What is the Typical Bed Height?

This is not a simple question to answer because there are so many variables to take into consideration.

One possible variable first is the base or the supporting metal bed frame that the mattress and box spring rests on. Possibilities can vary widely but are most common in a standard 7 ½ free standing metal bed frame common throughout the industry. Due to the number of thicker mattress sets being sold today the lowboy metal frame rarely sold 15-20 years ago is more prevalent under today’s mattresses and is usually about 4 ½ in high.

Side note about these 2 very different bed frames, the headboard mounting plates are usually standard height for both frames so nothing special has to be done to attach your headboard.

Another possibility is a platform bed, which can sometimes use a drawer pedestal, and these can range in height from about 4” for modern low profile bed designs up to 18” for massive storage abundance. You should know this height before you go shopping for a mattress set.

Poster beds both headboard only and 4 poster designs can fluctuate in height from about 5” off the floor to 14” or more for some higher Victorian or Queen Ann type beds. Measuring from the inside lip on your side rails where your wooden or metal slats would rest is where this measurement is taken from.

Assuming that you have found your pedestal or frame height for your new bed, you can start looking at mattress sets and determining what thickness might work best for your needs. You do not want a mattress and box spring so tall when placed on your base. This is because it will hide from view your beautiful headboard; after all you probably spent a descent amount of your bedroom budget on it. Also keep in mind thick plump pillows, go on top of the mattress and can add to the problem.

Typical box springs are about 8-9” tall but can be ordered as low as 4 – 4 ½ “ which can help lower mattress height and make the headboard more visible. Another alternative or way to lower the frame even more is to make use of a lowboy frame. These are very good options when ordering a real thick mattresses such as a pillow tops or euro tops which can run as tall as 21” in extreme cases.

At STL Beds we feel the average bed height including frame, mattress and box spring is in the range of 26” high give or take an inch or two. With a tall mattress package we have seen mattress sets range up 38 even 39 inches off the floor. We recommend that when you go mattress shopping to take a tape measure with you and take note of any measurements that are critical to your individual needs. A crucial measurement to take note of is what is the maximum height on your headboard you will allow your mattress and pillows to come to. Just as crucial is to determine what mattress surface height fits your needs for ease to climbing into and out of bed.

More questions about bed height call STLBeds at 636-296-8540 or leave a comment or question below.