14 Useful Bed Riser Alternatives

Last updated on September 11, 2024

Even the best bed risers are inexpensive, and they provide the required height and stability to the bed. But there may be other reasons why you want to use alternatives.

These reasons may be:

You don’t like the looks of bed risers.
You still want to save and you’re looking for free alternatives that you can DIY.
You can’t find the right risers for your bed.

Whatever the case might be, we have found an extensive list of alternatives (it’s the biggest on the internet last time we checked) — you can use it to give your bed more height. Some of these require reusing other items and materials, while you’ll need to hone your DIY skills to complete others.

You will find the ideal options here.

Cinder Blocks

A cinder block bed risers can be an alternative for the traditional box spring and mattress foundation. They are the easiest and safest option to use. Cinder blocks are sturdy to hold any size bed and they are easy to move. You may even be able to stack them.

The only downside is that they look plain ugly. So if the design is your concern, you will have to find a way to hide them. Otherwise, choose a different alternative.

Wooden Blocks

If you want a more rustic look, then using wooden block bed risers is your best option. Wooden block bed risers come in many different sizes and shapes to fit any bedroom style or decor.

Lofting Kit

The lofting kit is one of our favorite bed riser alternatives because it’s easy to assemble and comes with all the parts needed to build them. These kits are great if you don’t have much space and want to use vertical space efficiently.

You can create a lot of usable space under your bed because a lofting kit will allow you to add a lot of height. So much so that you can create a workspace underneath the bed, complete with a desk, a chair, and even a small dresser.

Wooden Crates

Wooden crates are another alternative to lifting your bed. Unlike other options mentioned here, wooden crates won’t cost you much except for some time and energy. Please make sure they are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the mattress and the frame if you install them correctly.

Wooden Pallets

Using pallets has become very popular over the last few years because it’s eco-friendly and cost-effective. All you need to do is get some pallets and stack them up for that extra height. You can even add caster wheels to the bottom of pallets for extra height and mobility.

The only drawback is that they won’t give you storage space for your items.

Chains or Ropes

You can also use chains that connect from the ceiling to your bed frame. This gives you even more storage options than just having shelves directly under your bed. However, this is an involved project that requires a lot of thought and effort (how to install the anchors securely to hold the weight of the bed.)

Bookshelves

You can also use bookshelves to raise the bed, which give you lots of room underneath your bed without taking up too much space. They’re perfect for kids’ rooms since there’s no risk of tipping over. Bookshelves need to be made of solid wood and sturdy enough to hold the weight (so IKEA Billy bookcases won’t do.)

Dressers

Another way to get creative when choosing what type of bed risers to buy would be to choose something unique such as a dresser. Dressers work well for bedrooms where there isn’t enough wall space for shelving units. A small dresser will add a lot of height to the bed, and it will provide ample drawer space for storage.

Bed Wedge

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If you prefer something less permanent, then wedging your bed up may be just what you’re looking for. A simple wedge can be used to raise your bed about 2″ – 4″. This method requires no additional hardware, so there is little risk involved if you decide to try this technique.

You can purchase pre-made wedges at any local store such as Home Depot or Lowes. Or, you can build your using lumber.

Caster Wheels

This alternative involves adding casters underneath your bed frame. Casters allow you to move around while keeping your bed elevated quickly.

Mattress Topper

There’s another way of looking at increasing the bed’s height. You don’t have to modify the frame for it. All you need is a mattress topper with enough thickness to match your needs.

Adding a Platform

A platform adds stability to your bed by providing support on both sides. It allows you to place heavy objects like lamps and bookcases in front of your bed. Platform beds come in different sizes and shapes depending on how high you’d like to go.

Cut Fence Posts

Make DIY bed risers by cutting sturdy fence posts to the required height. Then make holes to fit your bed’s legs, and you have the perfect custom bed risers. This little project requires some skills and tools to do, but if you’re an avid DIYer, it’s a one weekend’s project to complete.

Tree Stumps

It’s not a very practical alternative but sure is whimsical design-wise. The challenge is finding the right size sumps and then cutting them to even height. But if you can pull this project off, you will surely enjoy the accolades.

FAQ

How do you make a platform bed taller?

Bed risers and their alternatives work just as well with platform beds. You need to keep in mind that platform beds are heavier than standard frames, so the risers will need to be heavy-duty.

Can you use bed risers without a frame?

Yes, you can use bed risers without a frame to provide enough support and stability for the mattress. For example, you may use pallets to do that.

Can you put two mattresses on top of each other?

No, because stacked mattresses do not provide enough stability for sleeping. Use a mattress topper and bed risers instead.

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