There’s something very cozy and safe about having an elevated bed. A lot of people prefer to raise their bed to have some extra space underneath it, while others find it easier to get in and out of bed if the height is more generous.
Whatever the case, today we’re going to focus on how to purchase or create your own bed risers, as well as guide you through the basic installation process.
But if you’re looking for more creative and unconventional ways to raise your bed frame from the floor, the last part of this guide may just get you started on the path of awesome bedroom décor ideas.
Does Your Bed Height Really Matter?
Neah, the question is wrong. Let me rephrase it: How easy is it for a three-year-old child to get out of a 30 inch high bed?
The height of your bed has a direct correlation with your age, weight and height. Children and elders don’t need a very elevated bed, but for others with limited mobility, a higher frame might make it easier for them to get in and out of bed.
The height of your bed needs to be adjusted accordingly for taller or shorter people. Finding the bed height that’s right for you is a matter of testing, by sitting at the edge of the bed.
When your feet are flat against the floor and the knees form a straight angle and are aligned with your hips, that means that the bed is just the right height. However, if the knees are above the hips, that means the bed’s too low.
Alternatively, if your feet don’t reach the floor when you’re sitting at the edge of the bed, that means it’s too high.
So, what do you do if you’re short and have a tall sleeping partner (or vice-versa)? You can opt for a tall bed with a handy step that you can customize to make it blend it with your bedroom decor. Alternatively, you can opt for a Japanese-style bed, with a low profile.
How to Purchase Bed Risers (Step by Step Guide)
Step #1:
First off, you have to opt between one of the three most common types of bed risers: those made from wood, metal or plastic.
As you can imagine, plastic ones are the cheapest, but they compromise durability for a lower price.
Metal and wood are a much better choice, as they are more durable, but also note that wood risers are more expensive than metal ones.
Step #2:
Once you’ve chosen the material, it’s time to determine the height. There are a lot of different heights to choose from, as risers can measure anything in between one and twelve inches.
This is all a matter of personal preference, as you will have to determine how high you want your bed to be. Pick up a measuring tape to get a better overview of the height before picking a particular size.
If you’re having a hard time finding the exact size you want, you can choose plastic risers that stack on top of each other.
Step #3:
Now that you’ve chosen the height, it’s time to consider the weight that the risers need to be able to support.
The total weight is comprised of the actual weight of the bed frame, plus the mattress, plus headboard or footboard (if any), plus your weight and the weight of your sleeping partner.
Typically, four bed risers should be able to support about 1,000 pounds, but these figures are always specified on the package, so make sure you look for this information as you choose the products.
Step #4:
This step is not mandatory, not unless you are very particular about your bedroom decor. In case the bed risers are exposed, people will often prefer them to match the style of the room. In case they don’t you can opt for a longer bed skirt to keep them covered.
Otherwise, there are plenty of models to choose from and there are high chances you will find something that matches your bedroom style.
How to Make Your Own Bed Risers
If you can’t find bed risers to your liking or are simply enthusiastic about DIY projects, here’s what you’ll need to make your own bed risers:
- Wooden block (at least four);
- Felts for each block;
- A wood saw;
- Wood glue;
- A drill.
Step #1: You have to decide how high you want to raise your bed.
Step #2: By using a wood saw, cut the blocks of wood so that they have the same height. The part that gets cut should be the top of the riser. This way, an uneven cut will still ensure that the leveled part can stand on the floor.
Step #3: When all risers have been equally cut, use a piece of felt for each end of the riser that goes on the floor. These felts will prevent the bed legs from scratching the floor.
Step #4: Grab a drill and make one ½ inch to ¾ inch indent that’s used to secure the bedposts. For that, you will need to measure the bottom width of your bedposts. Choose the appropriate drill bit to make an indent in the top side of the riser. Your bedpost needs to be able to fit in this hole, staying fit in place. This helps your bed frame stay stable.
How to Install Bed Risers
To make this process easier, we advise that you ask a family member or a friend for some help, as there’s some heavy lifting to be done. You will need to remove the mattress and the bed frame to install the new risers, so every bit of help is welcome.
Step #1: Expose the bed frame by removing all sheets and the mattress. Make sure you put the mattress in a clean place, to avoid getting it dirty. We recommend you cover it in a sheet and leaning it against the wall, as it will be easier to grab it and put it back afterwards.
Step #2: Life one of the bed frame corners and place the riser underneath. Then guide the leg of the bed to fit inside the riser. Ask your DIY buddy to help you with this step: one of you can lift the frame while the other places the riser underneath it. When the hole/indent on top of the riser is aligned with the bedpost, you can slowly lower the frame, making sure these two pieces are connected and stay fit in place.
Step #3: Repeat the process described in the second step for each posts of the bed (typically, there are four of them, but this may different depending on the type of bed frame you have). Make sure that each time you connect a bedpost with a riser, you check to make sure they are fixed in place, as any misfit can cause the bed frame to fall.
Step #4: When all the risers are secured in place, grab the mattress and put it back on the bed frame. Double-check the risers to make sure they are sturdy.
Bed Risers Innovative Alternatives
For those of you who have the space, the time and the budget, there are some innovative ways to raise your bed frame instead or purchasing or making a set of traditional bed risers. Bear with us a few more minutes, there might just be something in here that you like:
1. The best thing about wooden pallets is their versatility. Not only can they be used to lift a bed frame, but they can be painted in so many creative ways, they can add a touch of color to your bedroom.
2. What if, instead of a bed riser, you created a whole new work space right underneath the bed? You can add a desk, a chair, shelves, drawers, small bookcases and everything you need to create an intimate corner. It’s a great idea for small children bedrooms.
3. Drawers are a very useful storage options, especially since we tend to waste the space left underneath the bed. These drawers aren’t just useful for storing bedding accessories, but you can use them for clothes, books, valuable and even kids toys.
4. How would you feel about sleeping suspended… with style? Instead of using all sorts of objects to raise your bed frame, how about having it levitate altogether? Careful though, this is only a project for people who know what they’re doing, as the entire weight of the bed and the sleeper will be suspended from the ceiling.
Conclusion
Making your own bed risers isn’t a complicated task, but if you’re not that passionate about spending time fiddling with furniture, purchasing ones that are already made is a much simpler and faster solution. Alternatively, you can let your imagination run wild and use some other (sturdy) items to replace actual bed risers. Not only do these help you lift the bed frame, but they add that je ne sais quoi to your bedroom.
