How Big Is A King Size Mattress?
Sharing a small mattress with someone can come with big problems. While it is possible to share a full size or twin size mattress with a partner, it can become uncomfortable and lead to fights for the blanket, snoring, tossing and turning. You are quick to discover that you are struggling to fall asleep at night and you no longer wake up feeling well-rested. It is time to find better sleep for you and a partner, which means it is time for a larger, king size mattress.
What Is A King Size Mattress?
Although there are several variants, a standard king size mattress is 76 inches by 80 inches, measuring 16 inches wider than a queen size mattress. A standard king size also measures the same as two twin XL mattresses pushed together (also known as a split king). As you consider a traditional king size mattress versus a split king, consider who will be sleeping on the bed and how each sleeper’s sleep needs may differ. Split king mattresses are a great option for couples looking customize their sleep setup to meet two different sleep needs.
History Of The King Size Bed
Until around the 1940s, Americans usually slept on twin or full size mattresses. It was not until the mattress industry introduced the king and queen size mattresses that larger mattresses became more popular. King and queen sizes started gaining popularity in the 1950s, due in part to younger generations of Americans growing taller than previous generations. By the 1960’s, the king and queen size mattress were even more popular. Oversized mattresses are still popular today thanks to the extra space they provide and the high quality sleep that comes with it.
King Size Mattress Variants
California King
A California king measures 72 inches by 84 inches, making it 4 inches narrower and 4 inches longer than a standard king size mattress. Being that it measures longer, the California king is a great option for taller sleepers or sleepers who share the foot of their bed with furry friends.
Texas King
The Texas king is much larger than both a king and a California king size mattress. At a sizeable 80 inches by 98 inches, it has plenty of room for tall sleepers to stretch out. However, its size means it will be too large for most bedrooms.
Alaskan King
An Alaskan king mattress is the largest mattress on the market and comes in at a whopping 108 inches by 108 inches, or 9 feet by 9 feet. Being so large, this mattress offers plenty of room for the whole family, but you will want to have an extra-large bedroom to accommodate it. The Alaskan king size mattress will require some additional research to find a bed frame and bed linens to fit. More often than not, an Alaskan king mattress is purchased through a custom or specialty dealer rather than a traditional mattress outlet.
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How to Maximize Bedroom Space with a King Size Mattress
Since standard king size mattresses and California kings are some of the biggest mattresses on the market, it is important to make sure you have enough room for an oversized mattress before you order. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that you have two feet of space on both sides and at the foot of the bed to leave room for any bedroom accessories and making the bed. The smallest room size that would comfortably accommodate either a standard king size or California king bed measures 10 feet by 12 feet in dimensions. We generally recommend placing king size mattresses in the center of the longest wall in your room. This arrangement provides access to both sides of the bed, and should allow access to closets or doors on the walls in your room. For extra storage space, you may want to use a platform bed frame, so you can store bins or other odds and ends underneath. Ditch items in your bedroom that you don’t use or make your room feel too cluttered.
Below we list several other common bedroom layouts and how you can maximize the amount of space in each with a king size bed:
Square Bedrooms
Square bedrooms can be one of the easiest layouts to work with. A king bed should fit comfortably in a square bedroom as long as it is large enough. One way to maximize space with a king size mattress in a smaller square room is to substitute a bedside table with a chest of drawers. Using a chest of drawers versus a nightstand will provide additional bedroom storage, while leaving enough space for the bed and additional furniture on the other side of the room.
Rectangular Bedrooms
A rectangular bedroom tends to work well for larger bed sizes, such as queen and king size beds. Having a long and narrow bedroom gives you two zones: one zone for sleeping, which is where your mattress will live, and another zone for storage, dressing, working, which is where all other bedroom furniture, such as dressers or desks, will be located.
L-Shaped Bedrooms
When putting a king size bed in an L-shaped room, it is recommended to find the long wall in your room and arrange your furniture as if it were arranging a square bedroom. Place your bed in the center of the longest wall with your night stands on either side. The smaller end of the L is where you can maximize storage with your other furniture.
Uniquely-Shaped Bedrooms
Bedrooms that have a non-traditional shape can be harder to work with, regardless of your mattress size. A room with multiple doors will make placing a king mattress more difficult because you will generally have less wall space. In unique spaces, we recommend keeping the amount of furniture to a minimum and being creative with the space in order to fit a king size, or any oversized mattress. In order to keep any room from feeling overcrowded, it is important to keep the flow of the room in mind.
Does BedInABox® Sell A King Size Mattress?
Yes! All of our mattresses are available in a king size. We have six different mattress models that are designed to meet different sleep needs and preferences. For sleepers who want a split king for an adjustable bed frame, we offer five of our mattresses in twin xl sizes to pair with our MotionInABox™ adjustable base. We also offer five of our mattresses in California king sizes, so that taller sleepers have plenty of options, too!
BedInABox® is here to solve your sleep problems, including those that stem from sharing a small mattress. An oversized mattress, such as a king size or California king, is often a simple solution for your sleep woes. So if you or partner have trouble sleeping because you are sharing a smaller bed, it may be time to consider a mattress upgrade. Our newly introduced Starter Bundle, which includes 1 BedInABox® mattress of your choice and 1 Clever Connect™ foundation, can save you up to $893 and gives you everything you need to start getting better sleep.
