Size Comparison Guide: King vs Queen Mattress

The choice between a King and Queen bed ultimately depends on needs and room size. See which mattress size is right for you.

Whether King or Queen of the household choosing a King bed vs Queen bed will depend on room size as well as the needs and wants of those sleeping on the mattress. Both size beds were invented and placed on the market at the same time. As master bedroom sizes increased, so did the size of the beds. Couples were given the pleasant options of sharing a larger bed without disturbing a sleeping mate. The difference between Queen and King mattress is merely width size.

I. Comparison Chart: King vs Queen Mattress

II. King Mattress: Pros & Cons

III. Queen Mattress: Pros & Cons

IV. Room Size Requirements

V. Comfort

VI. Cost

VII. Conclusion

I. Comparison Chart: King vs Queen Mattress

II. King Mattress: Pros & Cons

Stores began introducing the King in the 1940’s when it became commonplace to show two twin beds placed together as if one large bed. It was in the 1950’s when the King gained in popularity as a bed of choice for the master bedroom.

Pros

The King size bed is truly sized to fit two individuals as the bed is the size of two XL twin beds placed side by side. The extra 16 inches in width, then the Queen, allows for partners to truly have their own individual sleeping space. This wide bed also makes the perfect space for a family bed inviting in the children and pets for all to enjoy time together.

Cons

The wonderfully expansive King bed may be the perfect size for a couple and family, but the extra width may not fit well in a smaller room. Sixteen inches wider than a Queen may mean the difference of having to choose between a wider bed or fitting in a dresser.

III. Queen Mattress: Pros & Cons

The Queen is the perfect choice for those seeking a comfortable master bedroom bed but who do not have a huge bedroom to accommodate the larger King bed. Being 16 inches narrower in width than the King, but 6 inches wider than the full, the Queen size is a great compromise for those seeking a bed that presents a grand fit for sleeping and décor needs.

Pros

With the Queen size bed being the same grand length as the King it is made to give adults a comfortable sleep in which they can stretch out. Being 16 inches narrower in width than the King allows for a smaller master bedroom to have an adult sized bed that is designed to fit the room. The Queen-sized mattress comfortably fits couples sharing the bed along with a cat who may sneak in to cuddle.

Cons

For a larger couple the Queen may still lack in needed width that will allow the duo to move around without bothering the mate. More often though this is not an issue to worry about.

IV. Room Size Requirements

Like with any décor, you need to take the room size and needs into consideration before choosing to purchase between a King vs Queen bed. Measure the room and furniture, such as dressers, desks, night tables, etc., and then draw up a floor plan using a pencil or an app. Play around with the placement of furnishings making sure that you have at least two feet of space to walk around the bed.

Two feet is generally the minimum to have for space between the bed and walls or other furniture, although 3 feet will look the best for aesthetic purposes. You can even go smaller than 2 feet if it means getting in the size bed that you want is more important than the need to comfortably maneuver around the bed.

With the Queen bed being 60 inches wide by 80 inches long, adding 2 feet on either side and to the foot will require a minimum room size of 9 feet wide by 8 feet, 8 inches long. The room will have to be bigger to accommodate when adding additional furniture needs.

Adding 2 feet on either side and to the foot of the 76 inches wide by 80 inches long King bed, shows that you will need a room that is at least 10 feet, 4 inches by 8 feet, 8 inches. Note that for the addition of other furnishings the room will need to be even larger.

V. Comfort

Comfort is key when buying any sized bed. The King bed will provide added comfort for those sharing the bed to be able to have their own ideal space to move around in. For those who only have room for a Queen, it is grand enough in size to provide movable room for comfort as well.

Although one may like ultra-firm while the other wants a soft bed, it is very common that a universal firmness of a memory foam mattress will provide. Memory foam mattresses allow for the needed support and comfort level to please both sharing the bed. With mates having different firmness preferences the King allows for a split choice in bedding with each partner choosing an extra-long twin of their own preference level for their side of the bed.

VI. Cost

Kings beds are larger, therefore costing more than a Queen. Bedding and accessories for a King size bed will also be costlier. King sized pillows will cost more than Queen sized pillows and the wider King bed will require even more throw pillows if that is your décor of choice.

VII. Conclusion

The difference between Queen mattress and King mattress can be negligible for some but with the wider width of the King can mean a better sleep for others. The wider width of the King allowing for true individual space to sleep in can provide a better sleep for those fighting with a partner that moves around or snores. The Queen mattress though is the perfect size for those seeking a roomy bed for two but need to fit it into a smaller master bedroom.

Both sized beds are large and one needs to be aware of stairs and corridors when moving mattresses and foundations in. The memory foam mattresses are not only the most comfortable but also bend to fit around tight corners where traditional mattresses may not. For those in walk ups and unique spaces the bed-in-a-box memory foam is a wonderful choice for a large bed. These boxes can be moved easily right into the room ready to open to reveal your brand-new bed ready to make up for a peaceful sleep.