Queen VS. California King – What’s The Difference?

When asked what furniture is the most needed at home, mostly everyone will not hesitate to say their bed. Some say that it is easy to do without a desk, a chair, or cabinets. Yet when it comes to the bed we may say that we can hardly imagine quality rest without having one. 

Most people spend at least half of every day at work or doing other activities. We only spend twelve or so hours at home, and at least eight of those hours we spend sleeping. Add reading a book before sleep, or watching a movie, and in total, we get ten hours or more spent on the surface of a mattress. That’s a lot of time! And it’s exactly why picking the right bed for your personal needs is crucial.

Materials and types of mattresses aside, choosing the right size is the first thing you should do. So let’s have a look at two popular mattress sizes to decide which one is right for you—queen-size or California king.

Queen Mattress

A queen-size bed is a winning solution for those seeking a comfortable option for one or two sleepers. These beds are popular and widely appreciated because of their practical size. You’ll often find them in guest rooms, teenagers’ rooms, and even master bedrooms. It’s big enough to fit two people comfortably or allow one person to have as much sleeping space as they need.

Size

Queen size beds offer adequate space for two people. Queen mattress dimensions are 60 x 80 inches. That’s 30 inches per person—plenty of space for the average sleeper. 

Another convenient aspect of a queen size bed is the possibility of storage underneath. This allows you to save space in your bedroom and have less additional furniture—ideal for living in a small and compact apartment.

Room Recommendation

The most significant thing when arranging your bedroom is to ensure you have enough space to move around comfortably. The rule of thumb is that you must leave at least two feet of space on all the three sides of your bed. 

Price

A price of a queen size bed varies from $300 to $1000 and more, depending on the mattress style, materials, and manufacturing. After deciding on mattress type (innerspring, latex, foam or hybrid) it is easier to count the approximate price of the purchase. Queen size bed’s bedsheets and other sleeping accessories are cheaper compared to other size beds and are widely available.

Pros & Cons

Pros of a queen size bed:

  • Less expensive than California king size bed
  • Fits a single sleeper spaciously
  • Can comfortably fit a couple
  • Leaves more space in the bedroom

Cons of a queen size bed:

  • It might be too narrow for some couples (such as heavy sleepers or restless sleepers)
  • Less sleeping space than California king size bed

Read more about the best queen size mattress.

California King Mattress

California king (also known as Western king) beds are best for those who need extra space at the foot of the bed. Those who are tall or who will be sharing their bed will find California king offers more than a sufficient amount of space. 

This type of bed is very popular and is a common alternative to standard king size bed. However, it can be more difficult to fit it in the room because it’s much longer. 

Size

California king-size beds are especially preferred by tall people. What’s more, they are noticeably bigger than Queen size beds. They are even 12 inches wider and 4 inches longer. 

California king mattress dimensions are 72 x 84 inches. You may wonder about the differences between king size and a California king size. Well, Cal kings are 4 inches longer and 4 inches narrower than a standard king.

Room Recommendation

California king beds fit best in larger rooms. A bedroom of 12 x 14 feet should be of sufficient size to fit a Cal king nicely. This is a luxurious option for those who have plenty of space in their bedroom. Cramming it into a smaller space will leave your bedroom feeling crowded and uncomfortable.

Price

Although the price may vary on a number of different factors, California kings are more expensive than queen size beds. What is more, California kings are not as common as other mattress sizes. That means, bedding accessories for this mattress size will be more difficult to find and, of course, will cost more. 

Pros & Cons

Pros of a California king size bed:

  • A lot of space for sleeping
  • Fits tall people perfectly
  • Can be shared with children and pets

Cons of a California king size bed: 

  • Costs more than a queen-size bed
  • More difficult to transport and set up
  • May be too large for small rooms

So is A Queen or California King size better?

As you can see, the main difference between a queen and a Cal king is their dimensions. Queen beds are shorter and fit better into smaller rooms, California king-size beds are only suitable for bigger rooms. 

When it comes to the price, a queen size bed is a more affordable option. But comfort is the most important when choosing a bed. So think—how many people are going to sleep in the bed on a daily basis? Do you have children who do not miss a chance to spend some time in your bed on Sunday mornings? Or maybe your kids sleep with you during nighttime too? Answers to these questions will allow you to realize what size bed is best suited for you.

Conclusion

The bed is clearly an investment that will provide you with quality rest for at least seven years. That is why you have to consider your choices carefully and think about many factors, such as room size, bed size, functionality, aesthetics, and others. But as mentioned above, think about what your requirements and preferences are. With that in mind, you’ll be able to pick a size that will accommodate your life.

This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.

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