What Is a High Bed Frame?
A high bed frame is a bed frame designed with a taller overall profile or increased clearance beneath the mattress. It can make getting in and out of bed easier, create a more substantial bedroom focal point and, depending on the design, provide useful space underneath for storage.
Some high bed frames feature a tall headboard, while others achieve their height through raised legs or a higher mattress platform. For example, high-profile bed frames can provide additional clearance beneath the bed, while tall headboards can offer comfortable back support when sitting up in bed.
Quick Facts
- A high bed frame creates a taller sleeping profile.
- Designs can include high headboards, raised bases or both.
- Some styles provide useful under-bed storage space.
- Upholstered, timber, metal and contemporary designs are available.
- High frames can suit both traditional and modern bedrooms.
- The overall height depends on the frame, mattress and base combination.
- Always check mattress compatibility before purchasing.
- Under-bed clearance can make cleaning easier.
Why Choose a High Bed Frame?
A high bed frame can give a bedroom a more elegant and substantial appearance.
Unlike a very low-profile bed, a higher frame creates more visual presence and can make the bed feel like the centrepiece of the room. A raised design may also provide easier access underneath for cleaning or storage.
For bedrooms where storage is important, some high bed designs can accommodate dedicated storage boxes beneath the frame.
Key benefits include:
- Elevated appearance
- Easier access to the bed
- Potential under-bed storage
- More space beneath the frame
- Strong visual presence
- Comfortable sitting height
- Versatile styling options
Popular Types of High Bed Frame
High Timber Bed Frame
Timber creates a warm and natural appearance. Oak, walnut-inspired and darker timber finishes can work beautifully with neutral bedding.
High Upholstered Bed Frame
An upholstered frame creates a softer, more luxurious bedroom aesthetic. Fabric headboards can also provide a comfortable surface for sitting up and reading.
High Bed Frame with Headboard
A tall headboard can become a major decorative feature while providing support when sitting in bed.
High Bed Frame with Storage
Raised frames can incorporate drawers, boxes or open storage beneath the mattress. Storage configurations vary by design.
High Platform Bed
A platform-style frame provides a clean, contemporary appearance and can create a higher sleeping surface depending on its construction.
High Metal Bed Frame
Metal frames can create a lighter visual appearance while still providing a raised sleeping structure.
High Bed Frame Materials
Timber
Timber provides warmth and works particularly well with natural and contemporary interiors.
Timber Veneer
Veneer can offer the visual character of timber while allowing designers to create consistent finishes and modern silhouettes.
Metal
Metal can create a more streamlined and industrial appearance.
Upholstery
Fabric upholstery introduces softness and can make a tall bed frame feel more luxurious.
Engineered Materials
Some contemporary frames use engineered wood products for specific structural components and finishes. Always check the manufacturer's material specifications.
How High Should a Bed Frame Be?
There is no single ideal height for every bedroom.
The finished sleeping height depends on:
Bed frame height + base/slats + mattress thickness = overall bed height
A high bed frame should therefore be considered together with the mattress rather than in isolation.
A particularly thick mattress placed on a high frame can result in a much taller finished bed, so it is worth checking the combined dimensions before buying.
High Bed Frame and Mattress Compatibility
Before choosing a high bed frame, check:
- Mattress dimensions
- Mattress thickness
- Recommended mattress type
- Slat spacing
- Base requirements
- Weight capacity
- Overall finished height
- Headboard dimensions
Some frames have adjustable side positions that can accommodate mattresses of different thicknesses.
High Bed Frame for Small Bedrooms
A high bed frame can work well in a smaller bedroom when the space beneath is used efficiently.
For example, under-bed boxes can provide storage for:
- Spare bedding
- Seasonal clothing
- Shoes
- Towels
- Blankets
- Decorative cushions
However, avoid choosing an oversized or visually heavy frame if the bedroom is particularly compact.
A simple high frame with clean lines can maintain an open feeling.
High Bed Frame for Large Bedrooms
A larger bedroom can accommodate a more substantial bed.
Consider a high bed frame with:
- A tall upholstered headboard
- Wide proportions
- Layered bedding
- Bedside tables
- Large bedside lamps
- A generous rug
- Decorative artwork
This creates a balanced and sophisticated bedroom arrangement.
High Bed Frame with Storage
Storage is one of the practical advantages associated with some raised bed designs.
Under-bed storage can make otherwise unused space useful. Depending on the design, this may be achieved through pull-out drawers, rolling boxes or open clearance.
Storage boxes designed specifically for a particular bed frame can provide a more integrated appearance.
Styling a High Bed Frame
A high bed naturally creates a strong focal point, so bedding should complement rather than compete with it.
Try layering:
- Crisp sheets
- A quilt or doona
- A folded throw
- Two or more sleeping pillows
- Larger decorative cushions
- One statement cushion
For a refined look, keep the colour palette relatively restrained and introduce interest through texture.
High Bed Frame Colour Ideas
White
Fresh and versatile, particularly for coastal and minimalist bedrooms.
Natural Timber
Warm and relaxed, ideal for Australian-inspired interiors.
Black
Creates a stronger contemporary statement.
Beige
Excellent for soft, neutral and sophisticated bedrooms.
Grey
A versatile choice for modern interiors.
Dark Timber
Creates warmth and depth and works beautifully with cream, white and earthy bedding.
High Bed Frame for Different Interior Styles
Modern
Choose clean lines, simple forms and minimal detailing.
Contemporary
Look for upholstered finishes, sculptural headboards and refined proportions.
Coastal
Pair a light timber or white frame with linen bedding, soft blue tones and natural textures.
Hamptons
A substantial upholstered or white frame works beautifully with classic bedding and layered cushions.
Traditional
Choose timber detailing, a substantial headboard and warm neutral fabrics.
Luxury
An upholstered high bed frame with a tall headboard can create a sophisticated hotel-inspired appearance.
High Bed Frame and Bedroom Proportions
When choosing a high bed frame, consider the ceiling height as well as the floor area.
A tall headboard can become a significant vertical feature. In rooms with higher ceilings, a substantial headboard can help fill the space beautifully.
In a room with a lower ceiling, a simpler high frame with a moderately sized headboard may create better visual balance.
High Bed Frame and Bedside Tables
The height of the bed should be considered when choosing bedside tables.
Ideally, the bedside table should feel proportionate to the mattress and easy to reach from a lying or seated position.
If the bed is significantly higher than a standard frame, very low bedside tables may look visually disconnected.
High Bed Frame and Bedding
A higher bed can provide an opportunity to use more generous bedding layers.
Consider:
- Linen sheets
- Cotton quilt covers
- Textured blankets
- Decorative cushions
- Soft throws
- Neutral or earthy colour palettes
For an elegant Australian bedroom, natural textures can soften the stronger architectural presence of a tall bed.
How to Make a High Bed Frame Look More Luxurious
The frame itself is only part of the overall bedroom design.
To create a premium appearance:
- Choose quality-looking materials.
- Use layered bedding.
- Add a substantial headboard.
- Introduce soft lighting.
- Use coordinated bedside furniture.
- Add a large rug underneath the bed.
- Keep accessories balanced.
- Mix different textures.
- Use neutral colours with one or two accent tones.
Cleaning Around a High Bed Frame
One practical advantage of raised designs is the potential for easier access underneath.
Adequate clearance can make it easier to vacuum or clean beneath the bed. Some high frames specifically provide enough clearance for cleaning equipment.
Before buying, check the actual clearance beneath the frame rather than assuming every high bed provides the same amount of space.
High Bed Frame vs Low Bed Frame
| Feature |
High Bed Frame |
Low Bed Frame |
| Overall appearance |
More substantial |
Minimal and streamlined |
| Under-bed space |
Often greater |
Usually limited |
| Storage potential |
Often better |
More limited |
| Bedroom presence |
Strong focal point |
More understated |
| Cleaning underneath |
Can be easier |
Can be more difficult |
| Styling |
Traditional, luxury or contemporary |
Modern and minimalist |
House of Isabella Australia
House of Isabella Australia offers furniture and home décor designed to create beautifully considered Australian interiors.
A high bed frame can form the foundation of a sophisticated bedroom when paired with quality bedding, cushions, throws, bedside furniture, rugs, lighting and decorative accessories.
House of Isabella Australia offers a large in-stock catalogue, fast delivery Australia-wide, East and West Coast warehouses and Australian-based customer care.
Flexible payment options including Afterpay and Zip are also available.
Inspiration from Designer Brands
Collections from Florabelle Collection, Zaffero, Emac & Lawton, Gallery Home, Café Lighting & Living and OneWorld Collection can provide inspiration for coordinating bedroom furniture and decorative accessories around a high bed frame.
Common Questions About High Bed Frame
What is a high bed frame?
A high bed frame is a bed frame designed with a raised overall profile, increased under-bed clearance, a taller headboard or a combination of these features.
Is a high bed frame good for storage?
It can be. Some raised designs provide enough clearance for storage boxes or drawers underneath. The available space depends on the specific frame design.
Is a high bed frame suitable for a small bedroom?
Yes, provided the frame is appropriately proportioned. A raised frame with integrated under-bed storage can be particularly useful in a compact room.
Can you use any mattress on a high bed frame?
Not necessarily. Check the frame's recommended mattress dimensions, thickness, weight requirements and base configuration before purchasing.
Are high bed frames comfortable?
Comfort depends largely on the mattress and finished sleeping height. A high frame can make getting into and out of bed easier for some people, but personal preference is important.
How do I style a high bed frame?
Use layered bedding, appropriately sized bedside furniture, decorative cushions, soft lighting and a rug to create a balanced bedroom.
Does a high bed frame make a bedroom look bigger?
Not necessarily. A raised bed can create a sense of presence and openness underneath, but a very large or visually heavy frame can make a small room feel more crowded.
Are high bed frames good for tall people?
A higher finished bed can be more comfortable for some taller adults because it may reduce the amount of bending required when getting into or out of bed. However, comfort depends on the final mattress height and individual preference.
Finishing Touch
A high bed frame can combine practical functionality with strong bedroom styling. Whether you prefer warm timber, contemporary upholstery, integrated storage or a dramatic tall headboard, choosing the right proportions can transform the bed into a sophisticated centrepiece while making useful space beneath it.
Related Glossary Terms
- High Bed
- Tall Bed Frame
- Bed Frames
- Bed Frame with Storage
- Upholstered Bed Frame
- Timber Bed Frame
- Fabric Bed Frame
- King Bed Frame
- Queen Bed Frame
- Bed Head
- Bedside Cabinets
- Bedroom Furniture
- Bedroom Décor
- Mattress
- Mattress Protector
- Bedding Australia
Disclaimer
Bed frame dimensions, materials, mattress compatibility, weight capacities, storage configurations and assembly requirements vary between products. Always check the manufacturer's current specifications before purchasing and ensure the frame is assembled and used according to the supplied instructions.
Mentions of brands such as Florabelle Collection, Gallery Home, Café Lighting & Living, Zaffero, Emac & Lawton and others are included purely for descriptive and contextual purposes. House of Isabella Australia is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by or associated with these brands unless explicitly stated.