Chair Raisers: Raising Chairs, Sofas and Beds Safely

By Scott Smith. Last reviewed 22 October 2026.

Why Raise a Chair?

Getting up from a low chair takes strength in the legs and arms, and many people with arthritis, weak muscles or recovering from hip surgery find it hard. Raising the seat a few centimetres can make a big difference, as it reduces how far you have to push up. Chair raisers for elderly people are often suggested by occupational therapists as a first step before a riser recliner.

What Types of Raiser Are There?

How High Should the Seat Be?

The ideal seat height lets the user sit with feet flat on the floor and the hips slightly higher than the knees. Measure from the floor to the back of the knee while the person sits on a firm chair, then compare with the current seat height. The difference is how much you need to raise it, allowing for the seat cushion sinking. Do not raise a chair so high that the feet dangle or the arms become too low to push on. An occupational therapist can measure for you.

Are Linked Raisers Safer?

Linked raisers hold all four cups in a frame, so the chair cannot slide off one cup if it is pushed or knocked. They suit chairs used by people who drop heavily into the seat, or those on smooth floors. Most adjust in width and depth to fit different chairs. Individual cups are cheaper and simpler, but each leg must sit fully inside its cup, and they are better on carpet.

What About Sofa Raisers?

Sofa raisers work the same way, though sofas often have short, wide or hidden legs. Elephant feet or large square cups suit many sofas. Check the weight rating covers the sofa and several people, and raise both ends evenly so the seat stays level. Corner and recliner sofas can be harder, as the mechanism may need clearance. If the sofa has no legs, a firm booster cushion may be the only option.

Can You Use Bed Raisers Too?

Yes. Bed raisers lift the bed so sitting on the edge and standing up are easier, and they make room for storage boxes or the legs of a hoist. Raise the bed so the user’s feet stay flat on the floor when sitting on the edge. Very high beds can make getting in harder, so measure first. For profiling beds, ask the supplier rather than adding raisers.

How Do You Fit Chair Raisers Safely?

1. Measure each leg’s shape and size, and the height you need.
2. Tip the chair back with help, and fit raisers under the front legs.
3. Tip it forward and fit the back raisers.
4. Check every leg sits fully in its cup and the seat is level.
5. Sit in the chair and rock gently to check it does not move.

Raising Furniture for a Larger User

Heavier users need raisers with a weight rating that covers the chair and the person with a good margin, as people often drop into a seat rather than lowering slowly. Linked raisers or wide based elephant feet spread the load better than small cups. Check the chair frame itself is strong enough, as raising an old or weak chair does not make it safer. A bariatric chair with a higher seat may be a better long term answer, and an occupational therapist can advise on both the height and the weight rating needed.

When Is Another Option Better?

If raising the chair is not enough, a riser recliner or a seat lift cushion may help, as they push the user upwards. A chair with firmer seat cushions and higher arms can also make standing easier. An occupational therapist can look at the chair, the user and how they stand, and suggest the safest choice. Our transfer aids guide covers standing aids, and the daily living aids page lists smaller aids.

Getting Raisers From the Council

Many councils and community equipment services supply chair and bed raisers free after an occupational therapist assessment, and some will fit them. Ask your GP or request a needs assessment from social services. If you buy your own, they are often VAT free for disabled people, and our guide to VAT relief on mobility aids explains how.

The raisers below were in stock when we checked each listing. Check the cup size fits your chair legs before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Chair Raisers on the NHS?

They are often supplied through the council or community equipment service after an assessment, rather than by the NHS directly.

Will Raisers Damage My Floor?

Rubber based raisers protect most floors. On wood or laminate, check the base will not mark it, and place a felt pad underneath if you are unsure.

Can I Raise a Chair with Castors?

Remove the castors if you can, or choose raisers made to hold castor wheels, so the chair cannot roll away as someone sits down or stands up.

How Much Weight Can Raisers Take?

Each set lists a limit. Check it covers the chair and the heaviest person who will sit in it.

Do Raisers Work on Recliner Chairs?

Sometimes, but recliners move and tip as they recline, which can lift a leg out of its cup. Ask the maker or an occupational therapist before raising any chair with a mechanism.