Few things are worse than college hangovers, but the experience of moving in and out of dorms is a very close contender. If there’s one thing I took away from freshman move-in day, it’s that no amount of space planning in the world could have prepared me for the squeezing and maneuvering I had to endure. Thankfully, it wasn't long before I learned about the space-saving hack that every college dorm room needs: bed and furniture risers. They're the secret to creating more storage space *underneath* bed frames, sofas and more, so you can slip in an extra box or set of drawers without having to compromise more floor space. Now, after considering countless reviews *and* tapping an expert interior designer, I'm here to share some of the best bed risers to accommodate small spaces, including top buys from Wayfair and Amazon. Below, find ten of the best bed risers of 2024 that’ll make move-in day just a tad less stressful.
The 10 Best Bed Risers for Your College Dorm Room, According to People Who Just Need More Space
Take your storage solution up a notch
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The Best Bed Risers at a Glance
Best USB Bed Riser
Tuffen Adjustable Bed Riser
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Best High Riser Bed
Suprima Ultimate Height Bed Risers
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Best Dorm Room Bed Riser
Utopia Bedding Adjustable Furniture Risers
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Best Cheap Bed Riser
Honey-Can-Do Stackable Bed Risers
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Best Caster Wheel Bed Riser
BTSD-Home Adjustable Bed Lifts For Wheels
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Meet the Expert:
Natasha Tsikuonova is the New York-based interior designer behind Definitely Maybe, an interior design company that offers remodeling and redecorating services. She has a bachelor's degree in interior design from Parsons School of Design in New York City and specializes in design that's functional, but also makes you feel at home.
How I Chose the Best Bed Risers
Is there anything more golden than word-of-mouth recommendations? I scoured the internet and not only considered those from my expert, but also read through a ton of reviews to glean the most promising options—and all the easy-to-miss details you should be aware of before committing to your choice. I included a selection of different heights, materials and weight limits, and were sure to include bed risers at a range of different price points. Simply put, I found something for everyone's space and budget.
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Best USB Bed Riser
1. Tuffen Adjustable Bed Riser
What We Like
- stackable to achieve three sizes
- includes electrical outlet and USB ports
What We Don't Like
- cannot use if bed is against the wall
Tuffen
Equipped with two fast-charging USB ports and an electrical outlet, this set is the ultimate study buddy for when you’re doing homework in bed. It features eight risers—four 3-inch and four 5-inch, which can be used alone or stacked to create 8 inches of height—and a 6-foot power cord that makes it easy to reach any outlet in your dorm room. Oh, and did I mention that it's made from sturdy, anti-scratch polypropylene plastic that can hold up to 1,500 pounds? "[These] raised the bed the perfect height to slide plastic shoe and sweater storage bins under our bed," writes one reviewer. "Love the USB and power outlet. I put the outlet at the foot of the bed so now I can plug our vacuum cleaner in so much easier....[no] more moving the furniture."
Fast Facts
- Maximum Height: 8 inches
- Maximum Weight: 1,500 pounds
Best High Riser Bed
2. Suprima Ultimate Height Bed Risers
What We Like
- ultra-strong carbon steel
What We Don't Like
- not suited for bigger beds
- only compatible with wooden legs
Byourbed
If you’re looking to store a mini fridge, drawer organizers, a suitcase and more beneath your bed, these are the risers for you. They offer an additional 23.5 inches (!!) of height—which is four times the height of most standard risers—and come in two sleek carbon steel finishes. It’s worth mentioning, however, that they're only suitable for attaching to wooden legs and the excess height might make them wobbly on certain types of flooring. “[The set] doesn't really look ‘cute,’ but if you put a bed skirt that covers the tightening notches, it would be great…it did make the bed wobble a bit on the carpet, however, I [tried them] on laminate flooring and it was very sturdy. I definitely wouldn't purchase [this set] if you plan on using it in a carpeted room. Still, it’s [perfect for anyone who’s] going to college and needs more storage space,” writes one reviewer.
Fast Facts
- Maximum Height: 23.5 inches
- Maximum Weight: 330 pounds
Best Dorm Room Bed Riser
3. Utopia Bedding Adjustable Furniture Risers
What We Like
- comes in different colors and quantities
- has a depth of 0.7-inch for extra safety
What We Don't Like
- made from plastic which may wear over time
Utopia Bedding
For the freshman who refuses to leave anything behind, these stackable plastic risers are a necessity. The set comes with four risers that can be adjusted to three height options: 3 inches, 5 inches and 8 inches (when combined), and can accommodate up to 1,300 pounds when used together. Plus, you can choose from three finishes to make sure they match your bedframe. One reviewer writes: “I love these—easy to use, and my dresser and fridge both fit under my bed because of the height of these risers.”
Fast Facts
- Maximum Height: 8 inches
- Maximum Weight: 1,300 pounds
Best Cheap Bed Riser
4. Honey-Can-Do Stackable Bed Risers
What We Like
- can also be used as general furniture risers
- easy to install
What We Don't Like
- made from plastic which may wear over time
Honey-Can-Do
This particularly affordable set of four plastic risers offers 7.5-inches of height and each riser can hold up to 300 pounds (so that's 1,200 when used all together). These bad boys also feature a 6.5-inch width that accommodates most standard twin-sized bed frames. As one happy shopper shares, "They're a great value. They're inexpensive yet very stable and sturdy [without] any rocking. They allow enough space to fit a larger under-bed storage drawer, which I need and is the reason I bought them. This is the second set I bought and I'm still using the set I bought years ago. They're still holding strong. I highly recommend them."
Fast Facts
- Maximum Height: 7.5 inches
- Maximum Weight: 1,200 pounds
Best Caster Wheel Bed Riser
5. BTSD-Home Adjustable Bed Lifts For Wheels
What We Like
- can be used on other furniture besides beds
- easy to install
What We Don't Like
- square shape might not work for all furniture
BTSD-Home
Something the other bed risers have forgotten is how common caster wheels can be on dorm beds. That said, this set of risers has you covered with a grooved shape that’s made for caster wheels to sink into without sliding. Each riser has a 3-inch height with a stackable design that can raise your bed a total of 6 inches. “I love the indentation on the riser. It is the exact shape and size of bed frame wheels. This cradles it nicely and doesn't allow for any wobbling or movement,” one reviewer writes, adding: “They look great under the bed skirt. It actually looks like furniture legs.”
Fast Facts
- Maximum Height: 6 inches
- Maximum Weight: 2,200 pounds
Most Durable Bed Riser
6. iPrimio Aluminum Bed Risers
What We Like
- super sturdy aluminum
- easy to clean
What We Don't Like
- assembly with wrench is needed
iPrimio
These risers are made from heavy-duty aluminum and are about as sturdy as you can get (without placing cinderblocks under your bed). Each set comes with four risers that offer 5 inches of height and are guaranteed not to bend or break by the brand. They can purportedly hold up to 9,000 pounds per leg (that's a whopping 36,000 pounds when you're using all four). “These are the best risers. I used these to loft my dorm bed which weighs a ton,” one buyer says. “They are very secure and don’t budge an inch. Super happy with this purchase.”
Fast Facts
- Maximum Height: 5 inches
- Maximum Weight: 36,000 pounds
Best Anti-Slip Bed Riser
What We Like
- comes with 4 anti-slip foam pads
- stackable design
What We Don't Like
- only 3 inches tall
Utopia Bedding
If you only need to store a few bins under your bed, these 3-inch risers are perfect for providing a little extra lift (and congrats, you’ve mastered the art of “not overpacking”). I love how this set has anti-slip foam pads at the top and anti-slip rubber pads for the bottom for a truly sturdy design that can hold up to 5,000 pounds when using all four. Plus, it features a stackable design, so if you ever find yourself cramming for space, you can stack another set on top for a 6-inch lift and a whole new world of hidden storage.
Fast Facts
- Maximum Height: 6 inches
- Maximum Weight: 5,000 pounds
Best Anti-Scratch Bed Risers
8. BTSD-Home Heavy Duty Furniture Risers
What We Like
- stackable for more height
- no-scratch rubber bottoms
What We Don't Like
- inside width may be too small for some furniture
BTSD-Home
If a wobbly bed or scuffed-up floor is your main concern, the no-slip, scratch-resistant rubber bottoms of these plastic risers have got you covered, all semester long. They're designed to be sturdy, stackable and sleek enough to match your under-bed containers. While this set comes with four 3-inch-high risers, you can stack them to 6-inch, 9-inch or even 12-inch height (although the latter is better for things like desks or tables). They’re made to handle heavy-duty furniture weighing up to 2,200 pounds, and reviewers rave about this set’s durability. “These are super sturdy. I bought two more sets in white. They are the best risers I have ever purchased,” one says.
Fast Facts
- Maximum Height: 12 inches
- Maximum Weight: 2,200 pounds
Best Adjustable Bed Riser
9. Slipstick Stack-Its Bed Risers
What We Like
- removable non-slip grippers
- caster cup slot for wheels
What We Don't Like
- furniture pads sold separately
Slipstick
If the idea of aesthetic-ruining bed risers gives you hives, I feel you. Luckily, this set of plastic risers is the closest you can get to having the look of none at all. Not only is their clear design perfectly subtle and understated, but each one features a rubber O-ring bottom to grip the floor without scratching it. The set comes with eight 1-inch risers that can be stacked to achieve up to 3 inches in height—perfect for accommodating low-profile storage bins. One reviewer says, “These are so sturdy and durable and look so high end!” FYI: Each riser can lift up to 1,000 pounds, so when using all eight, they'll support up to 8,000 pounds.
Fast Facts
- Maximum Height: 3 inches
- Maximum Weight: 8,000 pounds
Best Wooden Bed Riser
10. Prime Woodcraft Walnut Wood Risers
What We Like
- wood stain finish
What We Don't Like
- non-stackable
Prime Woodcraft
Sticking with the theme of dorm room aesthetics, I love these square wooden risers for their elegant appearance, which allows them to blend seamlessly with wooden bed frames, desks or dressers for a more curated look. The set includes four risers that can raise your furniture an additional 2 inches, with a total weight capacity of 2,000 pounds, ensuring that they won’t crack while you and your friends are hanging out after class. They also come complete with attachable felt pads to protect floors.
Fast Facts
- Maximum Height: 2 inches
- Maximum Weight: 2,000 pounds
What to Consider When Shopping for Bed Risers
When it comes to supporting the weight of your bed, Tsikuonova says that the material you choose really matters. "There are many types of bed risers on the market today, from adjustable to stackable or ones with screwable legs. The one thing I would truly consider when buying bed risers is the material they are made of," says Tsikuonova.
Some materials are great for long-term, while others are better suited for temporary use. "You definitely want something sturdy like wood or a metal for instance. Plastic bed risers can be okay for a [shorter] period of time or if you're on a budget, but [those] can wear quickly," she continues. Nevertheless, many bed risers on the market are constructed from extra-durable polypropylene plastic, which should last you a bit longer and get you a better bang for your buck.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Bed Riser?
Bed risers are support pieces typically made of plastic, wood or metal that you place underneath each leg of a bed frame to make the bed taller, often with the intention of making a space more comfortable or creating an opportunity for more storage. They can also be used for preventing damage to your bedroom floor. While there are customizable versions that allow you to adjust your bed height, the typical heights for bed risers range from 2 inches to 12 inches.
How High Should Bed Risers Be?
Everyone's happy medium with risers looks a little different, but there can be a such thing as too high. "If you're living in a small space and looking for that extra storage space, bed risers can easily be your new best friend. However, though some risers can go up to 12 inches high, I would make sure your bed frame can support that height and the risers can support the weight. In my opinion, lifting your bed just 5 to 6 inches off the ground is more than enough room to fit those items you want tucked away," shares Tsikuonova.
When Should You Not Use a Bed Riser?
While some instances may be obvious, it's better not to risk it in certain situations. "Bed risers should not be used if they do not fit your bed legs securely. I would also not recommend using bed risers on bunk beds or bed frames that are made of a very heavy material. Also, as I mentioned, I would be cautious using a 12 inch riser. Unless truly needed, I would opt for a lower riser for safety purposes," she explains.
