Absolutely disappointed. It is 10.5in from flour. The shelf is so tiny you can't put anything on it. I got a13.5in mattress that said it needed no box spring...w this bed you absolutely need a box spring! It says in the middle. There are NOT 5 BARS IN MIDDLE. 3. I would not recommend but I'm stuck now. I bought a whole bed and end tables and it was a nightmare. Bed got lost. Got wrong box spring and I'm still waiting on rt box spring. Hence, I know it needs a box spring for the 13.5in memory gel mattress queen size. Get a box spring or a better bed. Also, w a thick mattress like this, a queen bed spread is to small as you can c. I'll have to get a king.