Most people replace their mattresses every six to eight years, so the mattress you choose will be a daily part of your life for a long time. It’s important to choose a mattress that will continue to suit you and your sleeping needs for years to come.
If you choose a mattress that’s too small, you may limit your sleeping positions and comfort or even reduce your sleep quality. A mattress that’s too big will take up precious space in your bedroom and demand more expensive accessories and bedding.
A full bed offers plenty of benefits like affordability and a manageable size.
So — how big is a full bed, and is it right for you?
To help guide you through your decision, we’ll answer all your questions about choosing a full-size bed below. We’ll cover full-size bed dimensions, who full-size beds work best for and how a full bed will fit in your home.
What Are the Dimensions of a Full Size Bed?
Most full-size beds measure 75 inches long by 53 inches wide. Full beds are larger than twin beds but smaller than queen beds. They’re relatively easy to accommodate in a bedroom of any size or shape.
If you’re having a hard time visualizing the difference between common bed sizes, the best way to compare mattress sizes and dimensions is with a bed sizes chart:
Full Size Bed vs Other Popular Mattress Sizes
Different bed dimensions have significant effects on your nightly comfort and can strongly influence your lasting happiness with your bed selection.
Many shoppers spend the most time focusing on a bed’s width, but there’s a big difference in the lengths of common bed sizes, too.
Comparing Mattress Length
Full-size beds are the same length as twin beds, but they’re five inches shorter than twin XL, queen and king-size mattresses, and nine inches shorter than California king beds. If you’re on the tall side of the spectrum, a full-size bed’s dimensions may feel a bit too short for you.
Typically, a full-size bed is most comfortable for sleepers who are no taller than 5 foot 9 inches.
Comparing Mattress Width
Full mattresses are 15 inches wider than twin and twin XL beds. So, switching from a twin to a full bed will feel like a significant upgrade for kids and young adults.
Full-size mattresses are seven inches narrower than queen mattresses, 23 inches narrower than king mattresses and 19 inches narrower than California king mattresses.
If you like to sleep in starfish position, or you sleep with a partner and you’re both side sleepers, a full bed might feel a bit too narrow.
When Is a Full Bed the Best Choice?
If you’re still asking yourself “what size bed do I need,” here are a few important things to think about.
Fitting a Full Bed in Your Home
Even if you dream of an expansive king-size bed, you’ll still need to factor in how your choice of mattress will fit into your home. Larger beds with queen-size, king-size and California-king-size mattresses can make a smaller room feel cramped and add to your daily stress.
If you live in a studio apartment, a tiny home or have a bedroom with very limited floor space, then full-size bed dimensions will feel much more manageable and comfortable.
If you have a 10x10 or 11x11 bedroom, then a full bed will fit very comfortably, while a queen or king bed will feel overwhelmingly large.
Relocating with a Full Size Bed
Renters should consider how easily they can move their mattresses and bed frames.
If you tend to move to a new home every couple of years, then a full bed is a smart choice. Not only will it fit better in a moving van and move through tight hallways more easily, but you’ll appreciate how much less your full-size mattress weighs on moving day!
Sleepers Who Benefit from a Full Bed
A full bed is the perfect size for solo sleepers of any age.
If you’re looking for a new bed for a teenager or young adult, a full bed is the most convenient size. Adults who don’t want to sacrifice too much floor space to a bed will appreciate the not-too-big and not-too-small feeling of a full-size bed.
If you usually sleep solo and don’t share your bed with any pets, you’ll probably find a full bed is just right.
Sleeping Soundly on a Reduced Budget
When it comes to selecting bedding like sheets, comforters, pillows and blankets, the larger the bed, the more expensive the accessories!
When you’re moving into your first home, a full-size bed’s dimensions can definitely help you save money. You’ll need fewer pillows, a smaller bed frame and smaller-sized linens. So, a full bed is a budget-friendly choice.
Vintage Furniture Availability
If you do most of your furniture shopping in antique stores, thrift shops or vintage resale houses, you’ll have plenty of options when you’re looking for a full-size bed. In fact, it’s difficult to find vintage furniture that will accommodate larger mattresses like queen or king size.
Guest Rooms and Multi-Use Rooms
Many homeowners prefer full-size beds for their guest rooms or multi-use rooms like home offices with a bed in the corner. Because spare beds get used less frequently, it’s nice to reduce their footprint in your home.
If you’re still not sure about which size mattress is best for you, read our Decision-Making Guide for Buying the Right Mattress.
Full Size Mattress Types
While nearly all full-size beds match the usual 53x70 dimensions, you may occasionally come across a slightly larger version of a full bed called full XL.
Full XL beds aren’t typically found in mattress stores, but some online companies do offer them. A full XL measures 53x80, so it’s the same width as a typical full but as long as a twin XL, queen or king.
Even if you like the idea of a bit more legroom in your full bed, it can be harder to find bedding for uncommon bed sizes like a full XL. You’ll have fewer choices for materials, patterns and colors, too. For those reasons, full-size bed dimensions or a queen bed can be more convenient choices.
Can Two People Sleep in a Full Size Bed?
Back in the 1960s when many couples were switching from two separate beds to one combined bed, a full bed was common and considered the best bed size for couples. Today, a queen is actually the most popular bed size, but a full bed still works well for many.
At 53 inches wide, a full bed provides 27 inches of lateral space for each person. Depending on body size, sleep position and how much you like cuddling, that can be a perfect fit.
If a full bed is all your bedroom can accommodate but you’re worried about how it will affect your sleep as a couple, don’t worry. Consider investing in a plush or memory foam bed topper to minimize how much you disturb each other’s sleep when you shift or reposition in the night.
Are Full Size Mattresses and Double Beds the Same Thing?
Full-size beds and double beds are the same size, so the terms are often used interchangeably. You may see one manufacturer use one name, while another store uses the other, but the dimensions are identical.
Alternatives to Full Size Beds
If you’re not sure full-size bed dimensions are the right fit for your home, here are two popular alternatives to consider.
Twin Size Bed vs Full Size Bed
Twin bed dimensions are 38 inches by 75 inches. If you’re shopping for a new bed for a growing child or a teenager, a twin bed is a great choice. They also work well when used as daybeds. An adult can sleep comfortably on a twin bed in the short term, but most adults prefer a full-size bed to a twin.
If you’re looking for more information about twin beds, check out our Twin vs Twin XL Mattress Guide.
Queen Size Bed vs Full Size Bed
If you’re wondering, “how big is a double bed compared to a queen?” — queen size bed dimensions are 60 inches by 80 inches. A queen bed is both wider and longer than a full or double bed.
Many couples prefer the extra room in a queen bed compared to a full bed. If you’re a solo sleeper but your pet sometimes shows up for snuggles, a queen bed will definitely give you more room to get comfortable.
Enhance Your Full Size Bed With the Right Bedding
Sleep in Style with Parachute
Once you’ve decided on the right size of bed for you, focus on choosing the best materials for your mattress, bedding and bed covers.
Parachute prioritizes reliable, eco-friendly materials for the home, from Eco Mattresses featuring New Zealand wool, 100% organic cotton and tempered steel, to lightweight, long-lasting linen sheets crafted with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified European flax.
Find the most comfortable materials for your bedroom while protecting the earth by choosing high-quality bedding by Parachute.