As a wheelchair user, there’s one question I ask myself constantly when entering a new space or evaluating a piece of furniture: Can I transfer there? Whether it’s a bed, sofa, dining chair, or even the floor, that single question dictates so much of how I engage with my environment. A proper transfer height is a necessity for safety, and independence and yet, it’s shockingly overlooked in traditional interior design.
At Blue Copper Design, accessibility isn’t an afterthought, it’s a foundation. Today, I want to break down one of the most critical yet commonly ignored elements of accessible design: transfer height.
What is Transfer Height and Why Is It Important?
Transfer height refers to the vertical distance from the ground to the surface you’re moving to — whether that’s a bed, a toilet, a chair, or a sofa. For anyone living with paralysis, mobility challenges, or who transfers with assistive devices, that height can mean the difference between autonomy and dependence, between a functional space and a frustrating one.
Getting transfer height right isn’t just about comfort — it’s about dignity, safety, and independence. Yet, in many spaces labeled as “accessible,” it’s the first thing to go wrong.
Let’s fix that.
Step One: Know Your Ideal Transfer Height
Let’s start with the obvious — every body is different. What works for me may not work for the person next to me, and that variability is even more pronounced in the disability community. There is no “standard” transfer height that applies to everyone.
The most important step is to measure your own comfortable transfer range. Find a surface you can transfer to with ease and note that height. Then build a range around it — one that gives you a little flexibility, but still keeps safety top of mind.
My personal transfer range is between 18 and 21 inches from the ground. That’s the sweet spot where I can move safely, efficiently, and independently from my wheelchair.
If you’re not sure what your transfer range is, start by measuring the seat height of a chair or surface you use comfortably and safely. Then consider what direction and angle you like to transfer from — this will also inform how much space you need around the furniture and how you’ll lay out the room.
Choosing Accessible Furniture: Beyond Style
Once you know your preferred transfer height, you can start applying that lens to furniture selection. And yes — you can absolutely still prioritize aesthetics. Accessibility does not mean compromising on style.
Let’s take a chair, for example.
Say you fall in love with a gorgeous accent chair, but the seat height is 14 inches. That’s too low for a safe transfer back into your wheelchair. Rather than giving up on it entirely, ask yourself:
Can the legs be replaced with taller ones?
This small change can make a world of difference. Just keep in mind that not all furniture will structurally support a leg replacement. You’ll want to consult the manufacturer or work with a contractor or designer (hi, that’s us!) to ensure it’s safe and stable.
This principle applies across categories — sofas, benches, side chairs, even ottomans. Measure everything. And don’t be afraid to get creative to make it work for your specific needs.
Plan Around Your Transfer Angle
For me, the ideal transfer angle is about 45 degrees. That means I need adequate clearance to position my wheelchair properly next to whatever surface I’m transferring to.
Translation: layout matters.
When designing your space, leave enough room between your seating and nearby elements like coffee tables, floor lamps, or side tables. A beautiful space that’s too cramped to navigate is not accessible, no matter how gorgeous it looks.
Think in terms of flow and function. Leave turning radius where it’s needed. Pay attention to knee and foot clearance. And keep your transfer strategy in mind with every major furniture placement.
Beds: The Most Crucial Transfer Height to Get Right
If there’s one piece of furniture where transfer height is non-negotiable, it’s the bed. A bed that’s too high (or too low) can make independent transfers impossible, especially in the absence of a caregiver or lift system.
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve arrived at a so-called “accessible” hotel room only to find the bed is 30 inches off the ground. Beautiful room, zero functionality. That kind of height makes it physically impossible for many wheelchair users to transfer without significant risk or assistance.
Don’t make that mistake in your own home.
Tips for Finding or Modifying an Accessible Bed
Here’s how we recommend approaching bed selection with accessibility in mind:
- Measure your ideal transfer height, then subtract the height of your mattress and box spring (or mattress alone, if you’re using a platform bed).
- Use that number to find a compatible bed frame.
- Still not finding the right height? Try modifying a frame with wooden legs by cutting them down to your exact height. This approach opens up a world of bed frame options.
- Avoid platform beds if possible — they can’t easily be adjusted, and their solid sides often make side transfers more difficult.
Pro tip: many bed frames are advertised without highlighting their total height once a mattress is added. Ask the seller for full specs, or better yet, measure everything in person before committing.
Real-Life Example: Condo Glow-Up Project
In our recent Condo Glow-Up Project, we found the unicorn of bed frames — a stylish, modern design with an 18-inch frame height. Once paired with the client’s mattress, it landed right in that perfect 19-inch transfer zone.
That small detail made a huge difference in their ability to get in and out of bed independently. And yes, it still looks stunning in the room.
Final Thoughts: Design With Intentionality
Accessibility is not one-size-fits-all. But when you approach design with intention, awareness, and a willingness to adapt, you unlock the full potential of a space. Transfer height may seem like a small detail, but it’s one of the most powerful factors in creating an environment that supports real independence.
So next time you’re choosing furniture or laying out a room, ask the question I’ve asked thousands of times: Can I transfer there? It just might change everything.
Looking for help designing an accessible space that’s also beautiful? At Blue Copper Design, we specialize in barrier-free interiors that don’t compromise style for function. Whether you’re furnishing a home, planning a remodel, or starting from scratch — we’re here to help.
