If you’re living in a dorm room, you might be looking for ways to maximize your space and make your bed more comfortable. One way to do that is to raise your dorm bed to create more storage or living space underneath. But how high can you raise a dorm bed? And what are the best methods to do it?

You can raise a dorm bed anywhere from 8 inches to 60 inches, depending on the type of bed frame, mattress, and risers you use. Some common methods to raise a dorm bed are using a slotted frame, a lofting kit, bed risers, or sturdy items like bookshelves or cinder blocks.

In this post, we’ll show you how to measure your dorm bed and the available space in your room, how to choose the right method and materials to raise your dorm bed, and how to raise your dorm bed safely and securely. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about dorm beds and risers.

How to Measure Your Dorm Bed and the Available Space

Before you decide how high you want to raise your dorm bed, you need to measure your dorm bed and the available space in your room. This will help you determine how much clearance you have under and over your bed, and what method and materials you can use to raise your bed.

To measure your dorm bed, use a tape measure to get the dimensions of your mattress and frame. Note down the length, width, height, and distance from the floor of your bed. Most dorm beds are twin-sized, meaning they are about 75 inches long and 39 inches wide. However, some dorms might have extra-long twin beds, which are about 80 inches long.

To measure the available space in your room, use a tape measure to get the dimensions of your ceiling height, wall length, and floor area. Note down the measurements of each dimension. You’ll also need to consider any obstacles or furniture that might interfere with raising your bed, such as windows, doors, closets, desks, or chairs.

How to Choose the Right Method and Materials to Raise Your Dorm Bed

Once you have measured your dorm bed and the available space in your room, you can choose the right method and materials to raise your dorm bed. There are different methods and materials to raise a dorm bed, depending on how high you want to raise it, what type of bed frame you have, and what rules your dorm has.

Here are some common methods and materials to raise a dorm bed:

Using a Slotted Frame

A slotted frame is a type of bed frame that has multiple slots or holes on each leg that allow you to adjust the height of the frame. This is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to raise a dorm bed, as it doesn’t require any extra materials or tools. However, it only allows you to raise your bed by a few inches at a time.

To use a slotted frame, follow these steps:

• Take off your mattress and turn your frame on its side.
• Unhook the frame from the current slot by tapping it with a rubber mallet or hammer.
• Move the frame up or down to the desired slot and hook it back in.
• Repeat with the other legs of the frame and make sure they are all aligned.
• Put back your mattress and check the stability of your bed.

Using a Lofting Kit

A lofting kit is a set of extra legs and pegs that attach to your existing bed frame and allow you to raise it up to a loft height. This is one of the most effective ways to create more space under your bed, as it can raise your bed by several feet. However, it requires more work and money, as you need to get a lofting kit from your housing office or online.

To use a lofting kit, follow these steps:

• Get a lofting kit from your housing office or online that matches your bed frame size and style.
• Take off your mattress and turn your frame on its side.
• Place wooden pegs on each corner of the frame at the bottom of the legs.
• Attach the extra legs to the original legs using the pegs.
• Turn the frame upright and put back your mattress.
• Add a safety rail and ladder if needed.