King vs. Queen Mattress: What’s the Difference?
Sleepers looking for a larger mattress may find it difficult to choose between king and queen beds. Both options provide extra space for single sleepers and couples, but king beds may be too large for some bedrooms.
In this article, we’ll look at the dimensions and benefits of king and queen beds. Later, we’ll discuss some factors you should consider before purchasing a new mattress.
What is a Queen Size Mattress?
The standard size of a queen size mattress is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. These beds are wider than full mattresses and give a single sleeper more room to sprawl out.
Additionally, queen size beds are an excellent choice for couples and offer 30 inches of space per person. Queen beds are best suited for guest rooms and medium-sized rooms.
Queen Bed Benefits
Queen beds are known for being an affordable option for couples with a tight budget. These beds are comfortable for most couples and do not take up a lot of space. You can easily place a queen bed in a smaller bedroom and still have room for extra furniture.
Queen beds are also easier to transport than king beds. A queen will fit into truck beds, cargo vans, and other moving vehicles without running into issues. You’ll also be able to move queen mattresses into your bedroom without struggling to get them around tight corners or up narrow staircases.
What is a King Size Mattress?
King beds are another great option for couples because they offer more sleeping space than queen beds. A king mattress’s dimensions are 76 inches by 80 inches. These beds make great family beds as they can accommodate small children in addition to adult sleepers.
There are several variations of king bed so sleepers can customize their sleeping setup. For example, a California king size mattress has marginally different dimensions than a traditional king, measuring 72 inches wide and 84 inches long.
California king beds are not as wide as standard king beds, but they are 4 inches longer. This makes them a better option for taller individuals, giving them more legroom.
Split king beds are also available for purchase. As the name suggests, a split king mattress is divided into halves, each measuring 38 inches wide and 80 inches long.
These split king beds allow sleepers to adjust the bed to their preference without disturbing the comfort of their sleep partner. You can pair these beds with adjustable bases to help reduce tension on pressure points.
King Bed Benefits
Since king beds are super spacious, sleepers can sprawl out without your bed feeling cluttered. The extra sleeping space is excellent for back and stomach sleepers, who typically need more room to sleep comfortably.
King beds are also an excellent addition to a master bedroom. You can place king beds in a large room and without worrying about clutter. You’ll also have space for walking and additional bedroom furniture.
Other Mattress Sizes
There are three other standard mattress sizes for sleepers to consider as they shop: twin, twin XL, and a full size mattress.
Twin
A twin size mattress can fit into most bedrooms or other small living spaces, measuring about 38 inches by 74 or 75 inches. It’s the smallest size an adult sleeper can reasonably consider, although it may be too short for some taller individuals.
To truly maximize a twin bed’s potential in a small room or studio apartment, shoppers may want to pair the mattress with a daybed. This would allow the twin mattress to serve a daytime function as a place to sit and a nighttime function as a place to sleep.
Twin XL
For sleepers who are over 6 feet tall, we suggest a twin XL size mattress instead of the standard twin bed. The twin XL mattress measures 38 inches wide by 80 inches long, providing legroom that keeps a taller sleeper’s feet from hanging over the edge.
The twin XL mattress is a popular mattress in college dorm rooms because of their versatility. Their compact size also make them a good choice for guest bedrooms.
Full
Full size mattresses are excellent for sleepers who need something larger than a twin but smaller than a queen or king bed. Measuring 54 inches by 75 inches, a full or double bed lets you sprawl with limbs akimbo, helping some sleepers relax better.
While a full mattress has also been nicknamed as the double bed, this can be misleading for sleepers who think it can accommodate two sleepers. We do not recommend anything smaller than a queen for couples.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Mattress
Before you purchase your new mattress, you’ll want to consider a few things. It’s essential to consider your bedroom size and budget before you make a purchase.
Size of the Bedroom
Both queen and king size bedrooms require a large bedroom. King beds need a room at least 12 by 12 feet of space or larger to avoid crowding.
These beds are ideal for a master suite or the primary bedroom of the house. A king size bed can make smaller rooms feel a bit cramped. Queen beds are suitable for small bedrooms but need at least 10 by 10 feet of space.
The Number of People Sleeping on the Mattress
Queen beds are not ideal for co-sleeping with children because there is only enough space for two sleepers. If you are occasionally accommodating small children, a king bed may be a good choice.
There are also split king mattress options available for couples to accommodate different sleeping positions. So, you and your partner will be able to sleep comfortably throughout the night.
Your Budget
Queen mattresses are a more affordable option than king sizes. You can usually purchase a queen bed for $500 to $900, while the prices of king beds range from $700 to $4000.
Additionally, other bedroom accessories may be more expensive to purchase as well. This includes sheets, mattress toppers, bed frames, and mattress foundations.
Conclusion
King and queen sized beds are both great options and provide plenty of space for couples or single adults. However, queen beds may be a better option for those with smaller bedrooms.
It’s best to place king sized mattresses in bedrooms 12 by 12 feet or larger. We recommend leaving 2 feet of space on either side of the bed and 5 feet from the bed’s base to the walls.
This will keep your bedroom from feeling crowded and leave more room for additional bedroom items like nightstands or dressers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most couples purchase queen beds since they are spacious and affordable. King beds are also a good choice for couples since they provide extra sleeping space.
Queen beds are usually a better option for individuals with smaller rooms. A king bed may be too large and cause overcrowding.
A good rule of thumb is that your room should be at least 12 feet by 12 feet to accommodate your king size bed. It’s best to provide yourself with at least 2 feet of clearance space on all sides. This way, you will have more room for bedroom furniture.
Queen and full size beds fit best in a bedroom measuring 10 feet by 10 feet. These beds will fit perfectly in your room without crowding your space.
If you have a larger bed, such as a king, it’s best to place your bed in a large bedroom. King beds are usually better suited for master bedrooms to prevent overcrowding.
Most standard queen beds measure 60 inches by 80 inches. However, there are Olympic queen beds available, and these beds measure 66 inches by 80 inches.
Olympic queen mattresses are six inches wider than the standard queen size and provide space for couples to sleep comfortably. You will usually find Olympic queen beds in mobile homes and RVs.
These beds are not standard size mattresses, so finding bedroom accessories can be a bit of a hassle.
A California king (also known as western kings) bed is longer than a standard king mattress but is not as wide. These beds measure 72 inches by 84 inches are an ideal choice for taller sleepers.
California king beds are best suited for narrow rooms measuring 12 by 12 feet or larger. It’s worth mentioning, some manufacturers do not carry Cal king bed sizes, and they can be harder to find. Additionally, it may be challenging to pair bed sheets and other accessories with Cal king beds.
