Bedheight

Bedheight is the vertical distance from the floor to the top surface of a bed, typically measured at the mattress level. It is a key specification in residential and healthcare settings because it affects how easily a person can get in and out of bed, how safely transfers can be performed, and overall comfort for sleepers of varying heights and mobility.

In typical homes, the overall bed height from floor to the top of the mattress usually falls in a range around 24 to 30 inches (60 to 76 cm), though the exact height depends on the bed frame, foundation, and mattress thickness. In contrast, hospital and care beds offer adjustable heights to suit patient handling and caregiver access, with common ranges roughly from 15 to 30 inches (38 to 76 cm). The ability to vary bed height is a major factor in designing inclusive furniture and caregiving workflows.

Bedheight interacts with other design elements such as mattress firmness, foundation type, and room layout. A lower height can facilitate safer transfers for some users and reduce fall risk, while a higher height may improve seating position, visibility, and caregiver reach. For users who rely on wheelchairs or assistive devices, aligning bed height with seating height and transfer technique is important for ease and safety.

Manufacturers typically label bedheight as a specification for product suitability in particular settings. When selecting a bed, users should consider individual mobility, preferred transfer methods, and the constraints of the room to determine an appropriate bed height. See also bed frame, adjustable bed, and hospital bed.