we got a new bed and you can opt for a shorter box spring since the new mattresses are getting thicker and thicker but if you do that, then you can't put a dust ruffle on it without major alterations which i would never do.

did put a chair next to the bed just in case the little dog couldn't make the jump, she can, but uses the damn chair and jumps up and over my head nightly. gotta love the pets.