How to Raise a Platform Bed?

Elevating your platform bed can provide numerous benefits, from improved comfort to increased storage space. Whether you’re a tall individual, have mobility issues, or want to enhance the visual appeal of your bedroom, there are various methods to achieve the desired height for your bed. This comprehensive article will explore different ways to raise your platform bed, considering practicality, safety, visual appeal, and affordability.

The Importance of Bed Height and How To Increase It?

Before we delve into raising a platform bed, let’s understand the significance of bed height. The ideal bed height usually depends on the bed height, which is taller than the sleeper, but a height of around 30 inches off the ground is considered optimal. However, the actual bed height can vary depending on the bed frame’s height and the mattress’s thickness. Typically, a platform bed has an average height of 25 inches, with 30 inches being the ideal bed height.

You should raise the height of your platform bed for several reasons. If you are taller than average, the current bed height may be uncomfortable for you.

Additionally, if you have health issues that make it strenuous to stand up after sitting on a low bed, raising the bed to make it higher in height can provide much-needed assistance. Moreover, raising your bed can also create valuable storage space below it.

a. Use Bed Risers

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to raise a platform bed is by using bed risers. Bed risers are simple devices that are placed under the legs of your bed frame to add a few extra inches to its height. They are available in various materials like metal, plastic, and wood and can be found at a cost ranging from $17 to $30.

When choosing adjustable bed frames and risers, it’s important to consider their weight-bearing capacity. Calculate the combined weight of your bed frame, mattress, and sleepers to ensure that the risers can adequately support the load. If you prefer a more aesthetically pleasing look and want to hide the risers, you can use a bed skirt to create a traditional-contemporary appearance.

Bed risers come in different sizes, typically ranging from 3 inches to 8 inches. Determine the additional height you need for your platform bed and choose the appropriate riser size.

b. Add a Mattress Topper

If using bed risers sounds too complicated or unnecessary, adding a mattress topper is a simple and effective way to raise the height of your platform bed. A mattress topper adds height to the bed and offers an additional layer of cushioning and comfort.

To raise your mattress on a platform bed using a topper, simply choose a topper with the desired mattress height amount. Most mattress toppers can add around 2 to 4 inches of height, depending on their thickness. This is an easy and cozy solution for increasing your bed height without any hassle.

c. Put Your Bed on Wheels

For DIY enthusiasts or those who enjoy rearranging their furniture frequently, putting your bed on wheels can be an excellent option to raise its height. Adding wheels to your bed frame increases its elevation and makes it easier to move and clean underneath.

By attaching wheels to your platform bed, you can effortlessly change the bed’s position and easily sweep away any dust or debris that accumulates underneath the solid surface. This method is particularly beneficial if you like to revamp your room’s layout or have limited mobility and need to clean easily.

d. Consider an Adjustable Bed

If none of the above options seem suitable for your needs, you might consider investing in an adjustable bed. Adjustable beds offer a multitude of customizable options and can provide you with the best sleep experience. With just a click of a remote, you can adjust the bed’s elevation to find your perfect position for reading, watching TV, or simply relaxing.

e. Install Bed Wedges

Another effective method for raising a platform bed is to use bed wedges. Bed wedges are inclined foam or plastic blocks that can be placed beneath the mattress or bed frame to create an elevated angle.

While they don’t raise the bed uniformly, bed wedges are ideal for those looking to elevate the head or foot of the bed slightly, which can help with issues like acid reflux or improve circulation.

To install bed wedges, choose ones that match your desired incline and fit well with your bed frame dimensions.

Bed wedges come in various heights and angles, so you can select one that provides the level of elevation you need.

Additionally, placing bed wedges beneath the mattress rather than under the legs of the bed allows for a subtle and comfortable lift without altering the bed’s overall aesthetic. This option is beneficial if you’re seeking an affordable, health-focused solution to adjust your bed height.

f. Opt for a Loft Conversion Kit

If you’re looking to raise your platform bed significantly or need extra storage space underneath, a loft conversion kit can be a great solution. These kits typically include metal frames and brackets designed to lift the bed higher off the ground, creating a loft-style bed.

This setup provides substantial under-bed storage, which is ideal for smaller rooms or dorm spaces. When choosing a loft conversion kit, make sure it’s compatible with the dimensions and weight of your bed to ensure stability and safety.

g. Install Bed Frame Extensions

Another alternative for elevating your bed is installing bed frame extensions.

These extensions attach to the existing bed frame, raising the bed’s overall height without altering the bed’s structure too much.

Bed frame extensions are suitable for various bed styles and are often adjustable, allowing you to choose the elevation that best fits your needs. They’re also a good option if you want a more permanent height increase compared to bed risers.

h. Add a Layered Rug Setup

If your goal is to create a subtle height adjustment, consider layering rugs beneath your bed. Thick area rugs or a layered rug arrangement can elevate the bed just slightly while adding a warm, inviting touch to your room.

To use this method, start with a large, plush rug that covers the area beneath the bed, and add additional smaller rugs for an extra boost.

While this option won’t raise the bed dramatically, it does create the illusion of height while adding style to your space.

i. Place a Raised Bed Foundation

For a more structured lift, place your platform bed on a raised foundation. Raised foundations or bed bases offer sturdy support and extra height, typically without the need for risers or other add-ons.

They come in various heights and can be customized to fit the look of your room. Raised foundations are particularly useful if you want the bed to sit at a more traditional height without compromising the modern aesthetic of a platform bed.

j. Build a DIY Wooden Platform

If you’re handy with tools, building a DIY wooden platform to elevate your bed can be a rewarding project. This option allows you to customize the height exactly as you need, and you can choose materials and finishes that match your room’s decor.

A DIY platform can also provide extra stability and support, as well as allow for creative design features such as built-in storage or hidden compartments. Just ensure that the structure is sturdy enough to support the weight of the bed and occupants.

k. Stack Two Mattresses

For those wanting extra height without altering the bed frame, consider stacking two mattresses. Placing one mattress on top of another can elevate your bed to a higher level while adding a luxurious, cushioned feel.

This approach works best with thinner mattresses, as using two thick mattresses can make the bed too high and difficult to access. Ensure the base mattress is firm to provide adequate support for the top mattress and prevent sagging over time.

Reasons for Raising Your Platform Bed

Before delving into the methods of elevating your bed, it’s important to consider the reasons behind this decision. The most common motivations include comfort, convenience, and addressing specific health concerns. Some individuals may require a higher bed surface to alleviate conditions like acid reflux or sleep apnea, while others may seek additional storage space or prefer a full bed higher for aesthetic appeal.

a. Safety Considerations

When elevating your platform bed, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. This is especially important for elderly individuals or those with mobility issues. Poorly installed bed lifts can lead to instability and potential accidents. Choosing a method that ensures a stable sleeping platform and minimizes the risk of injury is important.

b. Visual Appeal

The visual appeal of your elevated bed is another important consideration. The method you choose should complement the overall design of your bedroom. While wedges and toppers generally do not affect the appearance, using wheels or metal risers may create a clinical or industrial look that may not suit every interior style.

c. Additional Storage Space

Elevating your platform bed can provide valuable storage space underneath. You can create clearance for suitcases, throw pillows, drawers, and other items by installing bed risers. This can be particularly useful for storing off-season clothes, shoes, and bed organizers, helping to maximize the functionality of your bedroom.

d. Affordability

Elevating your platform bed is often more cost-effective than replacing it entirely. However, it’s important to consider the long-term cost-effectiveness of your chosen method. Pay attention to the quality and durability of the materials used, as investing in a higher-quality solution may be more economical in the long run.

e. Correct Elevation Level

Selecting the appropriate elevation level for your platform bed is essential for optimal comfort. This is particularly important for taller individuals or those with specific mobility requirements. Before investing in risers, wheels, or foam products, consider the optimal height that will cater to your needs and provide the desired level of comfort.

f. Easier Cleaning Access

A raised bed not only allows for easy vacuuming and sweeping but also minimizes hidden spaces where dust mites, pet hair, and allergens can build up.

Without needing to move the bed frame itself, you can quickly reach under and around the bed, making regular cleaning more manageable. For households with pets, this can be a lifesaver in maintaining a clean and allergen-free environment.

Additionally, raised beds reduce the likelihood of forgotten messes or lost items, helping you keep your space tidy and fresh.

g. Stylish Room Upgrade

Raising your platform bed can dramatically enhance the room’s aesthetic by creating a modern, elevated look that suits both minimalist and contemporary designs.

This added height brings a touch of elegance and balance, making your bed the room’s focal point. Raised beds also create the illusion of larger floor space, giving small bedrooms a more open and airier feel.

With so many stylish bed-raising options available, from wooden blocks to sleek metal risers, you can customize your bed height to match your décor while adding a functional, stylish upgrade.

h. Better Sleep Quality

Elevating your bed height can support your body’s natural alignment and make getting in and out of bed smoother, which can reduce strain on the back and joints.

When combined with a firm, supportive mattress, a raised platform bed can improve circulation, reduce pressure points, and contribute to a more restful sleep.

Additionally, the elevation allows air to circulate around the mattress, helping maintain a cool sleep environment. This steady airflow reduces overheating and keeps the bed feeling fresh and inviting, contributing to improved overall sleep quality.

i. Prevent Moisture and Mold Build-Up

Another reason of raising your platform bed is preventing moisture and mold accumulation. Elevated beds allow for improved air circulation under the mattress, which helps reduce humidity and moisture build-up.

This can be especially beneficial in damp or humid climates where mold and mildew are concerns. By raising your bed, you’re creating a healthier environment that preserves the longevity of your mattress and provides a fresher sleeping space.

The Advantages of Bed Risers

Bed risers offer a practical and safe solution for elevating your platform bed. They are highly adjustable and easy to install, making them suitable for individuals with no DIY experience. Bed risers are ideal for those seeking improved comfort, aesthetic enhancement, or increased storage space. They provide a stable and level sleeping surface, catering to the needs of tall sleepers, elderly individuals, and those with mobility challenges.

Bed Risers Are Not for Everyone

While bed risers are versatile, they may not be suitable for everyone. If you have a shorter partner, the increased height may pose difficulties for them getting in and out of bed.

These bed lifters usually include stackable parts, letting you customize the height based on your preference. Additionally, alternative methods like mattress toppers or foam wedges may be more appropriate if your bed does not have legs, such as a box spring bed.

Height and Weight Limit Considerations

When selecting bed risers, it’s important to consider the height they will add to your platform bed and their weight-bearing capacity. Most riser sets can lift a bed by two to 12 inches, allowing for customization based on individual preferences.

The weight capacity of the platform bed risers is crucial to ensure stability and durability. It is important to consider the combined weight of you and your partner, the mattress, bed platform, bedding, and any additional items that may be placed on the bed.

Using Bed Risers with a Headboard

If your headboard is part of the platform, you’ll probably only require four-bed risers, one for each leg. However, if your headboard is independent of the platform, you’ll need two extra risers to ensure that the headboard aligns with the platform’s level.

Before purchasing a set of bed risers, ensure that it includes enough risers for both the platform legs and the headboard.

Using bed risers with a headboard requires careful attention to the height and stability of both the bed frame and the headboard. For a seamless look, select risers of the same height for both the platform legs and the headboard legs, ensuring that the entire bed structure remains level. If the headboard and platform legs are of different sizes, consider adjustable risers to create a uniform height.

Additionally, if your headboard is heavy or tall, choose risers with a high weight-bearing capacity to maintain stability and prevent any wobbling or shifting.

This approach will help you achieve a balanced, visually appealing setup that maintains both function and style.

Choosing the Right Bed Riser

When selecting bed risers, it’s important to consider factors such as compatibility with your platform bed, desired height, weight-bearing capacity, and material. Bed risers are available in different types, including screw-in, adjustable, and stackable risers. Each type of bed riser has its own advantages and considerations regarding installation and stability.

a. Screw-in Bed Risers

Screw-in bed risers are pillar-shaped and replace the legs of your bed frame. They attach directly to the frame using threaded rods or other fasteners. These all-wood bed risers are particularly suitable for platform beds and can provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

They are available in various materials, such as wood, rubber, and plastic, with wood being the most popular due to its durability and moisture resistance.

b. Adjustable Bed Risers

Adjustable bed risers consist of upside-down cups that fit on top of each other. The smaller top risers have holes where the bed legs fit, while the larger risers provide stability.

Most adjustable riser sets include pieces with heights of three inches and five inches, allowing for customization. These metal bed risers are easy to install and do not require additional fasteners or tools.

c. Stackable Bed Risers

Stackable bed risers are similar in appearance to adjustable bed risers but consist of four pieces of the same size. These pieces can be conveniently stacked on top of each other for storage.

Stackable risers directly fit onto the bed legs and are available in various materials such as plastic, metal, and wood. They are the most affordable option and provide stability and durability.

d. Slip-On Bed Risers

Slip-on bed risers are designed to slide directly onto each bed leg without any screws or additional fastening.

They often feature rubberized or padded interiors that grip the bed leg securely to prevent slipping.

Easy to install and remove, these risers are ideal for temporary height adjustments. The rubber or padding also helps prevent scratches on both the bed frame and the floor.

Slip-on risers may not support as much weight as other types, so they are better suited for lighter beds.

e. Locking Bed Risers

Locking bed risers have a mechanism (such as a clasp or a locking pin) that secures the bed leg in place, providing enhanced stability. These are typically made from heavy-duty materials, like metal or reinforced plastic, and are designed for added durability.

Locking mechanisms offer added stability, reducing the risk of shifting or tipping. This makes them a good choice for heavy mattresses and multiple occupants.

Locking bed risers are usually more expensive and may require specific bed frame types for compatibility.

Different Materials for Bed Risers

Bed risers are available in different materials, each with its own advantages. Metal risers are highly durable and can withstand heavier weights, making them suitable for heavier sleepers. They are also resistant to moisture and impact damage. Plastic risers are cost-effective and come in various colors to match any interior design. Wood risers offer both aesthetic appeal and structural strength, making them an ideal choice for wooden platform beds.

Different Sizes for Risers

Bed risers come in various sizes to accommodate different needs for height, storage, and accessibility. Here are the most common options:

1 to 2 Inches

• Purpose: These small risers are ideal for adding a modest lift to your bed. They can make cleaning and minimal airflow easier without changing the overall bed height significantly.
• Best For: Slight height adjustments or if you only need a little extra storage space underneath.

3 to 5 Inches

• Purpose: Medium risers provide a noticeable lift, making it easier to store items like bins, boxes, or shoes under the bed.
• Best For: Increasing under-bed storage without making the bed too high for daily use.

6 to 8 Inches

• Purpose: These risers create ample storage space and are ideal if you need more room underneath for bulkier items. This height can also make the bed more accessible, especially for people with limited mobility.
• Best For: Creating significant storage space and improving accessibility for those who need a taller bed.

Easy Bed Riser Installation

To install bed risers correctly, start by selecting risers that fit your bed’s dimensions and weight needs, ensuring they can safely support the frame and mattress.

Clear the area and remove bedding to make the bed lighter and easier to lift. With help if needed, lift one corner of the bed and slide a riser under each leg, ensuring each riser is centered and stable.

Gently lower the bed onto the risers, then test the bed for stability by pressing down on each side to check for wobbling.

If you have hardwood or tile floors, adding non-slip padding under each riser can prevent sliding and protect the floor.

Finally, replace the mattress and bedding, and test the bed’s comfort and security at the new height. This careful process ensures both stability and added functionality with your newly raised bed.

FAQs

How do I raise a platform bed without a headboard or footboard?

Consider using bed risers if your platform bed doesn’t have a headboard or footboard. These sturdy and durable supports can be placed under each bed leg to elevate the entire bed. Make sure to choose risers that can handle the weight of your bed and mattress.

Can I use DIY methods to raise my platform bed?

Yes, there are several DIY options to raise a platform to make your bed. To create a raised platform, you can use materials like cinder blocks, wooden blocks, or even sturdy storage bins. Ensure that the chosen materials provide stable support and are evenly distributed to prevent any imbalance.

Are there adjustable solutions for raising a platform bed height?

Yes, adjustable bed risers or furniture risers with customizable height options are available. These bed lifters usually include stackable parts, giving you the flexibility to customize the height based on your preference. This is a convenient option for those wanting to experiment with different bed heights.

Can I raise my platform bed for additional storage space?

Yes, raising your platform bed is an excellent way to create extra storage underneath. By elevating the bed with risers or a raised foundation, you can gain valuable under-bed storage space for items like bins, boxes, or seasonal clothing. Be sure to measure the height of your chosen method to ensure it provides enough clearance for your storage needs.

Is it safe to raise a platform bed on uneven floors?

Raising a platform bed on an uneven floor requires extra caution. It’s important to use bed risers or supports with non-slip bases or adjustable feet to ensure stability. Additionally, placing a thick rug or anti-slip mat beneath the bed can help level and secure the base, reducing the risk of wobbling or sliding.

Do I need any special tools to raise my platform bed?

Generally, raising a platform bed doesn’t require special tools. For simple solutions like bed risers, you may only need a helping hand to lift the bed temporarily. However, if you opt for a more complex DIY approach to raising a mattress, having a power drill or saw might be useful for preparing and customizing the support structures.

Will raising my bed affect its comfort or support?

Raising a bed does not typically impact its comfort or support, as long as the method used provides a stable, even elevation. However, if using a mattress topper to add height, you may notice added softness. In cases where stability is compromised (e.g., uneven risers), the bed’s support could be affected, so always ensure any height modification is sturdy and balanced.

Are there weight limitations for raising a platform bed?

It’s crucial to consider the weight limitations of the chosen method for raising your platform bed. Be sure to check the specifications of bed risers or any DIY materials you plan to use. Exceeding weight limits could compromise the stability of the raised platform bed’s legs and potentially lead to safety issues.

Conclusion

Elevating your platform bed can enhance comfort, convenience, and the overall aesthetics of your bedroom. Whether you choose to use bed risers, add wheels, use bed wedges, or opt for a mattress topper, it’s vital to consider factors such as safety, visual appeal, storage space, affordability, and individual requirements.

By selecting the most suitable method and implementing it correctly, you can achieve the desired elevation for your platform bed and enjoy a more comfortable and functional sleep environment.