Bed Too High to Climb Into? Step Stools That Slide Under
A tall bed turns bedtime into a hop or a hoist. Lower it if you can, then add a sturdy step stool that tucks away under the frame.
By Jamilur Rahman Updated November 5, 2026 · 7 min read
- Time
- 15 min
- Cost
- $20-$50
- Difficulty
- Easy
In this guide
Quick answer
If your bed frame is too high, it usually comes from a tall frame, risers and a thick mattress or topper stacked together. Measure the height, take off what you do not need, then add a slide-under step stool with a non-slip top. It gives you a safe first step and tucks out of sight under the frame when you are not using it.
Free fix vs. permanent fix
Lower the bed and use what you have
- Measure from the floor to the top of the mattress
- Take out bed risers, or remove the box spring if the frame allows
- Drop a thick topper, or switch to a thinner mattress
- Never use a wobbly chair, a pile of books or a box as a step
How long it lasts: Works if the bed is only a bit too high. A very tall bed stays tall.
A sturdy slide-under bed step stool
A fixed, non-slip step turns one big climb into two easy ones. A model that slides under the frame stays close to the bed, so you do not trip over it, and it is there every time you need it.
What to get: Slide-under bed step stool
How long it lasts: Years. It sits at the bed, takes your weight each night and slides out of the way.
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What you'll need
-
Tape measure
To measure the bed and the clearance under the frame
You have it -
Screwdriver or wrench
For taking bed risers or legs off, if your frame allows
You have it - Our pick Illustration
Slide-under bed step stool
Pick a height that gives you a step of about 6 to 8 inches
- Illustration
Single-step stool with a non-slip top
A low-cost option for a bed that is only a little too tall
- Illustration
Two-step bed stool with a handrail
For very tall beds, or for people who need something to hold
Why it happens
A tall frame
Platform and storage beds often have a high base. Add a thick mattress and the top of the bed can be 30 inches or more off the floor.
Risers or a box spring
Many people add risers for storage underneath, or stack a box spring on a frame that was made for a platform. Each one adds 3 to 8 inches.
A thick mattress and topper
A pillow-top mattress with a 3-inch topper can add 4 to 6 inches over a standard one.
Who is climbing in
Short adults, kids, and people with sore knees or hips feel a tall bed much more than a tall person does. A height that is fine for one person is a hurdle for another.
Try this first (free)
Do these in order, starting with the simplest.
-
Measure the bed height
Tool used: Tape measureMeasure from the floor to the top of the mattress. Many beds sit around 20 to 25 inches. Above about 28 to 30 inches, shorter adults and anyone with knee or hip trouble start to struggle. Also measure the clearance under the frame.
-
Take off what you do not need
Tool used: Screwdriver or wrenchRemove risers, check if the frame works without the box spring, and take off any extra topper. Each inch counts. Many frames have bolt-on legs you can swap for shorter ones.
-
Use a stable step in the meantime
A sturdy household step stool with a wide, non-slip top is fine for a few days. Place it on a flat floor, not on a rug that can slide. Never use a chair that rocks or a stack of books.
-
Clear the path
Remove loose rugs, cords and slippers from beside the bed. Add a night light so you can see the step in the dark.
-
Fit a slide-under step
Tool used: Slide-under bed step stoolChoose a stool whose height fits under your frame, with a top at about half the bed height. Set it at the side you use, test it with your full weight, and slide it away in the morning.
IllustrationCheck price on AmazonTool for this step
Slide-under bed step stool · Pick a height that gives you a step of about 6 to 8 inches
When free fixes aren't enough
If the bed is still more than about 28 inches high after you take off risers and the topper, there is no free way to make it lower. You will also want a proper step if you are short, if you have bad knees or hips, if you have had a fall, or if you wake at night to use the bathroom. The step stool gives you a stable first step every time. If you feel dizzy, unsteady or have had a recent fall, talk to a doctor or an occupational therapist, because a step stool alone may not be enough. They can suggest a bed rail or a lower bed.
Buy the fix
Still stuck after the free fixes? These are the products we would look at.
| Pick | Product | Fixes | Who it's for | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best pick | Slide-under bed step stool | a bed that is too high to get into without a jump or a hoist | Anyone with a bed about 25 to 32 inches high, including short adults and people with sore knees. | Check price |
| Budget pick | Single-step stool with a non-slip top | a bed that is only a little too tall | People who need an extra 6 to 8 inches and want the lowest price. | Check price |
| Upgrade pick | Two-step bed stool with a handrail | a very tall bed, or the need for something to hold | Older adults, people who feel unsteady, or anyone with a bed taller than about 30 inches. | Check price |
Slide-under bed step stool
Fixes: a bed that is too high to get into without a jump or a hoist
Look for: A non-slip top and non-slip feet; A listed weight capacity that is well above your weight; A height that fits under your bed frame, with a step of about 6 to 8 inches; A wide tread you can place your whole foot on.
- Who it's for
- Anyone with a bed about 25 to 32 inches high, including short adults and people with sore knees.
- Honest downside
- Your frame sits flush on the floor, so nothing can slide under. Choose a freestanding step stool instead.
Single-step stool with a non-slip top
Fixes: a bed that is only a little too tall
Look for: A rubber or textured top; A wide base that does not rock; A weight rating you can see on the listing.
- Who it's for
- People who need an extra 6 to 8 inches and want the lowest price.
- Honest downside
- The bed is above 30 inches, or you are unsteady. One step may not be enough, and a stool with no handle can be risky for you.
Two-step bed stool with a handrail
Fixes: a very tall bed, or the need for something to hold
Look for: A sturdy handrail you can grip when you stand; Two wide non-slip treads; A weight capacity listed on the product; A frame that does not wobble when you press on it.
- Who it's for
- Older adults, people who feel unsteady, or anyone with a bed taller than about 30 inches.
- Honest downside
- You have a small room. The rail makes it larger and you may trip on it at night.
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How we picked: How we picked: this page is based on bed-height and step-safety guidance, mattress and frame sizing guides, and what owners report in reviews of bed step stools. We do not test products by hand.
Check the clearance first
Slide-under stools only work if they fit. Measure the gap from the floor to the lowest part of your bed frame, then compare it with the stool's listed height. Also check that nothing under the bed, such as storage boxes, blocks the way.
Stool safety checks
- Place it on a hard, flat floor, not a loose rug.
- Keep the step dry and clear of slippers and cords.
- Test it by pressing on the edge with your full weight before you rely on it.
- Replace it if a leg, foot or tread cracks.
What to skip
Piles of books, boxes and wobbly chairs
A makeshift step slides or tips just when you put your weight on it. Falls from bed height cause real injuries, so a stool with a wide, non-slip top is worth a few dollars.
Frequently asked questions
How high should a bed be?
How do I lower my bed height?
Is a high bed bad for older adults?
What height step stool do I need for a high bed?
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