Full VS. Queen – What’s The Difference?

All of us know that bad sleep can negatively impact our lives. Not getting proper rest can lead to decreased productivity, unstable moods and even serious health problems. That’s why choosing a correct mattress is more important than most people may realize.

A bed that’s not suited to your needs will not provide you with good quality sleep. But where should you start with so many options available on the market? Well, picking the right size is a great starting point in your research. After all, you want to make sure your mattress is big enough to accommodate your sleeping needs, yet compact enough to fit comfortably in your bedroom. 

The two sizes that are the most convenient in terms of sleeping space and placement in smaller bedrooms are full and queen. Both can fit two people well, although perhaps not as comfortably as king or California king. Both of these sizes are also a great choice for guest rooms and possibly even kids’ rooms. So let’s have a look at what makes them different.

Full Mattress

A full size bed is considered to be the smallest mattress suitable for a couple. It doesn’t require a lot of space and can still fit you and your partner too, although snugly. Full beds are also great for teenagers and guest rooms, as they provide plenty of space for a single sleeper. They are one size up from twin beds and come in a large variety of materials, types, and firmness options.

Size

The dimensions of a full mattress are 54 inches by 75 inches. It is a practically-sized bed that will comfortably fit in most rooms. A full bed is a great option for couples who have compact homes, as it doesn’t take up a lot of space—yet it still offers 27 inches of sleeping space per person, which can be enough if you’re not a restless or a heavy sleeper.

A full bed is also a great option for teenagers and kids as it provides plenty of space for a growing and developing body.

Room Recommendation 

Due to its practical size, a full bed will fit into most rooms. Any bedroom that’s 10 feet by 12 feet or bigger will allow enough space for some furniture and other accessories you may want. It is also recommended that you leave 2 feet of empty space around the bed for ease of movement. After all, sleeping in a cramped room should be the last thing you want.

Price

Full size beds are appreciated for their price as they are relatively budget-friendly. Bed frames, bedsheets, and other sleeping accessories are also cheaper compared to beds of a bigger size. A full size mattress can cost from around $100 to $1000 and more, depending on the brand, the type, and its materials.

Pros & Cons 

Pros of a full size mattress:

• Ideal for a single sleeper
• Can snuggly fit a couple
• More cost-effective compared to bigger sizes
• Cheaper and widely available bedsheets and other sleeping accessories
• Doesn’t require a large bedroom
• Easy to transport and set up

Cons of a full size mattress:

• Can be too narrow for heavy couples or sleepers that appreciate more space
• Can be too short for tall sleepers

Queen Mattress

A queen size mattress provides more sleeping space compared to a full size bed. They are wider and longer, which accommodates a larger variety of sleepers.

The great versatility and a cost-effective price are what make queen-sized mattresses the most commonly bought beds on the market. They are ideal for couples, teenagers, guest rooms, and pretty much any other sleeping-related accommodations.

Size

The dimensions of a queen size bed are 60 inches by 80 inches. It’s a relatively large bed that can comfortably fit two people. A bed of this size is also great for single sleepers that move around a lot at night or simply appreciate loads of sleeping space. And in the case a 60-inch width is not sufficient enough, you can always opt for the Olympic queen bed which is 6” wider.

Room Recommendation 

A bigger bed automatically requires a larger room. So to fit a queen size mattress comfortably your bedroom should be at least 10 feet by 14 feet or more. This will ensure the room doesn’t get cramped and there’s enough space for additional furniture and easy movement. 

Also, keep in mind that there should always be at least 2 feet of empty space around the edges of the bed. This will make getting in and out of it much easier and provide you with plenty of breathing space.

Price

The prices of queen size beds range from approximately $200 to $2000 and more. It all comes down to several factors, such as the type of the mattress, the materials it’s made from, and the brand. 

However, we don’t recommend going for the cheapest possible option as the price can reflect the quality. It’s best to make a slightly bigger investment and get the comfort you need.

Pros & Cons 

Pros of a queen size mattress:

• Ideal size for couples
• Suitable for tall sleepers
• Is widely available
• Comes with a large choice in bed frames, bed sheets, and other sleeping accessories
• More expensive but still cost-effective

Cons of a queen size mattress:

• Requires a larger room
• More difficult to transport and set up

If you decide to go with a queen bed, we prepared a nifty guide on the best queen-sized mattresses.

So is Full or Queen size better?

When choosing between a full size mattress and a queen size mattress think about your requirements. Will you be sharing your bed? What type of sleepers are you? How big is your bedroom? By answering these simple questions you’ll find out which option is better suited for you.

If you’re a heavy sleeper that likes to change positions during the night, go for the queen size. Same if you’ll be sharing your bed with a partner and will not want to feel cramped. But if your bedroom is rather small and you will be sleeping alone, then a full size mattress might be a better option for you.

Conclusion

A brief overview of both types of beds shows that the difference between queen size and a full size bed is 6 inches in width and 5 inches in length. This extra space can be great if that’s what you’re looking for. If extra space is not what you’re after, then simply go for the cheaper and smaller alternative.