emperor size bed

The Best Bed Sizes for Tall People

Author: James Higgins

There aren’t many better feelings than jumping into bed at the end of a long day, ready to drift off into the land of nod. But getting to sleep at night can sometimes prove to be a challenge if you’re taller than the average person – not only due to your feet potentially sticking out the end of your duvet, but because of the soreness, cramp, and back pain that can come from squeezing into a bed that’s a little too small. 

However, we’re here to let you know this doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, we can help you find the perfect sleeping solution no matter your height. In this article, we’ve explained how you can choose the right bed size to suit your own extreme dimensions. 


Choosing the right height bed for tall people

It might not be something you’ve ever considered, but the height of your bed above the ground could be having a bigger impact on your health than you might think. It’s easy to prioritise luxury and comfort, but if you ignore the important practicalities, you may well pay the price later down the line with long-term discomfort. 

 

What is the best bed height?

The typical bed frame measures in at 16” to 24” off the ground, however, this may not be suitable if you’re looking for beds for tall people. 

Instead, your bed’s height should correlate with your own, and the general rule of thumb is that you should be able to sit on the end and place your feet flat with your knees straight and parallel with the floor. If your knees are bent towards your hips or your feet can’t comfortably touch the floor, the bed is likely the wrong size for your height. 

Of course, while we can offer advice and guidance, your comfort is the most important factor to consider when choosing a bed frame. How easy is it for you to get in and out of the bed? Before buying, give the frame a test to determine if it’s the right fit. 

 

How to adjust bed height 

There are a few reasons why you might want to adjust your bed’s height, including being too tall for your current frame. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can do so:

  • Mattress topper: a mattress topper is a removable layer that you place on top of your existing mattress for additional comfort at night. However, it can also add extra height, with some mattress toppers available with a depth of up to four inches. 
  • Bed riser: bed risers are a common solution for short frames, adding increased height while improving under-bed storage. They’re simple enough too; attach the riser to the feet of your bed, and enjoy increased height, often ranging from 2” to 12”. 
  • Adjustable frame: switching bed frame entirely might be a little costlier than opting for a mattress topper or bed riser, but it offers a permanent solution that guarantees comfort as you get in and out of bed. 
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Choosing the right length bed for tall people

Enjoying a good night’s sleep means being able to spread out in comfort without fear of hanging over the sides of your mattress. We’ve outlined why you might choose each of the three most popular types of ‘bigger’ beds for tall adults, including their dimensions. 

 

King size bed

King size beds are among the most popular in the UK, and for good reason. Larger than a double bed, you have more room to spread out, especially if you’re sharing with a partner. 

In fact, king size beds come in at a very reasonable size of 5’ x 6’3”, making them the ideal fit if you’re on the tall side. If you’re taller than 6’3”, though, you may want to consider something even bigger, like a super king size or emperor mattress. 

Super king size bed

Super king size beds are another popular pick in the UK, especially among Brits looking for beds for tall adults. Not only do they provide a little more space for couples to spread out, but they offer extra length so your toes aren’t hanging off the end. 

In terms of the dimensions, super king size beds come in at 6’ x 6’6”, which makes them a great fit if you’re slightly too long to squeeze into a king size or want a little extra room to stretch out. 

Emperor size bed

Like super king size beds, emperor mattresses are 6’6” in length, but they offer addition size at the sides – with a width of 6’6” -  making them the perfect pick if you’re especially tall and need plenty of room to really spread out and stretch throughout the night without bumping your partner. 

 

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If you’re taller than the UK average, it’s important to take the time to compare bed sizes so you find one that fits your frame, whether that be a King size, Super King size, or Emperor mattress. Here at Ethical Bedding, we offer bed sets for King, Super King and Emperor bed sizes.

Interested in more information on the bedding bed sizes we have to offer? Check out our Ultimate Bed Size Guide.

For even more expert guidance from our sleep experts, head over to our blog, or explore our complete range of sustainable environmentally friendly bedding