Queen vs King (2021) – Do You Really Need A Bigger Bed?
Buying a mattress is already difficult as it is with so many choices available on the market, but what about when it comes down to choosing the size? Sure, this one might be bigger, but will it be the right fit for your bedroom? Here we take a look at these two types of bed sizes and to discuss their benefits and drawbacks.
The King also known as Eastern king beds and Queen-sized mattress differ in width but not in length. A king size mattress offers ample room (check out the best king size mattresses here)for stretching while a queen size bed is better suited for smaller rooms. However, the upfront and long-term costs of owning and maintaining a king-size bed will also be higher than those of a queen bed.
Below is a summary table of comparison of the King vs Queen mattress
| Queen | King | |
| Width | 60 inches | 76 inches |
| Length | 80 inches | 80 inches |
| Personal Width | 30 inches | 38 inches |
| Cost | With the smaller size, the Queen bed is a bit less expensive than the King | The King is larger therefore its bedding and mattress are naturally costlier than the Queen size. |
| Pros |
More space in the bedroom Less expensive Easier to move around Closer to your partner |
Plenty of sleeping space Balance larger rooms |
| Cons |
Smaller sleeping space Throws the balance off in larger rooms |
More costly Harder to fit into smaller rooms More difficult to move |
Now that we’ve cleared things up on the physical front, let’s now look at how these will affect our sleep quality.
Queen Sized Bed
Size & Space
In all honesty, the queen bed has much less sleeping space to offer as compared to the king. The width is a little bit too narrow to comfortably stretch out. But if you and your partner are the type of couple that love to cuddle, then you’ll find the queen-sized bed just perfect with its smaller width.
A queen bed is also an ideal solution for guest rooms or smaller master bedrooms. Its compact size works wonders at saving space, leaving more room for furnishings and walking space. The only other issue with the queen’s dimensions is that it would likely throw off the balance of a large master bedroom which can make decorating very difficult.
Price
Due to its smaller stature, the Queen bed is much more affordable than a King. So, if you’re on a tight budget, a queen is definitely the way to go. On top of that, you’ll even find that accessories and bedding are much easier to find. In fact, they’re also much cheaper as well! If you walk into your local retail store or check online, you’ll find plenty of variety of bedding accessories for the Queen at a much lower price than the King.
Ease of Movement
Since the Queen bed is smaller, they are going to weigh less which makes it much easier to transport around. This is a good option for those who love to redecorate their rooms often. If you have a Queen bed, you can easily move the mattress around by yourself – a task that’s more challenging with a King.
Recommended Room Size
This is an important factor that you would also need to account for. The general rule of thumb is that you need at least 2 feet on all three sides of the room a comfortable walking space. The minimum room dimension to fit a queen-sized bed is 9 ft x 12 ft to allow enough room for maneuvering around the sides without feeling too crowded.
King Sized Bed
Size & Space
The King-sized bed gives couples with enough space to move around in their own personal sleeping zone. This is a great option if you have a partner that tends to drift into the center and hog the entire bed. Measuring up at 76 in x 80 in, the King has the same length as the Queen but with 16 more inches sleeping room.
When it comes to bedroom space, it definitely does take up more of it than the Queen. This large bed does not fit well in smaller rooms, especially those that are narrow. The great thing about them, however, is that they perfectly balance out a large master bedroom. It is the ideal centerpiece to create a beautiful balance that you usually will not be able to achieve with smaller beds.
Price
Unfortunately, due to the larger size, the King bed is going to cost you more than a Queen would. The cost of bedding and accessories are also going to cost much more than those for a Queen. However, if you’re not restricted by budget, this would be a fantastic and comfortable option to go for.
Ease of Movement
Moving a King bed around is a chore! The King is most definitely much larger and heavier, which makes it harder to transport. It is bigger, bulkier, and there is more material stuffed in there to make this a two-person job – You’re not likely going to be able to handle this alone. However, if you’re the type that does not redecorate rooms often, this should not be an issue for you since you’re not required to move it around as often.
Recommended Room Size
This is an important factor that you would also need to account for. The general rule of thumb is that you need at least 2 feet on all three sides of the room a comfortable walking space. The minimum room dimension to fit a king-sized bed is 10 ft x 12 ft to allow enough room for maneuvering around the sides without feeling too crowded.
Final Verdict
While both sizes come with their own pros and cons, it really boils down to what you want in terms of space. The Queen is the best option if you’re on a budget or have a smaller bedroom space. This size is also one of the most common bed in most homes today as it offers comfortable sleeping space without taking much room.
On the other hand, the King offers a great sleeping space, but it does become a nuisance to move around. It costs more and takes up a whole lot of walking room. With all consideration, personally, I’d feel more comfortable with the Queen-sized bed.
How to Decide Which to Get?
As demonstrated by the discussion above, the King mattress is significantly larger in width and overall footprint. While Queen mattresses do offer some room to sleep on, they’re not as comfortable as the King. So, how do you decide on which to purchase?
Space
First off, you’ll need to start being factual. Can a King physically fit into your bedroom?
If the answer is no, then your decision should be clear-cut and to go with the Queen.
If the answer is yes, then you’ll need t start being practical. Consider a few other questions below about the nature of the fit:
- Will your bedroom feel cramped?
- Will it obstruct the ability to open doors to the bedroom, bathroom, and/or the closet?
- Will you be able to move around the bed comfortably or does it just take up all available space?
You should always keep in mind that outfitting a bedroom usually involves much more than just a mattress. You’ll need to think about your furniture and other decorative items such as nightstands, dressers, desks, chairs, and floor lamps. These are important furniture in your bedroom that adds comfort, style, and functionality into your bedroom, so it may not be worth getting the King if it means you’re not able to comfortably fit these in your bedroom.
Budget
If you have a firm budget, it’ll make things much easier to decide on your new mattress size. While King mattresses generally cost more than Queens, it is not always the case. For example, you may find that your budget is enough for you to purchase a Queen from a premium manufacturer that has the design and features you want or a King bed from a cheaper brand. In this situation, you’ll need to think hard whether the size of the mattress of the construction is more important for you.
As a general rule, Queen beds are a better choice if you’re tight on budget. If you have the funds to spare, it’s nicer to upgrade to a King by accepting the higher cost associated.
Bed Occupants
Now you’ll need to check who actually sleeps on your bed. If you frequently share your bed with children and pets, then it is obviously beneficial for you to get a King. But if children or pets are only sleeping with you once every while, or if they don’t actually interfere much on your ability to get a good rest, you may be able to save the money and opt for the Queen.
Personal Space
If you prefer to have your own personal space, it is better to get a King, so you won’t have to fight for room with your partner. If you’re frequently woken up by your partner, a King-sized bed acts as a great buffer to ensure your sleep is free of disruption.
Additionally, if you tend to sleep hot, a King can give you much more breathing space. Alternatively, you could consider getting a mattress that resists heat buildup or get a set of cooling bed sheets.
If personal space is not a concern and you love cuddling your partner, it is good to go for the Queen-sized bed that feels much cozier. The Queen also fits into smaller rooms much better without much sacrifice on comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much bigger is a King than Queen?
The King bed has the same length as the Queen but in terms of width, it is 16 inches wider to offer more sleeping space.
Is the Queen bed too small for couples?
Queen beds are suited for both couples and individuals. Each couple will get about 30 inches of space to themselves on the Queen. Due to its versatility to fit both couples and individuals, the Queen is also the most popular mattress size today.
Who should sleep on the King-sized bed?
Couples will enjoy the added width of King beds which allow each individual to have the same amount of space they could have sleeping on a twin-size mattress. This is also a good option if your children or pets tend to climb into bed with you often.
About the Author Jessica Larsen
I am a big advocate that having great sleep is something everyone deserves. With over 10 years of experience in this field, I would love to use this platform as a means to help you achieve a good night's sleep.
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