Investing in a new bed can be expensive, especially if you’re shopping for a mattress, a bed frame, and new bedding to match!
Ultimately you’ll need to select a mattress that both works well for your style of sleep and fits into your home. If you’re not sure whether to choose a king or queen mattress, we’ll cover the basics of queen vs king mattress sizes below.
Dimensions for Queen vs King Mattress Sizes
The primary difference between king and queen size beds is the mattress width. They’re both the same length, but kings are 16 inches wider.
What Is a Queen Size Bed?
A queen size bed is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. This gives each partner 30 inches of width while sleeping, reading, or viewing. There are several reasons why queens are the most popular mattress size for couples, including lower price, easier fit, increased comfort, and ease of relocating.
Lower Price
Queen beds are more affordable when compared to king beds because they require less material to make. Because they’re so popular, it’s usually easy to find affordable accessories like mattress toppers and bedding for a queen mattress.
Easy to Fit
Queen size bed dimensions are significantly smaller than king beds, so it's easier to fit them comfortably into most bedrooms.
Easy to Manage
If you rent your home or tend to move frequently, queen beds are also easier to pack and move because they maneuver more easily through doors and hallways.
Comfortable
With a width of sixty inches, most couples are quite comfortable with a queen size bed and each person gets plenty of space for sleeping.
Drawbacks of Queen Beds
If you have pets that like to share your bed, or you have small children who wander into your room in the middle of the night, a queen bed may feel cramped. Similarly, if you and your spouse both like to spread out in bed, you may find yourselves invading each other’s space at night.
What Is a King Size Bed?
A king size bed is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, giving each partner 38 inches of width for sleeping or reading. For many, switching to a king size bed feels like an instant upgrade. If you’ve only ever experienced sleeping on an expansive mattress during hotel stays, you’re in for a treat.
Is a King Bed Better Than a Queen?
King size beds are a better choice for big and tall sleepers, larger modern bedrooms, and people with problems waking up at night when their partner moves around. They’re also better for couples with different sleep schedules or families with late-night visits from children or space-hogging pets.
Drawbacks of King Beds
It’s important to be realistic about just how large a king mattress really is. If you have a smaller bedroom, a king bed may make it feel even more cramped. King size bed dimensions also make moving house more complicated. The mattress itself can be harder to fit through doors and hallways, and it’s also significantly heavier than a queen.
Finally, king size mattresses and bedding are more expensive than smaller sizes.
Do Most Couples Have a King or Queen Size Bed?
Most couples have a queen size bed. It’s the most popular mattress size for couples because it provides plenty of space for two people to sleep, without making you feel distant from your partner. At the same time, queen size mattresses don’t needlessly use up too much space in the bedroom.
Other Popular Mattress Sizes
Depending on your needs, even a king size mattress may not be big enough. California king beds are four inches longer and four inches narrower than king beds, so if you or your partner are over six feet tall, a California king can be more comfortable.
Pro Tip: If you love the idea of a king but want something easier to move, you’ll be happy to learn that two Twin XL beds are the same size as one king. Just position them side by side on a king bed frame.
How to Decide Which Bed Size is Best For You
If you’re still unsure about which bed to choose, consider each of these questions.
Who Is the Bed For?
A queen is a great bed size for a single person. Queens are the most popular mattress size for couples, but if you prefer to have plenty of your own space for resting, a king can be a better choice.
Consider Sleeping Styles and Schedules
Do you have different sleeping styles and schedules than the person you share your bed with? More space means less disruption during precious sleeping hours.
Factor in Your Body Type
Your height and width are important factors when choosing a bed. Make sure you pick a large enough bed to let you sleep comfortably.
Respect Your Sleeping Position
If you’re a side sleeper and your partner likes to spread out in the starfish position, then a bigger bed will be more comfortable. If you spend most nights snuggled up anyway, then you can comfortably choose a queen.
Consider Bedroom Size and Layout
It’s a good idea to have at least thirty inches on each side of the bed for comfortable maneuvering. Make sure your bedroom is big enough for the mattress you choose.
Accommodate Existing Furniture
If you already have a bed frame that you love, you may want to stick with the same mattress size as before.
Transportation and Flexibility
Queen beds are easier to move and offer more flexibility when redesigning your bedroom layout.
Choose the Best Mattress for Your Budget
If you’re on a tight budget, the price difference between king and queen may make your decision for you. However, it’s important to remember that if you really want a bigger bed, the extra cost is more than worth it when you consider how much it will improve your sleep over the life of the mattress.
Prioritize Your Sleep Quality with Parachute
No matter which bed size you choose, it’s wise to invest in a high-quality mattress designed with healthy, ergonomic sleep in mind. Parachute’s Eco Mattress features increased firmness in the middle for back support. There are softer regions at the top and bottom for pressure point relief, so you can set yourself up for better sleep for years to come!