antique White Full Sleigh Storage Bed
Shop This Signature Design by Ashley Sleigh Bed
This low profile sleigh bed is a perfect example of the variety you can find in this shopping category. This bed frame doesn’t require a mattress foundation, which saves a few inches and keeps it low profile. Unlike many other low beds, this Signature Design by Ashley bed provides under the bed drawer storage and a headboard. The light oak veneer is a surefire hit in bedrooms with traditional, coastal, or farmhouse designs.
Best Tall Bed Frame Picks
Tall bed frames typically require a high profile bed foundation, like a box spring. This adds another few inches to your overall bed height. Take a look at how they compare to low bed frames with the following options.
Aspenhome Cambridge Brown Cherry Queen Sleigh Bed
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Shop This Aspenhome Sleigh Bed
This wood sleigh bed blends traditional style with modern sensibilities, including USB headboard charging ports so you can charge devices while you sleep. A cherry wood finish, sleigh shaped headboard, and dovetail joinery unite to create a well-crafted piece that is worth the investment.
Liberty Americana Farmhouse Beige/Dusty Taupe Queen Sleigh Bed
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Shop This Liberty Americana Sleigh Bed
This upholstered sleigh bed will be the focal point of your bedroom. Neutral upholstery perfectly complements medium toned wood framing for a lovely two-toned finish. This sleigh bed would be at home in a traditional, transitional, or contemporary design, depending on how you style the room and is ideal for sleepers who don’t mind a bed with a little height.
Modus Furniture Geneva Powder Queen Upholstered Storage Bed
Shop This Modus Furniture Storage Bed
This upholstered storage bed is luxurious, elegant, and practical. The nailhead design on the upholstered headboard gives it a glam feel without being over the top. Meanwhile, the footboard hides a drawer to maximize storage in your bedroom. This tall bed would work well in a modern glam, contemporary, or modern farmhouse design.
Learn More: 6 Bed Frames with Storage to Save Space
When comparing low vs tall bed frames, choosing the right bed isn’t one-size-fits-all. The ideal bed for you will depend on your height, mobility, style, and comfort preferences. Low beds tend to be better for modern designs and small bedrooms while tall beds tend to be better for spacious bedrooms and a range of design styles. If you’re searching for the perfect bed frame, Colder’s is the best place to shop for bed frames in Milwaukee. Stop by and browse bed frames in person today.
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Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder’s is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
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Shop Low Bed Frames at Colder’s
Don’t put off happiness — and shop bed frames online for unbeatable prices at Colder’s. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you decide between a low bed frame and a high frame, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one our Colder’s locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: Bedroom Makeover: 6 Black Bed Frames You’ll Love