6 Tall Bed Designs
Picture yourself sinking into plush bedding elevated high above gleaming hardwood floors. If you’re looking to transform your bedroom, tall bed designs offer both dramatic style and smart functionality. From sleek platform storage beds that maximize space to romantic four-poster frames draped in flowing fabrics, you’ll find options that match your aesthetic while lifting your sleep space to new heights. Let’s explore six elevated designs that’ll revolutionize how you think about bedroom architecture.
Platform Storage Beds With Extended Height
Elevated platform storage beds combine sophisticated style with practical functionality, creating an impressive focal point that commands attention in any bedroom. The increased height not only adds visual drama but also creates an expansive storage solution beneath the sleeping surface, making these beds particularly appealing in modern urban spaces where maximizing square footage is essential.
The clean lines and architectural presence of a tall platform bed create an instant upgrade to any bedroom’s aesthetic. This bed styling approach works exceptionally well in contemporary, minimalist, and industrial-style bedrooms where form meets function. The elevated design is particularly effective in rooms with high ceilings, as it helps balance vertical space while providing year-round storage accessibility.
The style is especially relevant for small apartments, loft spaces, or any bedroom where storage optimization is a priority without sacrificing design impact.
Essential Components:
- Platform bed frame with built-in storage
- Box spring (if required by frame design)
- Memory foam or hybrid mattress
- Fitted sheet
- Flat sheet
- Duvet or comforter
- 2-4 standard pillows
- 2-3 decorative pillows
- Bed skirt (if storage is visible)
- Storage containers or bins
- Step stool or small ladder
- Under-bed lighting (optional)
How to Achieve This Look
Begin by positioning the platform bed frame against the focal wall, ensuring equal space on both sides for balanced aesthetics. Install any under-bed lighting systems before adding storage containers, organizing them by category for easy access. The height of the bed should allow comfortable access to storage while maintaining proportional harmony with the room’s dimensions.
Layer the bed with high-quality linens, starting with a premium fitted sheet that stays secure despite the elevated height. Choose bedding colors that complement the room’s palette while creating visual interest through texture. Neutral tones like charcoal, taupe, and ivory work well as base colors, while accent pieces can introduce bolder hues or patterns.
Complete the look by adding pillows in descending size order, working from the headboard forward. Incorporate different textures and materials to create depth while maintaining a cohesive color story. If using a bed skirt, ensure it falls at the perfect length to conceal storage while maintaining the clean lines characteristic of platform bed design.
Pro Styling Tips
For maximum impact, layer bedding textures rather than patterns – this creates sophisticated dimension without overwhelming the elevated profile. Adjust seasonal bedding by switching between lightweight quilts and plush duvets while maintaining the bed’s structured appearance.
When styling for smaller rooms, choose lighter colors for bedding to create an illusion of space, and install mirror panels on closest walls to amplify the room’s perceived size. To maintain the crisp look daily, invest in high-quality, wrinkle-resistant bedding and keep a small steamer nearby for quick touch-ups before styling photos or hosting guests.
Modern Loft Bed Designs
Modern loft bed designs merge space-saving functionality with contemporary aesthetics, creating an elevated sleeping sanctuary that maximizes floor space while maintaining a sophisticated appearance.
Clean lines, minimalist details, and innovative storage solutions characterize these designs, often incorporating industrial elements like metal frames or architectural features that make a bold statement in any room.
This styling technique works particularly well in urban apartments, studio spaces, or rooms with high ceilings where vertical space can be fully utilized. The modern loft bed approach is ideal year-round but especially suited to contemporary or industrial interior styles, offering practical solutions for those seeking to combine workspace, storage, and sleeping areas without compromising on style.
Essential Components:
- Metal or wooden loft bed frame
- Memory foam or standard mattress
- Minimalist bedding set in neutral tones
- Industrial-style ladder or stairs
- Built-in desk or workspace components
- LED strip lighting
- Cable management systems
- Storage containers or organizers
- Modern railing system
- Anti-slip floor mat for landing area
How to Achieve This Look:
Start by selecting a loft bed frame that complements your room’s architecture, prioritizing clean lines and sturdy construction. Metal frames in matte black or brushed steel work well for industrial themes, while natural wood tones suit Scandinavian-inspired spaces.
Ensure the frame height allows comfortable headroom while maintaining proper proportion to the room’s ceiling height.
Focus on creating a functional workspace beneath the bed, incorporating built-in elements like floating shelves, a desk, or storage solutions. Keep the under-bed area organized and clutter-free to maintain the modern aesthetic.
Install proper lighting at both levels, combining task lighting for the workspace with ambient lighting for the sleeping area.
Choose bedding in monochromatic or limited color palettes, focusing on textures rather than patterns. Whites, grays, and earth tones work particularly well, while accent colors can be introduced through minimal decorative elements.
When photographing the space, capture both levels to showcase the vertical design and clever use of space, using natural light when possible to highlight the architectural elements.
Pro Styling Tips:
To maintain the modern aesthetic while ensuring practicality, use modular storage solutions that can be easily reconfigured as needs change.
For smaller rooms, opt for a loft bed with a slimmer profile and incorporate mirrors to create the illusion of more space.
Consider using quick-release bedding fasteners to make bed-making easier at height, and invest in a quality mattress protector to maintain the clean look of your bedding.
During warmer months, switch to lighter bedding materials while maintaining the same minimal color scheme to preserve the modern aesthetic.
Traditional Four-Poster Beds
Four-poster beds exude timeless elegance and regal sophistication, creating an instant focal point in any bedroom through their commanding vertical presence. The dramatic height of the posts, whether topped with a full canopy or left bare, draws the eye upward and makes any room feel more architecturally significant.
These statement pieces transform an ordinary bedroom into a luxurious retreat, reminiscent of historic manor houses and boutique hotels. This classic bed style works particularly well in rooms with high ceilings and pairs beautifully with both traditional and transitional décor styles.
While four-poster beds shine year-round, they’re especially appealing during winter months when layers of fabric and warmth create a cozy sanctuary. The style adapts well to various design aesthetics, from romantic Victorian to clean-lined contemporary, depending on the post design and chosen textiles.
Essential Components:
- Four-poster bed frame with rails
- Box spring and mattress
- Mattress pad
- Fitted sheet
- Flat sheet
- Duvet or comforter
- Decorative bed skirt
- Euro shams (2-3)
- Standard pillows (2-4)
- Accent pillows (3-5)
- Canopy fabric (optional)
- Tie-backs for curtains
- Finials or post caps
- Coordinating throw blanket
How to Achieve This Look
Begin by selecting a four-poster bed frame that matches your room’s scale and architectural style. Position the bed against the main wall, ensuring equal space on both sides for balance.
Install the bed skirt first, making sure it falls evenly and touches the floor with clean corners. Layer the bedding starting with high-quality sheets, preferably in a solid color or subtle pattern that complements the room’s palette.
Add a plush duvet or comforter, folding it back about one-third of the way down from the headboard. For traditional styling, choose fabrics with classic patterns like damask, toile, or subtle stripes in coordinating colors such as ivory, gold, deep blue, or rich burgundy.
Create the pillow arrangement by placing Euro shams at the back, followed by standard sleeping pillows in crisp cases, and finally, decorative accent pillows in varying sizes and complementary patterns.
If using a canopy, ensure the fabric flows elegantly and is properly secured, allowing for natural movement without appearing messy.
Pro Styling Tips
For a designer-worthy look, use king-sized pillows on a queen bed to create fuller, more luxurious styling. Layer different textures rather than matching everything exactly – mix linens with velvets, silks, and woven materials for visual interest.
In summer, replace heavy fabrics with lighter alternatives and remove the canopy altogether for an airier feel. For daily maintenance, invest in high-quality pillow inserts that hold their shape, and keep a small steamer handy to quickly refresh canopy panels and bed skirts that may wrinkle over time.
Elevated Canopy Beds With Dramatic Draping
Creating a dramatic statement with floor-to-ceiling draping transforms an ordinary canopy bed into a luxurious focal point that commands attention. The billowing fabric creates an ethereal, dreamy atmosphere while adding vertical interest that draws the eye upward, making any bedroom feel more grand and sophisticated.
The layered curtains‘ interplay of light and shadow adds depth and romance to the space, perfect for creating a private sanctuary within larger bedrooms. This styling technique works particularly well in rooms with high ceilings and classical or romantic décor schemes.
While suitable year-round, lightweight fabrics make it especially appealing during spring and summer months when gentle breezes can create subtle movement in the draping. For winter, heavier fabrics can add warmth and coziness while maintaining the dramatic effect. This look suits master bedrooms, luxury guest rooms, and boutique hotel-inspired spaces.
Essential Components:
- Four-poster or canopy bed frame
- Ceiling-mounted curtain rods or canopy frame
- Sheer curtain panels (6-8 panels)
- Heavier decorative curtain panels (4 panels)
- Curtain tiebacks or holdbacks
- Fabric weights or hem tape
- Mounting hardware
- Extension ladder or step stool
- Basic tool kit
- Premium bedding set
- Decorative pillows (5-7)
- LED string lights (optional)
How to Achieve This Look
Begin by installing proper support for your draping, either through ceiling-mounted curtain rods or a structured canopy frame. Ensure all hardware is securely fastened and can support the weight of multiple fabric layers. Position mounting points slightly wider than the bed frame to create a more spacious feel.
Layer your fabrics strategically, starting with sheer panels closest to the bed for an intimate feel. Add heavier decorative panels on the outer layer, positioning them to frame the bed’s entrance. Create gentle swoops and swags by gathering fabric at strategic points using decorative tiebacks.
The key is maintaining asymmetrical fullness while ensuring panels fall naturally. Select a color palette that complements your bedroom’s existing design. Classic combinations include white-on-white for a pure, ethereal look, or cream and champagne for warmth.
For drama, consider deep jewel tones like sapphire or emerald as accent colors in the outer panels while keeping inner layers light and airy. Metallic accents in the hardware and tiebacks add sophistication.
Pro Styling Tips:
To maintain the dramatic effect while ensuring practicality, use high-quality fabric weights in hem corners to prevent unwanted movement, and consider installing hidden ties at key gathering points for quick styling touch-ups.
For smaller rooms, focus draping on the head of the bed only, creating a headboard effect that doesn’t overwhelm the space. During warmer months, switch heavy panels for lighter fabrics in similar colors to maintain the look while adapting to the season.
Position a small steamer nearby for quick touch-ups, as fabric wrinkles can detract from the overall elegant appearance.
Stacked Mattress Systems
The dramatic height and layered composition of stacked mattress systems create an immediate focal point in any bedroom, reminiscent of the classic fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea.”
Multiple mattresses artfully arranged atop each other generate a sense of luxury and grandeur, while providing practical benefits like additional storage space underneath and easier bed access for those with mobility concerns.
This styling technique works particularly well in rooms with high ceilings or spacious master bedrooms where the elevated height won’t overwhelm the space. The look is especially suited to traditional, romantic, or maximalist design schemes, though it can be adapted for contemporary spaces through careful fabric selection and minimal accessorizing.
Perfect for year-round use, stacked mattresses create an especially cozy atmosphere during colder months.
Essential Components:
- 2-3 mattresses of decreasing sizes
- Box spring or platform base
- Extra-deep fitted sheets
- Multiple sets of regular sheets
- Oversized comforter or duvet
- Multiple pillow shams
- Decorative pillows
- Bed skirt or dust ruffle
- Step stool or small ladder
- Mattress straps or connectors
- Anti-slip mattress pad
How to Achieve This Look
Begin by selecting mattresses that gradually decrease in size from bottom to top, ensuring each layer is visible. The bottom mattress should be the largest, typically a king or queen size, while subsequent layers can be slightly smaller.
Secure each mattress with proper connecting hardware to prevent shifting and maintain safety.
Layer the bedding starting with high-quality, extra-deep fitted sheets designed specifically for tall mattress systems. Use crisp white linens as a base, adding texture and visual interest through quilted coverlets or duvets in complementary colors.
Traditional color schemes like ivory and gold or blue and white work exceptionally well for this style.
Create visual balance by incorporating multiple pillow layers, starting with sleeping pillows at the back, followed by Euro shams, standard shams, and decorative pillows in descending sizes.
When photographing the finished look, capture images from various angles, particularly from lower vantage points, to emphasize the impressive height and layering of the bed.
Pro Styling Tips
To maintain the polished appearance of a stacked mattress system, invest in high-quality mattress straps and regularly check their tension to prevent shifting.
For seasonal updates, swap out decorative pillows and duvets while maintaining the same basic structure.
In smaller rooms, opt for a two-mattress system instead of three, and use lighter colors to prevent the bed from dominating the space.
Consider installing wall-mounted lighting or sconces at the appropriate height to accommodate the elevated sleeping surface, and always keep a matching step stool nearby for easy access.
Raised Panel Beds With Under-Bed Storage
Raised panel beds with under-bed storage combine elegant design with practical functionality, featuring elevated sleeping platforms adorned with sophisticated paneled headboards and integrated storage drawers beneath. The heightened profile creates a commanding presence in the bedroom while maintaining clean lines and architectural interest through detailed panel work, making it an ideal centerpiece for both traditional and contemporary spaces.
This versatile bed styling approach works particularly well in smaller bedrooms where storage space is at a premium, yet design aesthetics can’t be compromised. The elevated design proves especially practical during colder months when additional blanket storage is needed, while the raised platform creates an opportunity for dramatic bedding presentations year-round, suitable for master bedrooms, guest rooms, or urban apartments where space optimization is crucial.
Essential Components:
- Platform bed frame with storage drawers
- Paneled headboard
- Box spring or platform support
- Memory foam or traditional mattress
- Bed skirt or valance (optional)
- Storage containers or organizers
- Decorative pillows (3-5 pieces)
- Euro shams (2-3 pieces)
- Duvet cover and insert
- High-thread-count sheets
- Accent throw blanket
- Bedside lighting
- Storage drawer organizers
How to Achieve This Look
Begin by selecting a raised panel bed frame that complements your room’s architectural style, ensuring the storage drawers slide smoothly and have sufficient clearance. Choose paneling patterns that echo existing room elements – vertical panels elongate the room while horizontal panels create a sense of width.
Position the bed to maximize drawer accessibility while maintaining visual balance in the space. Layer the bedding starting with high-quality sheets, followed by a plush duvet in a solid color or subtle pattern that highlights the paneling detail. For visual interest, incorporate texture through quilted coverlets or throws, keeping the color palette cohesive but varied in tone.
Select pillows that graduate in size from Euro shams at the back to smaller decorative pillows in front. Create a color story that enhances the architectural elements of the paneled design. Neutral bases like warm grays, soft whites, or deep navies provide sophisticated foundations, while accent colors can be introduced through pillows and throws.
For photography, capture the bed from angles that highlight both the elevated height and the refined panel details, ensuring lighting emphasizes the dimensional qualities of the design.
Pro Styling Tips
When styling raised panel beds with storage, maximize drawer organization with clear containers and drawer dividers to maintain functionality without sacrificing style. Scale your bedding choices to the bed’s height – oversized Euro shams and fuller duvets balance the elevated profile, while seasonal switches can be made through accent pieces rather than complete bedding overhauls.
For daily maintenance, invest in high-quality drawer slides and regularly rotate stored items to prevent wear patterns in both the storage mechanisms and the bedding presentation above.