Besides the overall texture and feel, another crucial aspect of your mattress should influence your choice—the size. Getting the right mattress size is one of the essential determinants of achieving a good night’s sleep. When shopping for a new mattress, selecting the correct size from so many options can be a bit daunting, considering the minute differences in dimensions between the different sizes.
Mattress Sizes
The first thing you want to keep in mind during the decision-making process is your bedroom size and budget. To help you choose the most fitting mattress, we will review the different mattress sizes available and the recommended room size for each of them. For most homes, a queen mattress size (60” x 80”) is the most common option. However, many people opt for smaller sizes such as the full-size mattress (54” x 75”) or larger Cali king mattresses (76” x 80”).
Twin Mattress Size
Dimensions: 39″ X 75″
Overview
Twin mattresses also referred to as single mattresses, are slender in size, making them easy to fit in shared kids’ bedrooms or stacked like bunk beds. Twin beds are ideal for most kids to sleep on through childhood and are easy to move around.
Most suitable for:
Twin mattresses are ideal for single sleepers from small kids and teens to young adults shorter than six feet.
Twin XL Mattress Size:
Dimensions: Approximately 39″ X 80″
Overview
Standard size at college dorm rooms, a twin XL mattress provides campus students enough space to stretch out. Still, it doesn’t offer any more width than a traditional twin-size mattress.
Most suitable for:
Twin XL mattresses are ideal for taller kids and students living in college dorms.
Full Mattress Size
Dimensions: Approximately 54″ X 75″
Overview
Full-size mattresses offer a good trade-off between a twin and queen-size bed. A full mattress size provides a fair amount of space for solo sleepers and is a perfect size option for a guestroom.
Most suitable for:
Full-size mattresses are ideal for young adults who have outgrown their twin beds and people who have small studios looking for a low-cost option.
Queen Mattress Size
Dimensions: Approximately 60″ X 80″
Overview
Queen size mattress dimensions are the most common because they are perhaps the most fitting size. Queen mattresses offer sleepers ample space to sleep snugly while still fitting in smaller apartments.
Most suitable for:
Queen mattresses are ideal for adult couples or solo sleepers looking for a mattress they won’t outgrow but that is not as wide as a king bed.
King Mattress Size
Dimensions: Approximately 76″ X 80″
Overview
Offering more than enough space, king mattresses give sleepers (couples) the equivalent of a twin XL size to themselves. King-size beds are broader but shorter than Cali king-size mattresses.
Most suitable for:
King-size beds are perfect for couples or solo sleepers who fancy plenty of sleeping space. Ideal for people with big pets or young children. Most master bedrooms can hold a king-size bed.
California King Mattress Size
Dimensions: Approximately 72″ X 84″
Overview
California king-size mattresses take about four inches of width from a standard king-size bed and supplement it to their overall length. If your feet keep hanging off the edge of a king-size mattress, a Cali king bed will provide you with the extra length you need and still have more breadth than a queen-size bed.
Most suitable for:
Taller sleepers ( six feet +) who need a larger mattress to sleep comfortably.
Other Factors That May Influence Your Choice
Getting the right mattress is a long-term investment in your well-being, and there are some things to consider. While almost all mattress materials (memory foam, latex, hybrids) are available in all sizes, factors like your room’s size must be considered before committing to the size.
Who Will Be Using the Mattress
The sleeper is one of the most important factors to be considered while deciding on the perfect mattress size. Suppose you are a solo sleeper who does not share a bed with anyone. In that case, you can eliminate king and California king mattresses from your search— a queen or full XL bed would likely be appropriate for your situation.
However, if you usually share your space with a partner or child, opt for a queen or king. A California king might be too extra for your particular situation. If you and your partner like to have your children sleep with you, a king or California king would be better fitting.
Size of the Room
Bear in mind that your bedroom is not just your bed. Your bedroom is your sanctuary, where you rest and rejuvenate after long days in the chaotic world outside. That being said, you’ll need to leave room for movement and other furnishings. A massive bed in a small, congested room is not an ideal recommendation.
Location of Your Bedroom
Moving a king or California king-size mattress is challenging, so if you’re planning on buying one of those, be mindful of your room’s location in the house. If your bedroom is on the second floor, consider the stairways’ width and how daunting it might be to get the mattress to the second floor. Bed in a box mattresses are common solutions to this dilemma, but some beds can still be challenging to manage.
Takeaway
Just as the type of mattress and firmness you choose play a part in your comfort, getting the right size mattress is just as important. Space is crucial to optimize your sleep’s comfort level – not just the bed’s length but also the aesthetics of space in your room. Getting the right mattress size includes finding the balance between your particular needs, your room size, as well as the budget. Further reading:
22 Replies to “Your Guide to Bed Sizes”