Why and when to raise your bed

Raising a bed frame off the ground gives you storage space underneath, improves air circulation around the mattress, and makes the bed easier to get in and out of — especially if you have mobility issues or back pain. A bed that sits higher also looks less cramped in a small room and lets you vacuum or clean more easily.

You might raise a bed temporarily (to fit storage bins underneath) or permanently (to match your room's layout or your body's needs). The method you choose depends on your frame type, how much height you need, and whether you want the solution to be removable.

Key Takeaways

  • Bed risers — plastic or wooden blocks that slip under each leg — are the fastest and cheapest way to add 4 to 12 inches of height.
  • Platform beds and adjustable bases raise the entire mattress without needing risers, but cost more upfront.
  • Always check your frame's weight limit and the risers' weight capacity before raising a bed; overloading can damage both.
  • Measure the diameter of your bed legs before buying risers, because they come in different sizes and a loose fit will shift under weight.
  • If your bed has wheels or casters, remove them before adding risers, or the bed will roll when you try to use it.

Bed risers: the simplest method

Bed risers are hollow plastic or wooden blocks that sit on the floor and hold each leg of your bed frame. They are cheap, take five minutes to install, and add 4 to 12 inches of height depending on the model. You can buy them at any hardware store or online for $15 to $50 per set.

To use risers, first remove any wheels or casters from your bed legs — risers will not work if the legs can roll. Then lift each corner of the bed slightly (use a helper or a furniture dolly if the bed is heavy) and slide a riser under each leg. Make sure the leg sits fully inside the riser's opening and does not wobble. If it does, the riser is too large; try a smaller size or use shims (thin wooden wedges) to tighten the fit.

Check the weight limit printed on the riser packaging. Most plastic risers hold 1,000 to 1,500 pounds per set, which is enough for most bed frames and two people. If your frame is heavier or you are unsure, weigh it first or ask the riser manufacturer.

Platform beds and adjustable bases

If you are buying a new bed frame, a platform bed solves the height problem without risers. Platform beds have a solid or slatted base that sits 18 to 24 inches off the ground — higher than a traditional frame — and they do not need a box spring. They cost more than a standard frame ($300 to $1,500 depending on material and size), but they last longer and give you built-in storage space underneath.

Adjustable bases are motorized frames that let you raise the head and foot of the bed independently. They start at around $400 and go up to $2,000 or more. They are useful if you have acid reflux, sleep apnea, or back pain, because you can angle the bed to suit your body. Most adjustable bases sit 14 to 18 inches off the ground when flat, which is lower than a platform bed but higher than a traditional frame on risers.

Measuring and choosing the right height

Before you buy risers, measure the diameter of your bed legs at the bottom. Most bed legs are 2 to 3 inches in diameter, but some are square or tapered. Risers come in sizes to match — typically 2-inch, 2.5-inch, or 3-inch openings. A riser that is too loose will shift when you move around on the bed; one that is too tight will not slide on.

Decide how much height you need. Standard bed frames sit 8 to 12 inches off the ground. Adding 4-inch risers brings you to 12 to 16 inches; 8-inch risers bring you to 16 to 20 inches. If you have mobility issues or arthritis, aim for 18 to 20 inches — that height makes it easier to stand up from a seated position. If you just want storage space, 4 to 6 inches is usually enough.

Write down the height you want and the leg diameter, then check the riser packaging or product listing to make sure they match. Do not guess — a mismatch will either not fit or will be unsafe.

Installing risers safely

Clear the area around your bed and remove any items stored underneath. If your bed has a headboard attached to the frame, you may need to remove it first — check the manufacturer's instructions. Remove all wheels, casters, or glides from the legs.

Lift one corner of the bed at a time using a furniture dolly, a helper, or a hydraulic jack (if you are comfortable using one). Slide the riser under the leg and lower the bed slowly. Repeat for all four corners. Once all risers are in place, push gently on each corner of the bed to make sure it does not rock or shift. If it does, the risers are not seated evenly — lift that corner again and adjust.

Do not use risers on carpet without a shim or anti-slip mat underneath. Risers can sink into carpet over time, which changes the bed's height and can make it unstable. A thin plywood sheet or rubber mat under each riser prevents this.

When to call a professional

If your bed frame is very heavy, antique, or has an unusual leg shape, raising it yourself can be risky. A furniture mover or handyperson can safely lift and install risers without damaging the frame. This usually costs $50 to $150 depending on your location and the bed's weight.

If you are considering an adjustable base or platform bed, a furniture store can help you choose the right size and height for your room and body. They can also arrange delivery and setup, which saves you the work of moving a heavy frame yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use risers on a bed with a box spring?

Yes, but measure the box spring's leg diameter, not the bed frame's. Box springs often have different leg sizes than the frame. Make sure the risers fit both the box spring legs and the frame legs, or use separate risers for each layer.

What if my bed legs are square instead of round?

Square-leg risers exist, but they are less common than round ones. Measure the width and depth of your leg, then search for "square bed risers" in that size. If you cannot find them, a furniture store can order them or suggest an alternative like wooden blocks cut to fit.

Will raising my bed damage the frame?

No, as long as the risers are the right size and the bed's weight is within the riser's limit. A loose fit or overloading can cause damage over time. Check the riser packaging for weight limits and make sure each leg sits fully inside the riser opening.

Can I use stacked books or bricks instead of risers?

Not safely. Books compress and shift under weight, and bricks can crack or crumble. Risers are designed to distribute weight evenly and stay stable. They cost less than $50 and are worth the investment for safety and durability.

How do I lower the bed again if I change my mind?

Lift each corner of the bed one at a time and slide the risers out. If the bed is heavy, use a helper or furniture dolly. Store the risers in a dry place — they can be reused on another bed or frame later.