Beds come in all sizes (not really shapes, that's pretty standard unless you particularly love the 70s), from a tiny toddler bed to a gargantuan super kingsize whopper. It's often the most important consideration when buying a new bed and something people can deliberate on for a while. But it's not just the width of a bed that can be called into question: how often do you ponder how high your new bed should be? And is there an optimum height?
“A bed's height is very much dependent on individual preference and also the style of the room,” says interior designer Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay, who explains that “the lower the bed the more modern it looks, while a high bed feels more traditional. It's important to remember to balance the aesthetics of differing bed heights with functionality.” Holly Beazley, creative director of interior design studio Elicyon, adds that “the height also impacts other elements in the room, particularly the bedside tables. Ideally, these should align with the top of the mattress for practicality and visual harmony, though there’s always room for creative interpretation.” Given that a standard bed (comprising a divan and mattress) comes in at around 60-65cm, we wondered where bed experts tend to land in the height discussion.
In praise of a high bed
According to Emeric Georgette, who manages the Tréca showroom, “the high bed is making a comeback in the bedroom”. He thinks that “an 80cm-high bed offers an elegant, traditional look, instantly adding a sense of grandeur to a room. Historically, taller beds have been a hallmark of French interiors, evoking sophistication and comfort. Their height naturally draws the eye, making them a focal point; especially when paired with a headboard.” Holly agrees: “Personally, I find myself gravitating towards beds with a slightly elevated height — there’s something wonderfully indulgent and inviting about a high bed. It creates a sense of luxurious comfort, which is especially fitting for principal bedrooms or more traditional spaces.”
It's not all aesthetics though as a higher bed is also practical: “it's easier to get in and out of, which can be a real advantage for the elderly or anyone with mobility concerns,” says Emeric. This is echoed by the team at Savoir, who added “we make beds for lots of athletes, and they usually want a higher bed, around hip height, so they can simply swing their legs directly off the bed. We made a bed for two ballet dancers, and due to the intensive training their bodies endure, they wanted a bed that was just the right height for them, so they could get in and out of easily.” Lower beds require more effort to get in and out of (just like a low, deep sofa) so for Emeric, that means “a taller bed offers an effortless, inviting feel, perfect for sinking into at the end of the day.”
As far as comfort goes, Sarah Frederickson at Savoir says “usually the deeper the bed base, the more comfortable the bed as it allows for a deep sprung base,” which would be a huge plus in the pro column of a high bed. And another from Mark Tremlett, the founder of Naturalmat who make mattresses and beds: “a taller bed base provides more opportunity for storage, this could be built-in drawers or an ottoman design, helping homeowners to maximise valuable floor space.”
In praise of a low bed
Persuasive high bed arguments aside, there is plenty going for a low bed too. “In a contemporary, minimalist bedroom, a lower bed might feel more fitting, adding to the streamlined and pared-back aesthetic,” says Holly and it's certainly true if you look at the popularity of low beds, which originate from the likes of Japan. There, a simple tatami mat with a thin futon mattress on top, or a low wooden frame these days, are commonplace, and the image of a tatami mat in a minimalist ryokan room is the epitome of a pared-back way of life. While that may not be for everyone (however they are considered very good for your health and incredibly comfortable), a low bed can offer a similar appeal.
For Sarah at Savoir, they find that “some people prefer the low, sleek look of Italian-style frames and a slim mattress” over a more cumbersome high option and they certainly don't overwhelm a bedroom in the same way. As Emeric puts it, “a lower bed embraces a more modern, relaxed aesthetic”.
At the end of the day, your bed should be whatever height suits the aesthetic of the room it's in and whichever look you prefer. Certainly, a minimalist is less likely to want a vast high French-style four poster bed covered in eiderdowns, while a maximalist is probably looking for a little more punch than a sleek low wooden bed provides. Whichever way you go, it's the width that really counts.
