Choosing the right mattress size is important for getting a good night’s sleep. When you’re comfortable, you sleep better. When you sleep better, you feel better! Plus, you need to make sure your mattress fits comfortably in your bedroom without crowding the space.
What’s the right mattress size for you? In this article, we’ll provide a head-to-toe comparison of full vs. queen size mattresses to help you decide. We’ll break down key factors like dimensions, comfort, cost, and how much space each mattress will take up in your room.
Understanding Full Size Mattresses
Let’s take a closer look at full size mattresses. What are their dimensions? What are the pros and cons of choosing a full size mattress?
Dimensions and Size
Full size mattresses, also known as double beds, measure 54 inches wide by 75 inches long.
Pros of a Full Size Mattress
- Full mattresses are generally more affordable than queen mattresses.
- Because they’re smaller, they’re easier to move and maneuver.
- Their compact size makes them a good fit for smaller rooms and apartments.
- Full mattresses are often a good choice for teenagers, single adults, and guest rooms.
Cons of a Full Size Mattress
- Full mattresses aren’t a great choice for couples.
- Taller people may find a full mattress too short.
- Compared to a queen mattress, a full mattress gives you less personal space.
Understanding Queen Size Mattresses
Queen-size mattresses are a popular choice for many adults. Here’s what you need to know about them:
Dimensions and Size
A queen mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. That makes it 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a full-size mattress.
Pros of a Queen Size Mattress
- They’re suitable for single adults and couples.
- They offer more personal space than a full-size mattress.
- They’re a popular choice for adults; in fact, 47% of American adults sleep on a queen bed.
- They’re a good fit for master bedrooms and larger guest rooms.
Cons of a Queen Size Mattress
- They’re more expensive than full mattresses.
- They’re harder to move because they’re bigger and heavier.
- They require a larger room to avoid feeling cramped.
A queen-size mattress is a good option for single sleepers who like to spread out, and for couples who want more sleeping space than a full bed allows.
Full vs. Queen: Dimensions and Comfort
The critical difference between full and queen mattresses is size. A queen mattress is six inches wider and five inches longer than a full. That might not sound like a lot, but it makes a big difference in comfort.
On a full-size mattress, each person gets 27 inches of personal width. On a queen, you get 30 inches. Three inches might not sound like much, but it can make a difference, especially if you sleep with a partner.
For single sleepers, a full can be ideal. But couples often prefer the extra space a queen offers. If you’re tall or tend to sprawl when you sleep, a queen can be a better choice, even if you sleep alone.
Full vs. Queen: What will it cost you?
Generally, you can expect to pay less for a full-size mattress than a queen. But how much less?
A decent full-size mattress will likely cost you somewhere between $700 and $1,000, though you can find them for as little as $250 or as much as $2,500.
For a comfortable queen-size mattress, budget up to $1,500. Queen mattresses can range from $300 to $5,000 depending on the brand, materials, and construction.
Keep in mind that you’ll also need to purchase accessories like sheets and a bed frame. Queen-size sheets and frames usually cost a bit more than those for a full bed.
Full vs. Queen: How Much Room Do You Need?
Before you decide on a mattress size, measure your bedroom! You’ll want to make sure you have enough space to move around comfortably.
As a general rule, you’ll want a room that’s at least 10 feet by 12 feet for a full-size mattress. For a queen, you’ll need a bit more space – at least 10 feet by 14 feet.
Keep in mind that these are just minimums. You also need to account for other furniture, like dressers and nightstands. It can be helpful to use a floor plan or even a room-planning app to visualize how everything will fit.
Other mattress sizes: A quick overview
While we’re comparing full, queen, and queen-sized mattresses, it’s worth mentioning the other common sizes you’ll find when you’re shopping.
- Twin size: At 38 inches x 75 inches, a twin is usually the best choice for kids’ rooms and smaller spaces.
- Twin XL size: A twin XL (38 inches x 80 inches) is good for taller kids and adults in smaller rooms.
- King size: At 76 inches x 80 inches, a king-sized mattress is great for couples who want a lot of personal space.
- California king size: A California king (72 inches x 84 inches) is good for taller people and larger master bedrooms.
If you’re still unsure which size is right for you, consider measuring your bedroom and thinking about how much space you want to have around your bed.
Mattress Thickness: What to Consider
Mattress thickness is how tall your mattress is. It affects how comfortable and supportive a mattress feels. Thicker mattresses often provide more cushioning and support, while thinner mattresses can feel firmer.
Mattresses typically range from 8 to 14 inches thick. Lightweight sleepers and stomach sleepers might prefer thinner mattresses. Heavier people and side sleepers usually benefit from thicker mattresses, which offer more support and pressure relief.
Keep in mind that thickness has nothing to do with the size of the bed, whether it’s a full or queen.
Common questions about full vs. queen mattresses
If you’re shopping for a mattress, you probably have a few questions about the different sizes.
Is there a difference between a full and a double mattress?
Nope. Full and double are just two different names for the same size of mattress.
Are full or queen mattresses better for couples?
Queen mattresses are generally better for couples. A full mattress only gives each person about 27 inches of space, which isn’t ideal. If you sleep with a partner, you’ll probably want to upgrade to a queen.
Can you put a queen mattress on a full frame?
No, a queen mattress is too big for a full-size bed frame.
Are full and queen sheets the same?
No, you’ll need to buy sheets that are specifically made for the size of your mattress.
Will a full mattress fit a queen frame?
No, a full mattress is too small to fit a queen-size bed frame. You’ll have a lot of extra space around the edges of the mattress, and your bedding won’t fit properly.
The Bottom Line
So, what’s the difference between a full and queen mattress? It comes down to size, price, and what you need the bed for. A queen is bigger and pricier, and it’s a good option for couples and guest rooms. A full is smaller and more affordable, which is ideal if you’re single, have limited space, or want to save some money.
Ultimately, the best mattress is the one that fits your space, your budget, and your sleep style. It’s the one that gives you the most comfortable and supportive sleep possible.