Queen vs. King Mattress – What’s the Difference Between the Beds
How much bigger is a king than a queen? This is the question we will seek to answer in this post of King vs. Queen.
If you’re considering buying a new bed, there are a lot of different size options to choose from, and so it can be very confusing. If you want something larger than a double, you have the choice between a King or Queen.
Not sure what the difference is exactly? Don’t stress about it; most people don’t really know either. In this post, we will go through the difference between queen and king sized beds so that you can determine which option is better for your needs.
Naturally, the primary difference between the king and queen bed is size. A King is usually around about 16 inches wider than your Queen bed, but there is more to consider than simply the size.
Features | King | Queen |
|---|---|---|
Width | 76 inches (193 cm) | 60 inches (152 cm) |
80 inches (203 cm) | 80 inches (203 cm) | |
More expensive and mattresses in this size also cost more as compared to queen. | Less expensive than king bed. | |
Usually found in master bedrooms. | Guest rooms and smaller master bedrooms. | |
Accounts for 7% of all mattress purchases. | Accounts for 32% of all mattress purchases. | |
Required to have a center leg support besides the normal rectangular structure. | Required to have a center leg support besides the normal rectangular structure. | |
King size bed allows for greater comfort and space. | Queen size bed is better suited for two people. |
What is the Difference Between King and Queen?
Size & Dimensions
Both beds are about 80 inches in length, so the real difference is in the width. A king is what you are most likely to find in a luxury hotel or in a master suite. This is a monster-sized bed and needs a lot of space.
The whole surface area of the mattress is 6080 square inches, so there is a lot of space on it. It also, therefore, takes up a lot of space, so it is not likely to be a good fit if you have a smaller bedroom.
It is a good size for a couple, allowing both people to have ample room to sleep on.
The Queen has a surface area of 4800 square inches, so it is quite a bit more compact. It will work well for a single person who likes space to stretch out more, and it can work for couples that find that a double is just not big enough.
For roominess, you cannot beat the King, but it does require a lot more space.
Cost
Needless to say, when it comes to those extra 16 inches, you are going to pay more – the King is not the cheapest option out there. You also need to factor in that costs in terms of bedding and linen will also increase.
The Queen is more reasonable in price and accessories will cost you less upfront as well.
But, considering that this purchase is going to last you for around ten years, and you will use it every day, it is worth considering paying the extra.
Which is Better for Me? King vs Queen
Before making your final decision, here are some other things that you might want to consider.
Size of the Room
Do yourself a favor and measure the room. Make a scale map of it and the furniture that you want to place in it. Alternatively, pace out the size of both beds in the room itself.
Will it actually fit in the room? How much space will there be around it? Will you be able to access all areas of the room and all other furniture? The generally accepted rule is that you should have at least two feet of clear space on three sides of the bed.
This will give you plenty of space to move around in your room, and also space to make the bed easily. While the extra step of measuring the room or pacing out the space that the bed will occupy takes a bit more time, it is essential to ensure that you get an option that fits properly.
Your Size and Age
If you and/ or your partner are a little overweight, the bigger option will prove more comfortable for you. If you are buying a new bed for your teen, the smaller bed should be more than adequate.
Sleeping Preferences
Do you like to sleep all stretched out? Then the more space, the better. Do you and your partner like sleeping all cuddled up? Then the smaller option could be just as good.
If one of the partners is more restless during sleep than the other, a larger surface area could help to create enough space between the two of you for both to be comfortable.
Do You Have Small Kids or Pets?
Do you have small kids that like to cuddle with you and your partner at night? Then think about getting the larger mattress.
If your kids are older, this is less important.
What about your pets? Do they sleep on the bed with you? It is quite amazing how much space even a small cat can occupy so factor this into your calculations as well.
Are You Going to be Moving House?
This seems like a rather arbitrary question, but it can make a difference in your decision. The larger option will end up being more unwieldy when it comes to moving. It might also become problematic if you are considering downsizing your space.
Bed Accessories
Unless you are getting a non-standard option, like the Cali-King, you should easily be able to find bedding for either option. The larger sizes will cost more, and it should also be considered that they are bulkier when it comes to washing them.
It is also worth keeping the larger size in mind if you plan on ironing your linen. An extra 16 inches means a fair amount of extra fabric and so too a good deal more material to iron.
Get a Queen is If
You sleep alone, or you and our partner like snuggling up. Don’t get me wrong, it is better than a Double, but you cannot stretch out as much. It is also the better option if you have a more limited budget and if you have less space.
Get a King is If
You and your partner like their space, or if you have kids that might want to climb into the bed with you. You have a larger budget and loads of space. It is also better if you and your partner are larger in size.
Final Thoughts
Which option to choose can be a hotly debated issue and one that eventually boils down to preference. If all other things are equal, what would you prefer? I recommend considering your options carefully here, so your bed is not too big, not too small but just right.
For couples, the bigger size does make sense, especially if you have a young family. The smaller size is more appealing in terms of budget and space-saving, though, so this should also be taken into consideration.
My best advice is to think not only about your immediate needs but also about what your needs will be over the next ten years or so.
