What Are the Dimensions of a Queen-Size Bed Frame?

Queen beds are synonymous with style, comfort, and luxury. However, if you’re thinking about purchasing one, there are some things you need to be aware of beforehand.

What types of queen-size beds are there? Who is a queen bed good for, and where can you get one? What are the dimensions of a queen-size bed frame, and what are some common types of bed frames that you should know about? In this queen bed dimensions guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know before bringing home your brand-new bed.

Queen Mattress and Bed Frame Dimensions

Queen bed frames vary in size. A standard queen-size mattress, however, measures 60” in width and 80” in length.

Naturally, the bed frame needs to be slightly larger, but there isn’t exactly a universal standard. In any case, a typical queen bed frame ranges between 62 and 65” in width, and between 82 and 85” in length. Features like ornate wood posts, built-in drawers, or other storage usually result in larger frame sizes.

At James+James, we create stunning solid wood queen bed frames, handcrafted in the Ozarks, and available to customize to your preference.

Queen-Size Bed Frame Variations

Within the queen category, there’s no one-size-fits-all. In fact, there are several distinct types of queen mattresses: Olympic queen bed frames, California queen bed frames, and short queen bed frames.

Olympic Queen Bed Frame Size

Olympic queen mattresses measure 66” in width and 80” in length. Not a massive departure from the standard queen, but it does give you half a foot of additional space side to side. If you’re sharing a bed with a partner, those 6” can make a serious difference.

An Olympic queen bed frame typically has dimensions between 68 and 71” wide, and 82 and 85” long, depending on the style you select.

California Queen Bed Frame Size

You’ve probably heard of a California king bed (either in the popular Rihanna song or simply in everyday life). The California queen mattress is its slightly less known little sister. Just like the California king, the California queen gives you four extra inches of length. Unlike the king, you won’t sacrifice any width—a Cali queen measures 60” by 84”.

A California queen bed frame, then, will measure approximately 62–65” wide and 86–89” long.

Short Queen Bed Frame Size

As the name promises, a short queen mattress is (about five inches) shorter than the standard queen-size: 60” wide and 75” long.

When it comes to short queen bed frame dimensions, the width most commonly ranges between 62 and 65”, while the length is typically between 77 and 80”.

Who is a Queen Bed Good For?

Within the family of queen beds, you’ll see widths between 60 and 66”, and lengths ranging from 75 to 84”. This makes them fairly versatile (not to mention popular). In fact, nearly half of all adults in the U.S. sleep in a queen bed,¹ so if you’re shopping for one, you’re in good company.

Each queen bed variation has a slightly different target audience:

• Olympic queen beds – Who are they good for? For one, restless sleepers who tend to change their position throughout the night, especially if they’re sharing their bed with a partner, pet, or child. In short, Olympic queen mattresses are for shoppers who like having their own personal sleeping area (but maybe don’t have the space or budget for a king).
• California queen beds – This is an excellent choice for tall individuals, especially those well over 6’. Mattress companies typically recommend a mattress size 6” longer than the tallest sleeper,² so with 7’ of length, a California queen gives you a little extra space to move and feel truly comfortable. And because the Cali queen doesn’t sacrifice width for extra length, they can easily accommodate two people.
• Short queen beds – If your bedroom isn’t super spacious (and you’re fairly short yourself), this might be the best choice. Measuring just over 6’ in length, you can comfortably enjoy a short queen at 5’ 8” and below. They're also a good fit for guest rooms, as well as dorms, studio apartments, campers, and RVs. (In fact, they can also be referred to as RV short queens.)

No matter which type of queen-size mattress you choose, you need a bed frame to go along with it. This is where the decision becomes a little more complicated, but way more exciting. Bed frames come in various shapes, sizes, designs, and materials, so you can find a model that suits your style and size requirements.

Does the queen-size bed not sound like the right fit for you? Check out our blog to learn about king-size bed frame dimensions, full-size bed frame dimensions, and twin-size bed frame dimensions for more.

Common Types of Bed Frames

Here are a few of the most common bed frame styles, and why you might choose each one as your bedroom’s centerpiece.

Platform Bed Frames

Platform bed frames are strong, sturdy, and minimalist. With a platform bed frame, you don’t need box springs or a separate mattress foundation, since they’re usually made of solid wood and metal. This typically makes them more affordable, too.

Platform bed frames are a very versatile choice, but they tend to have a low profile. If you experience any pain or mobility issues getting in and out of bed, you might opt for a frame that puts your mattress right around sitting height—a few inches above the knee, when standing.

Panel Bed Frames

Panel bed frames support box springs and mattresses on metal bars or wooden slats.

You can find panel bed frames in countless designs, so they’re easy to match with your existing aesthetic. Keep in mind that panel bed frames do require a box spring, which is an additional expense; however, box springs preserve the life of your mattress.

Sleigh Bed Frames

Sleigh bed frames have a curved headboard and footboard resembling—you guessed it—a sleigh. These bed frames are well-suited for a primary bedroom, and can inject any space with a healthy dose of elegance and style.

People who prefer a more classic look might appreciate the timeless appeal of sleigh bed frames. More than their looks, they also happen to be both sturdy and functional.

Adjustable Bed Frames

Adjustable bed frames are by far the best option for people with limited mobility, and those with health issues that impact their sleep and comfort.

With an adjustable bed frame, you can lift the head, foot, or both ends of the bed to find your perfectly comfortable sleeping position. Modern adjustable bed frames are not adjusted manually, but rather with remote control or through smartphone apps. For this reason, they tend to be more expensive than traditional bed frames, but the added functionality is worth it for many people.

Four-Poster Bed Frames

Vintage. Elegant. An instant classic in your primary bedroom. These are called four-poster bed frames, or pillar beds. You might see this style of frame with translucent curtains, offering a little extra privacy—not to mention beauty—to the bedroom space.

Four-poster bed frames look and feel luxurious, which is generally reflected in the price. If conserving space is your top priority, they may not be the ideal choice, but if your bedroom is spacious, they can serve as a fantastic centerpiece that’s comfortable in equal measure.

Storage Bed Frames

As the name suggests, these bed frames feature drawers and compartments that are located beneath the bed. You can store extra bedding, pillows, clothes, you name it. They tend to be heavier (and sometimes larger) and aren’t the most budget-friendly option available, but they offer unmatched convenience.

Some storage beds also feature shelving as part of the headboard—perfect for books and knick knacks, plus it doubles as a nightstand. While the total size of the frame might be larger than a platform or panel bed, if you can forgo additional pieces of bedroom furniture (not just a nightstand, but a dresser, too), you’ll come out net-positive in the space-saving department.

Trundle Bed Frames

Trundle bed frames are a two-in-one solution—literally, since they combine a queen-size mattress with a second, smaller bed, like a twin or full.

With trundle bed frames, the smaller mattress is tucked away underneath the queen-size mattress. You can quickly pull it out (they’re usually on wheels) when you have a guest in town or your child has a friend over for a sleepover. Then, you can conveniently push it back in to keep your space open and tidy.

They’re also great for siblings sharing a small room. When closed up, they take up the same amount of space as a single bed or bunk bed, but can typically accommodate larger mattress sizes than a bunk bed (your oldest child will thank you profusely for giving them a queen bed).

Explore Wood Queen Bed Frames from James+James

What comes to mind when you think of a good night's sleep? We imagine that glorious feeling of sinking into a large, cozy bed with fresh bedding and sheets. No matter how large and comfortable your mattress is, it needs proper support for stability and structure. In other words, it needs a good bed frame (ideally, one that fits your bedroom and elevates its aesthetic appeal).

At James+James, we’re dedicated to crafting high-quality, real wood bed frames. Our growing team of dedicated furniture makers is fully dedicated to crafting gorgeous, durable pieces.

To learn more, explore our selection of custom bed frames today.

Sources:

1. Statista. How wide is the bed you mainly sleep on at home? https://www.statista.com/statistics/673201/mattress-size-among-us-adults-by-age-group/
2. NCOA. Guide to Mattress Sizes and Dimensions. https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/sleep/mattress-sizes/