How To Prevent Your Bed Frame Rolling Around

It’s one of those 'first world problems' that can be incredibly infuriating yet simple to solve. Not being able to lean against the wall whilst using your laptop or do the lust thrust without your bed rolling around. However, keeping your bed stable during sex or any other bedroom activities is easy and cheap.

Firstly, you need to consider the size of your bed’s wheels (casters). Most have a wheel diameter of around 2 inches, which is a relatively standard size. The most popular stoppers for furniture wheels (pictured below) fit these standard sizes.

Would you rather just have a set of legs?

For maximum stability, ditch the wheels and buy a specialized set of replacement legs. There are several different versions of these legs available. They’re designed with the same stems as casters, to fit straight in quickly and easily.

Get some replacements with brakes

Another option is to purchase a set with brakes. Universal stems make the job as simple as popping out the old and popping in the new versions.

These will be especially useful for people looking to stop chair wheels rolling. It's obvious why people would want to stabilize their bed, but why a chair? One of the major reasons is limited mobility or issues related to obesity. People with mobility issues may need to push down on the arm rests whilst also pushing with the backs of their legs against the chair in order to stand up. Obviously, for these people, the chair simply rolls back and away, resulting in the possibly falling to the floor. Interestingly, it can also be an issue when the wheels are worn out and become too stiff, making it difficult to push yourself along. This can place strain on your body, and cause injuries. 

 
D.I.Y with coffee lids.

This is one method I have heard mentioned.

 

If you're looking for a cheap and cheerful option then you can consider finding several lids and simply placing them underneath. However, these might cause scrapes or scratches and may also result in your bed sliding as they're not designed to grip. You can try coffee jar lids or any other kind of lid you can find in your cupboard or fridge. You could get creative and create some type of base that won't slide.

How much money will you save by trying a D.I.Y option? You will save around $10. It might just be worth getting a product which will save you the time and hassle of rummaging for something usable. The best option is certainly the replacement legs, which cost around $20.

Why are the wheels there in the first place?

They seem like the most ridiculous design blunder. However, supposedly they're there for a few different reasons. Anyone whose attempted a bit of midnight mattress dancing on wheeled beds knows how ridiculous they are. It's especially annoying when you're trying to be stealthy and the bed wanders around banging into walls. So what is the actual point?

One reason being that being able to easily move your bed allows you to more easily change your bedding without hurting your lower back (sounds unnecessary to me). They're also there to allow you to change your bed's position, so you won't damage a particular area over time. This also sounds somewhat silly, as hard plastic casters actually cause damage. Another reason is so you can shift your bed easily to vacuum underneath. If you're like me then you'd gladly take a pass on these benefits. Ensembles are heavy, and if you need to move them it can be a two person job. Really though, how often do you need to move them. If you're concerned about vacuuming underneath then it's really not all that hard to get a set of bed raisers.

Do they cause damage to floors?

The hard plastic used in casters does have the potential to scrape and scuff. There's also potential for random floor debris to get pushed into the plastic as they roll, causing greater potential for damage. 

Wooden and Rubber Bed Stoppers

You've likely found this blog because you're fed up with the above scenario. Or perhaps other night time activities occurring in your bedroom are the cause of your bed's unwanted movement. Either way, there's no need to allow rolling beds to be the bane of your existence. 

Wood stoppers

Details:
1. Soft Touch Cherry Wood
2. 2x2"
3. 4 per pack 

Click here to view on Amazon

These will blend in nicely with similarly colored wooden floors. These are labelled "Soft Touch Cherry Wood" and may be preferred by those intending to use these on wooden floors due to their ability to blend in. However, if you'd prefer rubber due to concerns regarding possible marks on your floors, check out the option below.

Rubber Versions

These square stoppers are able to fit a large number of wheel sizes and shapes, rather than simply being designed to fit a specific type.

Details 
1. Sizes 2" or 3"
2. Pack of 4
3. Stops movement and protects floors

 Click here to view on Amazon

A factor to consider when selecting a cup/stopper is the size and type wheel. There are different versions of these designed for different wheel sizes and shapes. However, these square versions are reviewed as being suitable for larger sizes as well as smaller sizes.

As you can see, there are a few different colors to choose from to match them up with your flooring to ensure they remain relatively inconspicuous.

D.I.Y Bed Stoppers?

Could this work? If so, it could be at least a reasonable temporary "quick fix".

I read that you can use juice bottle or jar lids in order to solve this problem. The issues here are obviously appearance, grip and possible scrape marks on your floor. They're obviously going to look quite bad but I'm thinking that with the right sized lid, this could be effective. I'd imagine that plastic lids might be a little flimsy and could bend overtime. However, they're not exactly hard to come across so you could easily replace them whenever you needed to. 

Metal jar lids might work a little better and you could also try to find something to put under them that would provide a little extra grip and protection. Perhaps the lids would simply slide with the bed, as they're not designed to grip.

What about using something like a balloon to create a little friction? If anyone tries this idea, post a comment and let us know whether it stops rolling, or is a just a silly idea.

Check out other posts in this blog for more specific information and pictures showing how casters and different kinds of stoppers are matched up in order to creative maximum stability for your bed frame. Having a bit of stability in your bed or furniture really isn't that much to ask. However, to provide absolute stabilization, you may want to consider reading my post in this blog regarding replacing bed wheels with proper bed legs. It discusses stem sizes and how they are not an issue to be overly concerned about. The replacement glides simply screw in or pop into the frame, as most stems are a standard size, making this a simple task.

I hope this blog helps you find the right solution. 

Guide To Replacing Bed Wheels With Legs

If you're fed up with having an unstable bed, or are concerned  about scuffs and scrapes to your floors, it may be time to ditch the wheels and upgrade to a set of legs. Replacing your bed wheels with legs is much easier than you'd think.

The legs pictured below are made to replace wheels. They're made to match the standard industry sizes of 3/8 or 7/16 used for caster sockets. 

Product details

• Made specifically to replace wheels/casters.

• Heavy duty one piece steel will support the largest of beds.

• Plastic adapter allows for use in larger non-standard stem sockets.

Includes plastic adapters  

The actual stem size of these legs is 3/8, but they also come with plastic adapters, allowing them to fit securely in larger sized stem sockets. Essentially, unless you have a frame that's many decades old then there's a very high probability that you will experience no problems, and will simply be able to pop them in.

More details: Check them out on Amazon

Leg base will prevent floor damage

These are suited to use on hard flooring such as tile, hardwood and laminate. The base of the legs is described as being similar to Teflon, so it is not hard plastic or metal that will damage flooring or slide excessively.

There are a few leg or "glide" variations available.

Two piece steel stem glides

More details: Check them out on Amazon

Pictured above is another popular version. This is also a glide which has been designed to replace unwanted wheels.

If you're either fed up with unwanted movement on laminate or hardwood floors and you'd like to put an end to this problem whilst also improving your bed's appearance (i think casters look tacky) then these are worth considering.

Don't be put off by size concerns. If you can be bothered measuring your current stem size then that would be ideal. The 3/8 and 7/16 sizes are essentially industry standard. As mentioned previously, plastic adapters are included which increase their width when required to provide a snug fit.

Wheel Stoppers vs. Replacing With Legs 

If you'd prefer one of these coaster/cup stoppers pictured above, click here to read my post which lists your best options.

Wheel Coasters For Pianos

Which kind of material is best for your piano? Plastic or hardwood are the most popular choices. However, Lucite is essentially indestructible and offers a clean and stylish look. However, the choice largest comes down to how much you're able to spend and how well each option compliments your piano and its surrounding decor.

Lucite Floor Protectors

The black Lucite cups pictured above are an excellent choice for both small, medium and large sized wheels. One thing to remember is that whilst smaller sizes may fit your piano's wheels, it is important to consider whether the size will visually match up. This is obviously more of an issue for grand pianos, as their casters are more prominent.

These come in black and clear colors, with the outside diameter measuring 4.5" and the inside diameter measuring 2.5". As mentioned previously, Lucite is practically indestructible as it is made of high density plastic.

For more details, click to view on Amazon

Hardwood wheel cups for pianos

Each cup is made of High-Quality Select hardwood, with the base being covered by felt to provide protection for floors. The wheel, also known as a caster, is simply placed in the cup, which is designed to maintain an elegant look whilst protecting the floor and preventing the wheel from rolling. Although these are designed to protects floors and prevent casters from rolling on hard surfaces, they can also be used on carpets. These can be used to minimize unsightly carpet damage caused by constantly rolling.  

For more details, click to view on Amazon


Cheaper version
 

Protects and Grips

These plastic cups are a more affordable option and although they're not specifically designed for pianos, these are designed for smaller wheels, such as those of pianos, with each cup is capable of supporting 500lbs. The website of the manufacturer specifically states that these are perfect for pianos and can accommodate wheels up to 1.75".

The white strip on the bottom of the cup is designed to grip the floor, creating friction whilst preventing floor damage.  Both of these products shown above are strong, durable and effective at holding wheeled furniture in place. It's just a matter of ensuring the wheel will fit.

For other furniture (2-2.5" wheel diameter)

If there are other pieces of furniture within your home which you wish to stabilize, you may wish to check out this version.

If you'd like to read more about the larger version pictured above, read my blog post on stopping your bed from rolling 

I began this blog after I spent 6 months battling with my bed, trying to keep it stable. I love products like these, so simple yet so clever, eliminating another one of life's cumulative annoyances. I think a lot of people are unaware that this problem is so easily fixed and continue to put up with it. Before i stumbled across these, I used to try and wedge random objects between my bed and my wall, which never really worked, and basically just added to how messy my room looked. For some reason I never actually thought to look for a coaster type product like this. If I'd looked these up sooner I could've saved myself some headaches. You really need to be able to move around on your bed, or lean on your wall whilst on your laptop without your bed moving around.

How To Stop Chair Wheels From Rolling

If you're looking to prevent the wheels of a chair from being able to roll, you've got two basic choices. You can either purchase some special replacement casters with brakes, or you can buy the product pictured below, which prevents the chair from moving.

Furniture wheels are actually called casters, making these 'caster cups'. Exciting stuff! They're sometimes referred to as rollers, with people referring to caster cups as 'roller stoppers'. Either way, for beds, chairs and other wheeled furniture, these are all you need to stop the roll.

These are available in packs of 2, 4 or 8 and are a 3" by 3" cup. These are large enough for the biggest of wheels and are one of the most popular versions used to stop furniture from rolling. They're made of rubber and have been reviewed as being perfect for not only chair and bed wheels, but also preventing furniture legs from scraping across floors. If you're in doubt about the size you'll require, due to your wheels being a little on the large side, then these could be perfect for you in order to ensure that you don't order an item that is too small for your casters.

More details: Click here to view on Amazon

  
Casters with Brakes

Your other option is chuck your old ones in the trash and replace them with a set which has brakes. This might be a better option for those want to easily switch between stabilizing their chair and being able to move when it suits them. In my opinion, brakes should be a standard feature, not only to minimize annoyance, but for safety reasons. For people with disabilities or the elderly, sudden movement can actually be quite hazardous.

The set pictured above is 2" diameter, with universal grip mounting stem. Basically, this means installation is quick and easy as you simply pop the old ones out and pop these in. 

More details: Click here to view on Amazon


Wheel stoppers specifically designed for carpet

If you have carpet, you may want to consider searching for some with spikes.

These are designed to be used on carpet to prevent damage and stop unwanted movement. You might assume that this item itself may be capable of causing damage. However, these are effective in providing protection as they are designed to disperse the weight of furniture to prevent unsightly carpet dents and wear and tear. These carpet coasters can also be used for furniture legs without wheels.

Do you also have issues with sliding furniture? 

Check out my blog on how to stop furniture sliding on wooden floors. It's another annoying problem that people get fed up with. Whether you'd like to be able to jump on and off your sofa without movement, or sit on the floor and lean back on a piece of furniture without it sliding away. There are plenty of solutions discussed.

I hope this has been helpful.

How To Stop Your Bed Rolling on Hardwood Floors

These bed stoppers are the simplest way to stop your furniture or bed frame wheels from rolling around. Just sit the wheel in one of these clever cups and it stops unwanted rolling, so you can do whatever you want on your bed without it moving around.

Key Details:

1. White 'O ring' provides grip and protection for floors

2. Perfect for hardwood, tiles and laminate

3. Color options of light or dark brown
4. Ideal fit for 2" diameter (but will fit up to 2-1/4")

More details: Check them out on Amazon

The above cup is perfect for common bed style twin hooded casters (wheels). The white ring you can see on the bottom is specially designed to provide extra grip and protection. This will appeal to those who are also concerned with scratches and marks on their flooring.

Take a look at your bed and check out the diameter of your wheels in order to ensure you make the right choice. The stopper shown above ideally fits sizes up to 2 inches but can fit up to 2.25 inches, meaning anything larger will require a larger kind of cup, which are shown below. 


Square or circular coasters

Here's a different, version which is reasonably priced and has received great reviews for stopping beds from moving.

More Details: Check them out on Amazon

These square versions have received excellent reviews for stopping bed movement. They are 3" in width and will be able to accommodate larger sized casters. 

One reviewer alludes to these being effective at preventing movement during sex. I think this is actually one of the major reasons people purchase these. They come in packs of two, four or eight. These are also reviewed very highly for use under furniture legs, and are able to keep couches and recliners from sliding around.


How about 'raisers' designed for beds with wheels?

These will not only create stability, but also have the added bonus of creating extra storage space underneath your bed.

These are made from highly durable impact resistant materials, with a pyramid design which allows for maximum stability. They add an extra 5.25 inches of elevation, allowing you to create extra storage space whilst also eliminating the annoying problem of unwanted movement. They're made with a 1 inch lip, meaning casters will be held securely in place on the raiser.

More details: Check them out on Amazon 


How about a D.I.Y version? 

Take a look in your fridge and see what kind of lid you can find. I'm thinking anything shaped like a lid or even an empty tuna tin would work. You just need to place something underneath it to give it a little friction. 


Sick of wheels? Replace them with legs

Read my blog post How To Replace Wheels with Legs


What is the deal with casters?

Apparently, a wheel is not actually a caster. A wheel is only part of a caster, which is also made up of a frame, which is also referred to as a bracket, fork or rig. Most people who are unfortunate enough to be cursed with a wheeled bed are probably unaware of this or the name of the nifty little products which can be used to put an end to unwanted movement.

If you're looking for caster stoppers to stabilize beds so you can do the horizontal greased-weasel tango without going on an adventure, the cups shown at the top appear to be you best option. Solutions to problems like this are often not that easy to come across. A lot of people stumble across these and have that moment of "why didn't I know about this".

Why do bed frames have wheels anyway? 

In my opinion, they should all come with breaks as standard. They should all have some type of thing you can flip down to act like brakes when you don't want any movement. I personally feel as though wheels on bed frames are largely unnecessary, as I don't understand their actual function. I feel as though if my bedroom was the size of a basketball court, and I needed to relocate my bed to different sides of the room each day then perhaps I'd need them then. However, I rarely rearrange my room, and even when I do I don't need to be able to push my bed along like a shopping cart. 

I got so annoyed when I couldn't lean on my wall when I'm on my laptop because I'll roll away from the wall! Relaxing on the internet before I dozed off at night had become a source of discomfort and irritation as I tried to lean in a way that wouldn't result in a gap forming between me and the wall. Then I resorted to jamming things between my cupboard and my bed in order to hold it in place. However, this never worked and just made my room look messy.

Anyway, the furniture wheel stoppers shown at the top stopped my queen size bed from rolling and they are relatively inexpensive and easy to use.