King vs. Queen: Which Mattress Size is Right for You?
Both king and queen size mattresses are excellent choices for couples. King and queen mattresses provide more personal space to stretch out, and both serve as a focal point in master bedrooms. But which is the best mattress for you?
In this article, we take an in-depth look at king and queen size beds—how they’re similar and what sets them apart. For instance, while king size mattresses cost more than queen beds, a king size gives you and your partner more personal space.
Queen size beds, on the other hand, are more affordable and fit most bedrooms. If you’re looking for a bigger bed, a king or queen size mattress may be the best choice for you.
What is a King Size Mattress?
King size mattresses are the largest standard size available, measuring 76 inches by 80 inches. A king bed is a popular choice for couples, especially if you both want to avoid bumping into each other. They give you and your partner 38 inches of personal space, the same width you’d get from a twin size mattress. King mattresses may cost more than a queen size bed because they’re larger and contain more materials.
If you’re looking into buying a king size mattress, make sure you have enough space. Master bedrooms should be at least 13 feet by 13 feet, leaving plenty of room for a king bed frame and additional furniture.
The cost of king size mattresses ranges between $700 and $4,000. The price depends on the type of materials the mattress contains. For instance, natural materials, like latex foam or organic cotton covers, can drive up the price.
King Size Variations
If you’d like a king mattress, but you’re not sure if a standard king is the right one, there are two variations of the king mattress to consider—split kings and California kings.
Split King
A split king mattress is the same as a standard king size bed, except it’s split down the middle, forming two separate beds. Two twin XL mattresses make up a split king. Couples who want their own personalized mattress—a bed with customized comfort and support—without having to compromise will love the split king.
California King
A California king mattress measures 72 inches by 84 inches. It’s longer and narrower than a standard king size mattress—a better option for taller couples. A California king size mattress gives you more legroom than a king bed, but less width—about 36 inches instead of 38 inches. California king beds are also available as a split option, though these are not as common as standard split kings.
Benefits of Choosing a King
Choosing a king size mattress provides more room to stretch out, but it may also come with health benefits, including better sleep quality and improved blood circulation. You and your sleep partner are less likely to wake up with numb limbs or disrupt each other’s sleep.
Improve Sleep
On a king size mattress, you and your partner can move around without bumping into each other. This can improve your sleep quality because you won’t have to worry about disruptions. A smaller mattress, like a queen size, gives you and your partner less space, making it harder to switch sleeping positions without waking your partner.
Better Blood Circulation
Having more room to spread out may improve your blood circulation. Extra space gives you and your partner the ability to stretch out your arms and legs. Sleeping on a smaller surface may cause you to experience a pins and needles sensation if you don’t have enough room to stretch out your body.
The best king mattress on the market has to be the Amerisleep AS3. This memory foam mattress is 12 inches thick and has a medium feel, which works well for side and combination sleepers. More than anything, the balance of cushioning and support is a good option for couples with different firmness needs!
Inside the AS3 is a layer of Bio-Pur® memory foam. Compared to most memory foams, Bio-Pur® is primarily made out of castor oil, resulting in a more durable, breathable, and springy foam.
The second layer of the AS3 features HIVE® technology, hexagonal cutouts in the foam which maximize support and cushioning. The cutouts in the foam also allow for more air circulation in the bed so hot sleepers can rest easily.
The bottom of the AS3 is Bio-Core® base foam. As the thickest layer in the AS3, Bio-Core® plays a significant role in your mattress’s longevity. It also promotes healthy spinal alignment so you don’t sink or develop pain at night.
All Amerisleep mattresses come with free shipping, free returns, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 20-year warranty.
Amerisleep AS3
- Available in both foam and hybrid models
- Balanced, medium feel works well for couples
- Great for side and combination sleepers
What is a Queen Size Mattress?
A queen mattress measures 60 inches by 80 inches, and is more versatile than a king size. Queen mattresses are popular for couples and single adults. Couples love queen size beds because they’re more affordable than kings, but they still give plenty of room for both people.
Single adults may view queen mattresses as a luxury upgrade from a twin, twin XL, or full size mattress. Queen beds provide lots of room to spread out without having to worry about rolling off the mattress.
Queen size mattresses fit inside average and large bedrooms, about 10 feet by 10 feet. They’re also an excellent option for guest bedrooms because they can fit one to two sleepers. Your single guest will love the extra space and you won’t have to stress about accommodating more than one person.
Compared to a king size, a queen mattress costs less because they’re smaller and contain fewer materials. You can expect to pay between $1,000 to $2,000 for a high-quality queen size bed—less expensive than a king, but more expensive than a full.
Benefits of Choosing a Queen
Queen size mattresses are more affordable and versatile than kings. Choosing a queen size not only gives you more room than a twin mattress, but they’re also a great addition to a guest room.
More Affordable
For new couples, a queen bed is a perfect choice if you’re on a tight budget. King size mattresses can cost $100 to $400 more than a queen size. With a queen, you and your partner can still enjoy plenty of sleeping space without going over budget. Plus, queen size mattresses fit most bedrooms, so you don’t have to worry about your bedroom feeling too cramped.
Versatile
The standard bedroom size in the United States measures 11 feet by 12 feet, making a queen size mattress the perfect fit for most bedrooms, including guest rooms. The room should have available floor space for nightstands, dressers, and lamps on top of a queen size bed frame.
The Zoma Hybrid is one of the best queen mattresses on the market. It has a medium-soft feel excellent for side sleepers, petite people, and hot sleepers. The restorative qualities of the Zoma Hybrid will be especially useful for athletic individuals and people dealing with chronic pain.
Under the Zoma Hybrid’s mesh cover is gel-infused foam. This foam is cushiony and conforms to your body for incomparable comfort. By infusing gel into the layer, the Zoma Hybrid won’t trap body heat and moisture even on the hottest nights.
Next is a layer of Reactiv™, a latex-like foam that prevents you from sinking into bed. When you switch positions or get in and out of bed, the foam snaps back into shape. This prevents you from feeling “stuck” while you sleep.
The Zoma Hybrid’s foundation is made from a combination of pocketed coils and a thin layer of base foam. Each coil is wrapped in fabric to stop the coils from breaking or squeaking. This also helps isolate motion while also promoting air circulation throughout the bed. And if you share your mattress, motion isolation is crucial for not disrupting each other at night.
The Zoma Hybrid comes with free shipping and returns, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.
Zoma Hybrid
- Available in both foam and hybrid models
- Medium-soft firmness cushions achy hips and shoulders
- Mesh cover, gel foam, and pocketed coils all help you sleep cool
FAQs
Can a full size mattress fit two people?
Full size mattresses are too small for couples. They only give each person 27 inches of space—the same width from a toddler bed. Instead, couples should buy a queen, king, or California king size bed. These larger mattresses provide more sleeping space.
What size bed do most couples have?
Most couples have a standard queen size mattress. A queen fits most bedrooms and guest rooms, providing personal space without you or your partner feeling cramped. Queen size mattresses also cost less than a king or California king, making them an ideal option if you’re on a budget.
How much bigger is a California king compared to a queen?
A California king mattress is 72 inches by 84 inches, while a queen mattress is 60 inches by 80 inches. California king size beds are 12 inches wider and 4 inches longer—a better choice for taller sleepers who need the extra legroom. A queen size may feel too short, and you may not be able to stretch your legs out comfortably if you or your partner are taller than 6 feet.
What is the most popular mattress size?
The mattress size depends on your needs. A few of the most popular mattress sizes include twin, queen, and king. Twin mattresses are the best choice for children. The small, compact size provides sleeping space for your growing child without taking up too much room.
A queen mattress is a luxury upgrade for the single person used to sleeping on a twin or full bed. Couples will love having their own sleeping space while still sleeping next to their loved ones.
King mattresses are the best fit for couples. The larger size gives you and your partner 38 inches of personal space and plenty of room to stretch out your legs.
Can two people sleep on a queen bed?
Two people can sleep comfortably on a queen bed. You and your sleep partner can enjoy 30 inches of personal space. Anything smaller, like a full mattress, will feel too small—about the same width as a toddler bed for you and your partner. Smaller mattresses won’t give you enough room to change sleeping positions, and you may end up rolling off the bed.
Which Size is Best for You?
Both king and queen size mattresses are great options for couples and single adults. They both provide more sleeping space compared to a twin size, and fit nicely in most bedrooms.
Both king and queen beds cost more than smaller mattress sizes, but you may feel the cost is worth it when you and your partner can spread out without disturbing each other.
