Bed Risers

Written by Mohammed Aftab

Last Updated September 20, 2024

Do bed risers work? Of course, they do!

That's the gist of this article, if we were to sum it up in seven words. But what kind of bed risers work? Wait, what are bed risers? They make your bed taller! Is that safe? And how can you get yourself the ideal bed riser for your bed frame?

latex mattress

Don't fret, dear reader. We'll answer every question that runs through your head regarding bed risers! These nifty inventions, simply put, go underneath the four legs of your bed frame, raising its height by a few good inches from the ground. Let's find out how they work exactly, shall we?

Key Takeaways:

  • Bed risers are usually found as cubes or rods made out of plastic/metal/wood/rubber, that go beneath the legs of a bed frame and act as an effective solution for raising the height of a bed.
  • Bed risers provide various benefits, such as easier access to the bed and additional under-bed storage space.
  • Bed risers are generally safe to use, as long as they are made of sturdy materials and properly installed. Factors like weight capacity, installation process, and bed leg width should be considered for safety.
  • Bed risers can be used to raise other furniture items, not just beds. They are referred to as furniture risers and can be used for sofas, chairs, tables, and desks to enhance aesthetics, create storage space, and improve accessibility.
  • There are different types of bed risers available, including adjustable bed risers, stackable bed risers, and screw-in bed risers. Each type has its own features, installation methods, and materials, so choosing the right one depends on personal preferences and specific needs.

A brief overview into the functioning of bed risers

what are bed risers

Bed height is an aspect many of us fail to consider when setting up a comfortable bed. In such a case, some might find it hard to access their bed, while others may be discontent with the lack of under-bed storage.

Bed risers mitigate these discomforts and allow the sleeper to elevate their bed easily. Depending on the type of bed riser, you can lift the bed as little as 1 inch or as high as 12 inches off the floor! This additional height may let you easily get in and out of bed, save extra storage space, and improve the aesthetic of your bedroom.

Bed risers usually come in four individual pieces, each of which is placed directly underneath the bed's legs. Bed risers are one of the best budget options for making your bed tall, as they provide the sleeper with bed height options without having to replace the entire bed frame!

Are bed risers safe? How do they not break or bend?

Generally speaking, bed risers are safe to use.

Most bed risers tend to have a broad base, even broader than the base of a bed leg. This important factor helps distribute the weight of the bed evenly across the surface area of the riser, preventing breakage.

Other factors that determine the safety of a bed riser include - the material, brand, type, weight capacity, installation process, bed leg width, etc., all of which we discuss in detail below.

Can bed risers be used to raise other furniture?

bed risers used to raise furnitures

They can, indeed. Bed risers aren't just limited to the elevation of beds. Often termed "furniture risers," they can be placed under furniture legs to lift light and heavy furniture. Your sofa, couch, chair, table, and desk can all use furniture risers to match the room aesthetically, create additional storage space underneath, and increase the accessibility of the furniture.99

Furniture risers can be adjustable, stackable, or screw-in. Wood, plastic, and steel are the materials they're available in. For light furniture, like a chair/bedroom table/desk, plastic or wood furniture risers should do the trick. For heavy furniture, like a sofa/couch/dining table, heavy-duty plastic, wood, or steel furniture risers might be needed.

What are the most common types of bed risers available today?

There are three popular bed riser types available today: adjustable bed risers, stackable bed risers, and screw-in bed risers. Each comes with its own unique features, installation procedures, materials, etc. Find out which one suits you and provides the features you like best!

  • Adjustable Bed Risers

adjustable bed risers

For sleepers who are unsure of their suitable height or who anticipate needing to raise their bed in the future, adjustable bed risers are ideal. They can also work well for uneven floors where one side of the bed needs more height. Adjustable bed risers usually lift your beds anywhere from 3-8 inches.

Unlike other bed riser types, which tend to come in 4 nos., adjustable bed risers come in 8 nos. The four extra pieces go atop the previous four to accommodate the adjustable height.

Adjustable bed risers are either metal rods that extend and retract, or they're plastic cubes that fit snugly on top of one another. The metal ones are sturdy but costlier. The plastic ones are not as durable but come at a budget price.

  • Stackable Bed Risers

stackable bed risers

As the name suggests, stackable bed risers can be stacked one atop the other to lift beds further. They're often very affordable, as the common materials used to make them are plastic or rubber. Stackable bed risers tend to possess a broad base, which works well for a bed frame with broad legs.

When not in use, they don't take up much space in your room due to their stackable nature. Stackable risers usually raise your bed by 2-3 inches, but some of them can go as high as 8 inches. Keep in mind that these bed risers are more suitable for broader bed legs than thinner ones.

If you're opting for one of these, don't go for a cheap quality plastic version. Sure, its affordability is one of its main allures, but it can also end up costing you more than you spend on it, as you're putting your safety at risk. Choose a sturdy material, such as heavy-duty plastic.

  • Screw-In Bed Risers

screw-in bed risers

Screw-in bed risers can better accommodate thin bed legs as they are screwed into the bed frame, replacing the bed leg whole. Once they become a sturdy part of the bed frame, they are less likely to wobble and shake.

Installing these bed risers will require more effort, however, when compared to the installation of the other two bed riser types. Screw-in risers come anywhere between 3-8 inches, but you may not receive the entirety of these inches as you're replacing the bed leg whole rather than just placing the risers under it.

The most common materials used for screw-in bed risers are plastic, wood, and steel. Drawing from our experience, heavy-duty wood and steel are the best materials. Plastic is the best budget material, but it may not be as sturdy as the other materials.

What are some unique types of bed risers you can find today?

Who wants a boring old bed riser when you can have a modern one that's packed with all sorts of clever features and nifty contraptions to make your life easier?

  • Bed Risers with Power Outlet(s) and USB Port(s)

USB ports and power outlet-imbued bed risers let you conveniently charge your electronic devices while you stay in bed. They're usually made of sturdy plastic and can raise your bed anywhere from 3-8 inches.

  • Bed Risers with Non-Slip Grips

Bed risers with non-slip grips prevent your bed from slipping on a hardwood/tile floor. This can include bed risers with rubberized bottoms, anti-slip plastic, or other non-slip material that provides extra stability. These types of bed risers also have a lesser tendency to scratch floors.

natural and organic latex mattress topper

Finding the best bed risers for your bed

finding the best bed risers for your bed

In pursuing the best bed risers on the market, you must account for certain factors that heavily affect the effectiveness of a bed riser. These include -

  1. Bed Riser Material

Plastic, wood, and metal are the three bed riser materials you'll encounter when seeking one. The best bed risers will be made of heavy-duty, sturdy, and durable versions of these materials. They are able to support heavier beds, last longer without fail, and provide great support for your bed. Heavy-duty materials will also cost more than budget bed risers, so be aware of that fact.

  1. Weight Capacity

When identifying the weight capacity you require, you have to primarily consider your weight, your sleep partner's weight, the bed frame's weight, and the mattress' weight. Also, if you have any additional accessories, like a mattress foundation, box spring, mattress topper, etc., on your bed, don't forget to consider their weights as well!

There are light-duty bed risers that can handle up to 300-500 lbs. and are typically used for twin/full-size beds or lightweight furniture such as a chair/desk/bedroom table.

Medium-duty bed risers can handle up to 1,000-1,500 lbs. and are commonly used for queen/king-size beds or heavier furniture such as a sofa/couch/dining table.

Heavy-duty bed risers can handle anywhere from 1,500-4,000 lbs. or more, even going up to 10,000 lbs! They are used for extremely heavy furniture, such as pianos/large cabinets/heavy machinery.

  1. Bed Riser Height

As we mentioned previously, bed risers can raise your bed anywhere from 1 inch to 12 inches. Tall bed risers are perfect for bed frames like platform beds, which remain low to the ground. Short bed risers work best to raise medium-high bed frames that require just a smidge more height.

A lower bed height is usually best for older individuals, especially if they have mobility issues. Using tall bed risers in such a case might become problematic. Base the bed riser height you want on factors like storage, room height, your height, your sleep partner's height, ease of access, etc.

  1. Room Type

If you live in small rooms, like, for instance, dorm rooms, then you'll need to save all the space you can. Getting a suitable bed riser for your dorm bed ensures under-bed storage space, where you can store all the unnecessary boxes, bins, and furniture.

Bed risers also play a role in bedroom aesthetics. Minimalistic, modern rooms usually tend to have low bed frames, such as a platform bed. Using tall bed risers would only ruin the aesthetic in this scenario. Tall bed risers should also be avoided if your bedroom ceiling is low and you risk hitting your head when getting out of bed.

  1. Bed Frame Type

Always consider the leg width and length of your bed frame before deciding on a bed riser. Bed risers are typically used for lower bed frames, such as platform bed frames, as they are stable when lifted.

Conversely, using bed risers for higher bed frames, like bunk beds, is not usually recommended due to the instability that could result from it. Another thing to consider is whether or not your bed frame has removable legs. Removable legs will be necessary for screw-in bed risers to fit snugly into your bed frame.

  1. Furniture Legs

As with the bed frame type, the leg width and length of your furniture must be taken into consideration if you're planning on using furniture risers.

  1. Health Conditions

Having some difficulty climbing onto your bed? It could be due to health conditions such as obesity, injuries, an aging spine, and other underlying conditions. Figure out if the difficulty arises because your bed is too low or too high.

If your bed is too low, then a bed riser can be considered. Adjustable bed risers may be suitable in this case, as you can adjust the bed height more than once.

If your bed is too high, a bed riser will only exacerbate your mobility woes. You'll need to look at alternative options in this instance, such as using a step stool or platform to climb onto your bed.

Precautions to take when implementing bed risers

Safety is the priority when installing bed risers. Here are all the things you should keep a keen eye on to make sure you install it properly -

  • Damage-checking: Before and after you install bed risers, ensure that there is no structural damage to any bed riser piece. If you see cracks or splits in any bed riser, get it replaced or ask for a refund.
  • Stability: Make sure each bed riser you place is tightly secured to your bed's legs. Once you've placed all the bed risers, try shaking your bed and moving around atop it. Ensure that it's stable and that there's no wobble or tilting. For added assurance, place a non-slip rubber mat underneath the risers.
  • Do not stack unnecessarily: Placing incompatible bed risers over one another could result in a weak foundation beneath your bed. Only stack adjustable or stackable bed risers, and even then, make sure you do not overdo it.
  • Avoid heavy loads on your bed: Bed risers have a certain weight capacity beyond which they can break. Make sure you know how much your bed riser can handle.
  • Use on even floors: Placing the bed riser on an even floor ensures there is no tilt that causes instability.

Pros and cons of using a bed riser

Now that we've unveiled all the hidden details about bed risers, it's time to assess whether they're worth it. Here are all the pros and cons of using bed risers -

Pros:

  1. Better accessibility - Gaining that little bit of extra inches on your bed can turn out to be the crucial factor that makes it comfortably accessible to you, especially if you have mobility issues.
  2. Affordability - Bed risers don't cost you as much as a new bed frame or mattress, making them an affordable choice to raise your bed's height.
  3. Storage space - Unwanted boxes and furniture can be shoved under the bed if you have the space for them. With bed risers, you certainly can create that storage space!

Cons:

  1. Instability and safety risks - Choosing a bed riser that is made with cheap materials, or is incompatible with your bed frame, can lead to an unstable environment rife with safety risks.
  2. Damaged floors - Hardwood floors or carpets can be scratched and damaged with certain bed risers. To avoid this, place a mat beneath the bed risers, or opt for a bed riser with materials that don't scratch floors, such as rubber.
  3. Height and weight capacity - Bed risers can only raise your bed up to a certain height and can only handle up to a certain amount of weight. Trying to exceed this height/weight limit may result in safety issues.

natural and organic pillows

Bed risers FAQs

How much weight can bed risers hold?

Bed risers can hold weights ranging from 300 lbs. to 10,000 lbs. Light-duty bed risers can handle up to 300-500 lbs., medium-duty bed risers can handle up to 1,000-1,500 lbs., and heavy-duty bed risers can handle anywhere from 1,500-10,000 lbs.

What is the point of bed risers?

Bed risers are used to raise the height of a bed. The most common reasons for raising bed height include - gaining easier access to the bed, usually for those with mobility issues, and increasing storage space beneath the bed.

How can I make my bed taller?

You can make your bed taller by using bed risers. They have the capability to add anywhere from 1-12 inches of height to your bed.

How much height do bed risers add?

Bed risers can add anywhere from 1 to 12 inches of height to your bed. The amount of height they add usually depends on the type of bed riser you buy. For instance, adjustable bed risers allow you to adjust to various height levels. A bed riser's height level can also depend on your personal preference and the type of bed frame you have.

How can you conceal bed risers?

Using a bed skirt is one of the best ways to hide bed risers. You can also try covering it with fabric panels, decorative tapes, or paint.

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4. Mattress Glossary

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5. Bed Frame Sizes and Dimensions Guide

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Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.

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