Platform Bed Too Low? – Here’s How To Make It Higher!

A platform bed’s low profile indeed complements modern décor, but a platform bed too low for your liking can cause problems too.

💘 I love my platform bed, but it is more challenging to keep the area under the bed clean.

Also, some people find it more of a challenge to get into due to the low height, as stooping to get onto a bed can be painful for those who already have a sore back.

I decided to change the height mainly to keep the area under the bed a bit more manageable.

And this sent me on a search expedition to learn more about how to make a platform bed higher.

You can raise your platform bed by using bed risers, adding wheels to its legs, and simply using a bed wedge. Pick what works best for you to change its height! 

Getting Familiar With Platform Beds

Compared to a traditional bed frame, which necessitates a box spring, a platform bed uses solid wood pieces to support the mattress.

A box spring is a type of mattress foundation with both a wooden frame and metal springs.

There appears to be little to no difference between the two types of beds in terms of comfort.

Still, many people like platform beds better.

The reason is that there is a higher chance of an old coil box spring damaging the mattress with traditional beds.

A platform bed would not cause any such issue. But, to make it work perfectly for you, it is essential to ensure it is not too high or too low. 

Determining the Perfect Bed Height

A typical bed may be as high as 20-30 inches when measured from the top of your mattress to the ground.

✅ Your optimum bed height will likely fall within this range, depending on your height.

An excellent way to determine if your bed is the proper height is to sit on it.

If your feet are flat on the floor with your knees making a 90-degree angle, it is the right bed height for you.

Know that your bed is excessively high if it prevents your feet from reaching the ground.

However, if you can put both feet flat on the floor and your knees are higher than your hips at an angle of more than 90 degrees, your bed is likely too low. 

Is It Possible To Raise Your Platform Bed?

There is a general consensus that a platform bed should be somewhat low to the floor. And it is possible to raise your bed in many different ways.

In any case, risers made for these beds will work just fine to make the bed taller.

If you use bed risers to lift your mattress off the floor, you will have even more room for storage under your bed. 

Know What To Do With a Platform Bed Too Low for You

These days, you can choose from various bed-elevating options to meet your needs.

Bedroom design and functionality are important factors to consider, along with your sleeping partner’s preferences.

Some options for maximizing the height of your platform bed are:

1. Use bed risers.
2. Make use of bed wheels.
3. Opt for a bed wedge.
4. Try a mattress topper.

Let’s discuss these options to help you select what works best for your situation. 

Use Bed Risers

Opting for a riser is a great way to increase the storage space under your bed quickly.

The purpose of a mattress riser is to extend the vertical clearance between the bed’s base and the floor.  

Bed risers are only suitable for bed frames with legs.

In this situation, the platform bed’s weight is distributed uniformly across its legs, making it possible to install risers on all four legs.   

Learning To Use Bed Risers

Using risers is the simplest and most effective way to elevate a platform bed. They range in price from $17 to $30 and are readily available.

You can find different types of risers in the market. For instance:

Plastic Risers

If you want the most affordable option, you should consider going with plastic risers.

They are inexpensive, with prices under $17, but they will likely last only a short time. 

Wood Risers

Risers made of solid wood are more aesthetically pleasing and last far longer.

In addition, when you compare them to plastic ones, they have a far higher weight capacity. The cost ranges from $20 to $30. 

Metal Risers

They sit somewhere between wood and plastic risers. Metal risers are just as sturdy as wooden ones while being more affordable. 

Tip: It is possible to achieve a traditional yet modern look by covering the riser with a bed skirt. 

Handle the Installation To Raise Your Bed

When you say, “my platform bed is too low,” all you have to do is install bed risers, which could be a weekend DIY project.

Here is how to do it:

1. Begin by arranging four 4-5 inches long lumber cubes.
2. Get a large drill bit and get ready to poke a hole in each cube.
3. Make a hole in the middle of each block that is half an inch in diameter.
4. Now carefully place the posts of your bed on the risers. Secure them. 

Note: Only pick a riser after determining how much weight it can safely support. 

You and your sleeping companion(s) must factor in your body weight along with the weight of the mattress and the frame.

Using Bed Risers for Beds Without Legs

It is possible to have a platform bed without legs, which is going to make it tricky to add bed risers. But you can still try some tricks.

To raise a bed without legs by 1.5 inches, you will need about 2 x 4-inch boards and double-sided carpet adhesive.

Planks should be cut to size, stained to match your platform bed, and installed beneath the bed.

Make use of sticky tape to ensure they will not budge.

Consider using dowels as pegs to secure the wood to the frame, then laminate the entire platform’s outer edge to hide any seams for a sturdier structure.

Tip: It is possible to find platform bed risers in a range of sizes, from 3 to 8 inches in height, so consider your requirements when choosing.

Make Use of Bed Wheels

Adding wheels to the legs of your platform bed is a simple method to make it taller.

It is also a great way to save time when rearranging furniture or cleaning under the bed.

Some people may need help finding it practical to attach wheels to their bed frame.

An unsightly set of wheels calls for installing a bed skirt, which may only work for some.

Moreover, recovery from an accident or difficulties with mobility is hampered by a bed that rolls about.

Tip: Think about the bed's height and the installation process when choosing wheels, and ensure they can be locked in place if possible.

Opt for a Bed Wedge

A bed wedge goes underneath your mattress’s head to provide additional elevation for the upper body.

Remember that the bed’s elevation does not facilitate getting in or out of bed.

However, it has an inclined shape to help with sleeping problems like acid reflux, sleep apnea, and breathing difficulties.

As a bonus, sleeping on a wedge can help with blood flow issues.

Try a Mattress Topper

A mattress topper is an extra layer of soft foam that can be laid on top of an existing mattress.

This alternative provides a means of increasing comfort and support by providing you with an elevated sleeping surface.

Tip: A mattress topper improves sleep quality but can only raise your bed's height up to four inches, so go with risers if it is not enough.

Takeaway

A platform bed too low for your height can cause all sorts of problems. But you do not always need to make any radical changes to your bed.

In most cases, all you have to do is find the right type of bed risers, try bed wheels, or use a mattress topper.

What works best for you depends on how high you want your bed to be.