Bed sizes in the United States
It's often difficult to figure out what size bed and mattress is best for your family. For a bed with two people sleeping in it is it better to get a queen or a king? Is full too small? Why not a California king? Should you get a single or a single XL for your child?
What bed size is right for you?
Usually it's recommended to get the biggest size of bed for a particular room. However, we think it's important to use past experience to figure out which size bed to buy. In general people are more disappointed by getting a bed that is too small rather than too large.
It's important to leave at least 2 feet on all sides of the bed so that navigating your room is not too difficult. All doors and drawers near the location of your bed should also be measured to make sure they don't collide.
What bed size is right for your sleeping arrangement?
You should also keep in mind your sleeping arrangement and what is important for you when choosing your bed size. If you sleep with a partner regularly then perhaps getting a larger bed will be better for your sleeping habits. Likewise if you need more space as you sprawl out and sleep it makes senses to get a larger bed size.
However, if you like to sleep alone and would prefer more space in your room for activities, then we'd recommend getting a smaller bed. The decision of which bed size to buy is partly preference and we always recommend to get the size that fits your lifestyle.
What is the difference between bed and mattress size?
Any time a shop speaks of the size of the bed it is safe to assume it is actually the size of the mattress. The physical size of the bed frame will usually be slightly larger. For example a US queen size bed frame which is 60" x 80" accommodates a mattress of that size and the size of the bed frame is larger.
The dimensions of a bed also depend on the type of bed you buy. For example, a metal bed and a wooden bed for the same size mattress will have different dimensions.
When buying a bed and mattress, the bed size needs to be matched to the mattress size. You also need to make sure the bed frame is suitable for your bedroom.
What size is a Twin bed?
A twin sized bed in US is 39" x 75" and the twin XL bed is 39" x 8-"". They are usually good for children, young adults or adults with small sized rooms.
Shop our Twin Beds
What size is a Full bed?
Suitable for couples and adults who live in smaller flats or have smaller bedrooms. The mattress size required for beds of this size is 54" x 75". The european equivalent would be the 140cm x 190cm or the 140cm x 200cm and this bed is the same size as a UK Double Bed.
Shop our Full Beds
What size is a Queen bed?
The most popular size for couples and adults and preferred by people with larger rooms. The mattress size required for beds of this size is 60" x 80". An equivalent bed size to the queen bed in the UK is the UK King size mattress, which is 60" x 78". This size is not common in Europe and the equivalent size would be the 160cm x 200cm.
If you're a couple and have a doubt as to which size of bed to buy, it would usually be this size. Unless a queen size bed doesn't fit in your bed room, in which case go for a full bed.
Shop our Queen Beds
What size is a King sized bed?
A popular size with people who have extra large rooms and enjoy spending a lot of time in their bedrooms. The US King sized bed is 76" x 80".
Shop our King Size Beds
What size is a California King sized bed?
The largest mattress available in the US. This bed is slightly narrower than the king but is much longer. The US California King sized bed is 72" x 84".
Shop our California King Size BedsStandard US Bed Sizes
| Size | inches | |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 39" x 75" | Buy Twin Beds |
| Twin XL | 39" x 80" | Buy Twin XL Beds |
| Full | 54" x 75" | Buy Full Beds |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | Buy Queen Size Beds |
| King | 76" x 80" | Buy King Size Beds |
| California King | 72" x 84" | Buy California King Size Beds |
What is the biggest bed size in the world?
We have an blog on the biggest bed size in the world which is a very interesting read. For most people, the biggest bed size that you can buy with relative ease is an emperor bed, which is 78" x 78" or 200cm x 200cm.
What is the smallest bed size?
The smallest general bed size in the UK is the Small Single bed. You also have slightly smaller bed sizes for toddlers which are 70cm x 140cm.
