King vs Queen Bed Size: Differences & How to Choose

The Constitution may prohibit titles of nobility, but there’s no prohibition against noble beds.

With all the extra wiggle room they provide, king and queen beds make for royal snoozing experiences. But which is right for you?

That depends on personal circumstances, preferences, and more. Laying out the differences can help you discover where you stand in the king vs queen bed size debate. Below, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each, consider their dimensions, and help transform your bedroom into a royal sleeping chamber.

King vs Queen Bed Comparison

Goldilocks was right: Finding a bed that’s just right matters. That entails:

• Testing out mattresses for comfort
• Choosing a bed frame that reflects your personal style
• Taking measurements of your bedroom

That last point is especially important. While there are custom king beds and queen mattresses available, this chart breaks down the specifics of the standard king and queen sizes^1,2:

Pros & Cons of King Beds

It’s good to be king, yet heavy is the head that wears the crown.

Pros of King Beds

King beds offer a bevy of benefits:

• Sheer size – King and queen beds are both 80 inches long, but the former boasts 16 inches of extra width to spread out and stay cool on hotter nights.¹ Learn more in our blog about king size bed frame dimensions.
• More sleepers – Kids need comfort after a nightmare? Pets just can’t resist? King beds can accommodate unexpected guests.
• Readily available – King beds are the largest available at most retailers.³

Cons of King Beds

All that said, king beds aren’t the perfect choice for every sleeper. Consider factors like:

• Sheer size – Not every bedroom fits a king bed, and the added weight can making moving it a hassle.
• Higher price point – Given the bed’s size, you may have to pull from the royal coffers—king beds typically fetch a higher price than their smaller counterparts.
• A tall order – Taller people may have to opt for specialty beds—such as the California King, which is slightly narrower but won’t leave your feet hanging. Check out our blog about the king vs California king bed size for more.

Pros & Cons of Queen Beds

While queen beds are a popular choice for many reasons, they’re not for everyone.^1,2,3

Pros of Queen Beds

What makes a queen bed the ideal choice for a bedroom?

• Sized right – Queen beds are ideal for couples (or singles with pets) who want a spacious sleep solution that doesn’t take up as much space. Learn more about queen size bed frame dimensions in our blog.
• Affordable luxury – Couples who opt for a queen-size mattress will save a few hundred dollars on average and still get their money’s worth. Plus, wood queen bed frames are slightly more affordable than king-sized equivalents.
• Mover-friendly – Planning a move in the future? Queen beds are typically small enough for two people to handle.

Cons of Queen Beds

Why might you skip the queen bed and size up (or down) instead?

• Less spread – The narrower width can lead to couples bumping elbows in the night or overheating.
• Relative cost – While more affordable than a king-size mattress and frame, you’ll still shell out more for a queen than for smaller sizes. Consider your space and budget.
• Incorrect labels – Certain retailers mark their sheets “full/queen”—you may need to check dimensions carefully before purchasing sheets.

Which Size Is Best for You, a King or Queen? What to Consider

Keeping pros and cons in mind, there are four key factors to consider when choosing between a king and a queen bed.

Your Room Size

As with any piece of large furniture, it’s important to ensure there’s enough room for your bed of choice. Take into account the dimensions as well as the layout of your bedroom.

If, at first glance, it seems like there isn’t enough space, think about what you can move around before settling on a decision, especially if you have a smaller bedroom.

Additional Sleepers

Couples with children and/or pets won’t regret supersizing to a king. The extra room makes all the difference for big families.

Single folks with children and/or pets, on the other hand, can usually make do with a queen.

Your Budget

Prices differ depending on the type of mattress you’re interested in (e.g., innerspring or latex); but, generally speaking, expect to pay more for a king.⁴

Ease of Movement

Back and stomach sleepers who don’t mind cuddling should do fine with queen beds. However, side sleepers who tuck their knees in, those who switch positions, and people who starfish will benefit from a king’s larger width.

Other King & Queen Bed Sizes

There are a few variations on standard king and queen beds—all of which are less common at your average retailer.

• California King – Narrower than a standard king at 72 inches, but wider at 84 inches.⁵

• Texas King – 80 inches wide like a standard king, but its 98-inch length is Texas-sized.⁵

• Alaska King – The biggest state in the Union deserves the biggest bed: 108 inches by 108 inches!⁵

• Olympic Queen – Slightly wider than a standard queen at 66 inches, but offering the same length.⁶

• California Queen – Slightly longer than a standard queen at 84 inches, but offering the same width.⁷

• Split Queen – The same length and width as a queen, split down the middle to help prevent nighttime tossing and turning from disturbing the other sleeper.⁸

Keep in mind that some of these niche sizes may require custom bed frames, which we provide at James & James! Get in touch if you need a custom size.

No Matter Which Size, Choose a James & James Bed Frame

Picking the right bed can be difficult. Fortunately, James & James makes picking the right bed frame easier. And as it happens, the Constitution doesn’t prohibit royal bed frames, either.

Our custom, American-made frames are handcrafted from solid wood by our master build team. They’re built not just to last, but to become an integral part of your home.

Whether you prefer the simple geometry of the Luna or the eccentric lines of the Live Edge, choose James & James for a frame fit for a royal slumber.

Sources:

1. National Council on Aging. Guide to Mattress Size and Dimensions. https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/sleep/mattress-sizes/
2. The Spruce. Understanding Twin, Full, Queen, and King Bed Dimensions. https://www.thespruce.com/understanding-bed-size-dimensions-1976223
3. Tom’s Guide. Queen mattress vs king: Which bed size is best for your sleep? https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/mattresses/queen-mattress-vs-king
4. Hush. How Much Does a Mattress Cost: What to Expect. https://hushblankets.com/blogs/sleep/mattress-cost?_pos=1&_sid=e111a5cac&_ss=r
5. Direct Appliance. Sleep Like Royalty: Explore the 7 Different Types of King Mattresses. https://www.directapplianceandtv.com/blog/explore-king-mattresses
6. Tom’s Guide. What is an Olympic queen mattress and should you buy one? https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/mattresses/what-is-an-olympic-queen-mattress
7. Custom Mattress. California Queen Size Mattress. https://custommattress.com/pages/california-queen-size-mattress?srsltid=AfmBOoqT83TYTlGbhYeWInyNlv_RwoaWA2d_dnqeIMjZJPDnEz8P2Q7x
8. Tom’s Guide. What is a split queen mattress and should you buy one? https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/mattresses/what-is-a-split-queen-mattress-and-should-you-buy-one
9. Home Guide. How much does a mattress cost? https://homeguide.com/costs/mattress-cost