Last Updated on March 2, 2023 by SierraLivingConcepts
You’ve finished decorating your bedroom and it’s practically fit for a king. Before you upgrade your bed and give it the royal treatment, you might want to consider if a king will actually fit.
From the smallest to largest, here’s the rundown on beds of all sizes and tips to make sure the bed that you choose isn’t too small or too large.
Here’s the ultimate guide to choosing the bed that’s just right
Beds Dimensions
| Mattress Dimensions | Overall | Footboard | |
| Full | 54″ W X 75″ L | 70″ W X 86″ L X 44″ H | 12″ High X 1.5″ Thick |
| Queen | 60″ W X 80″ L | 76″ W X 91″ L X 44″ H | 12″ High X 1.5″ Thick |
| King | 76″ W X 80″ L | 92″ W X 91″ L X 44″ H | 12″ High X 1.5″ Thick |
| California King | 72″ W X 84″ L | 88″ W X 95″ L X 44″ H | 12″ High X 1.5″ Thick |
Before You Buy
When measuring for what size bed you need, be sure to take into account any extra space your headboard and bed frame will actually take on the floor. If you only go by mattress size, you’ll likely end up with a bed frame that’s too large.
For most bed frames, you can expect to add about 6-7 inches to the length of the mattress and 4-5 inches to the width. If you opt for a larger frame, like a platform bed, be prepared to add about 10-17 inches to your mattress dimensions.
If you live in a smaller space and you’re not purchasing a “mattress in a box”, you’ll also want to consult a professional about the logistics of moving before you attempt to move your new king-size mattress into a studio apartment.
You should also keep in mind how many nightstands you like having next to your bed. If you prefer to have one on each side, you’ll need to make sure that both of the nightstands and your bed will fit in your allotted space. If you’re super trendy and are dying to install a floating table in lieu of a nightstand, you’ll be able to purchase a larger bed because your table won’t take up any floor space.
Ultimately, choosing a bed size that works for you is all about your personal preferences. When shopping, I tend to first find the frame I want and then measure my home based on the dimensions of the frame rather than the mattress itself. This just makes life a little easier.
Since all bed frame sizes differ, it’s much easier to describe the different mattress size choices. Here’s what you’ll have to pick from
Twin Beds
Twin beds are the basic starter bed that you’ll usually upgrade to when replacing a toddler-size bed. Since these beds are still quite narrow, many parents are taking the plunge and purchasing a full-sized bed for their older kids so they won’t need to upgrade bed sizes twice.
Twin sized beds are also the norm in dorms across the nation. If you’re lucky, you may be blessed with a twin XL; these allow young adults to stretch out while still mostly fitting on the mattress.
Regular twin beds are 38” x 75” and twin XL beds are 38” x 80”. The length of regular twin beds may be too short for some adults.
Full Beds
Full beds are considered double beds, which means that 2 people should comfortably fit on them. With a full, each adult will get about 27” of personal space, which is the same width as a crib mattress.
Full-sized beds are 54” x 75”. Since this is the same length as a twin bed, it still may be too short for adults. If you or your partner is larger than the average bear or you don’t enjoy cuddling every single night, you may want to consider a size upgrade.
Queen Beds
There’s a reason that the queen is the most popular bed on the market. Most couples can fit comfortably on this mattress, with 30” of personal space per person. They’re also less bulky than larger mattresses and fit comfortably in smaller homes.
Queen-size beds are 60” x 80”. This means that if you’re tall, this is the option you’ll need to have sweet dreams without your feet dangling off of your mattress.
King Beds
The king is the widest bed you can find, which means maximum comfort and personal space for each person. If you push two twin XL beds together, you’ll have the same amount of space as you would on a single king mattress.
King-size beds are 76” x 80”. You’ll certainly give your home a royal upgrade by treating yourself to the giant bed you might not need but definitely deserve. I would suggest going for a black king bed to increase the aesthetic look of your bedroom.
California King Beds
The aptly named California king bed is popular among West Coast natives. This king-size bed is more narrow than the traditional king-size bed, but it is a bit longer. If you happen to be someone that’s extra tall or that loves to pile dozens of pillows at the top of your bed, this may be the better king option for you. Moreover, you can go for a California canopy bed or a California Queen bed.
California king-size beds are 72” x 84”. These are generally easier to move into homes than traditional king beds, so if you have narrow doorways or live on the 5th floor, this is likely the better large mattress option for you.
It’s Your Turn to Decide
We’ve given you all you need to know about the different mattress sizes available to you, so it’s your turn to break out the tape measure and decide which bed is right for you.
If you have any other tips on purchasing a bed, be sure to let us know in the comments below.
We were named a top interior design and organization expert by Redfin. Check out the article we were featured in Home Decorating on a Budget: 20 Thrifty Tips and Tricks
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I appreciate that you clarified that you should take into account the additional floor space your headboard and bed frame would occupy when determining the size of bed you require. If you solely consider the size of the mattress, you’ll probably get a bed frame that is too big. My sister, who just recently moved into her new condo, will find this to be beneficial. She invited me to accompany her today while she went mattress shopping. Thank you for assisting me in understanding the post; these are helpful suggestions she should take into account to make sure she gets the correct size bed. Thanks!
You’re welcome! We are glad that our blog was helpful in your sister’s mattress shopping. Making sure to take into account the additional space occupied by the bed frame and headboard is important for getting the right size bed. Good luck with her shopping, and let us know if there’s anything else we can help with! I would also suggest checking out our bedroom collection once.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Bed Size was a great help when I was shopping for my first bed. It gave me all of the information I needed in one place and made it easy to figure out what size bed would be best for me. The tips and tricks it provides are invaluable!
I loved that you mentioned that a California king bed is perfect for tall people. My husband is 6’5″ and he’s tired of not being able to fit in our bed. I think buying a California king bed and bedframe would be perfect for our needs.
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I am moving to a new house by the end of the month, and I would like to buy new furniture before that and I loved what you explained about measuring bed frames.