What's Included in This Guide
Introduction
When choosing the right mattress for your bedroom, there are certain things you'll want to consider, such as the firmness, the material, and the feel. However, before that, you should consider the mattress size that you need.
If you've never shopped for a mattress before, the different sizes can seem a little overwhelming at first, so we've put together this useful guide to help you find the right mattress size for your needs, ensuring a comfortable, rested sleep no matter what your sleeping style or budget.
Understanding The Different Mattress Sizes Available
When shopping for a new mattress, the sizes you'll come across are twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. The size you choose will very much depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Below you'll see a detailed breakdown of each mattress size, including the dimensions so that you know exactly which size you need.
Note: due to varying differences in how mattresses are made, these are approximate measurements and each finished product will vary within an acceptable tolerance as determined by the manufacturer.
Choose The Right Mattress Size in 6 Easy Steps
Choosing a new mattress can sometimes feel quite daunting, but it doesn't have to be. It's not exactly a frequent purchase, so while you might not know what you're looking for, we've done all the work for you.
Even if you're not sure what you need, the chances are, we have a pretty good idea, and are here to help you every step of the way! Or in 6 easy steps to be exact.
Room Size and Layout
When thinking about the mattress size you'd like to buy, it's important to consider the size and the layout of your bedroom.
For example, to comfortably fit a king size mattress, your room should be at least 12 ft by 10 ft.
As a good rule of thumb, you should leave approximately 30" around the bed so you have enough space to move and prevent the room from appearing cramped.
If you're thinking of a queen mattress, then it's recommended that your room is at least 9.6 ft by 10 ft.
You should also consider how much floor space you like to have for walking around the room, as well as how large your existing furniture is and if everything will fit in the available space.
Sleeping Habits
When it comes to sleep habits and preferences, everyone is different, so it's important to take this into consideration when choosing the right mattress size.
If you're the type who loves to stretch out in bed or tend to move around a lot during the night, a queen or king size mattress is a good choice. A full size mattress might work well as a compromise if you don't have the room space for one of the larger bed sizes.
The other thing to consider is whether you're sharing the bed or not. If sharing with a partner, then you might still appreciate your own space during the night, making the queen and king sizes, or even the California king mattress a good option.
For those who prefer a little more closeness during the night without feeling cramped, the full size mattress is a good middle ground.
Mattress Users
Another important factor in choosing the right mattress size is thinking about who's actually going to be sleeping on it. Is this a mattress for your own bedroom, your child's room, or for the guest room?
If it's for your own use, then you'll likely have some kind of idea of what you're looking for in terms of size, firmness, and feel. So it's really just about considering things like the space you have available and your own preferences and sleeping habits.
A twin mattress generally works for most children up to their teen years, so it's a good choice for a mattress that will last as they grow and also not take up too much space. You could also opt for a twin XL mattress that adds 5" to the length of a twin, or if they're a little older and have a bigger room that would potentially look too bare with a smaller mattress.
Choosing a mattress for a guest bedroom is a little more tricky because everyone's sleeping habits are so different. Though, it's important that you don't get too overwhelmed here, because you can't possibly accommodate everyone's needs, and most people are not going to be negatively affected by sleeping on a mattress for a few nights that's not the same as the one they have at home.
If you typically have the same few guests to stay, such as your parents or siblings, then it's a little easier to choose something that's comfortable for them. For example, if one of your siblings is really tall, then good options could be a queen mattress or king mattress. Or you might have a parent who is on their own and would be more comfortable with a twin mattress or a full size mattress.
The other things to consider when choosing a mattress for a guest bedroom is how often you have guests and if the room is used for other purposes, such as an office or for your hobbies.
At Rested Pillow, we have a mattress to suit every size and budget, so even if you don't find what you need on our website or at our showroom, we'll personally help you find it.
Long-term Considerations
A new mattress isn't something you're going to buy frequently, so you want it to grow with you and be adaptable to your needs as they change rather than simply what suits you right now.
If you're planning to start a family soon, or would like to get a dog in the future, then the larger mattress sizes such as a king or California king mattress are both great options that offer plenty of space for everyone as your family grows.
Whether it's one of the kids having a bad dream, or Sunday morning snuggles with the whole family, a larger mattress certainly makes things easier.
Room Functionality
Nowadays it's pretty common for bedrooms to double up as an office space, a place to workout, or even just a place to go and relax after a long day, so you probably don't want a bedroom that can only fit a bed and not much else because you've chosen a mattress that's too big for the space.
Before buying a new mattress, think about how you use your room and the amount of space you'd realistically like to have left over once your bed and mattress are in there.
Many bedrooms can comfortably fit a queen size mattress with a good amount of space left to be used for anything else.
Budget Planning
Although buying a quality mattress isn't going to be cheap, it's not something that needs to break the bank either, and a more expensive mattress doesn't necessarily mean a better quality mattress.
When it comes to finding the right mattress, it's important to find something that will really boost the quality of your sleep and that will last you a long time.
Once you've gone through the above steps and determined things like how much space you have available for your mattress, your sleeping habits, and your lifestyle, then you'll be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for and narrow down your options.
You can then start looking at the prices of mattresses and set yourself a budget that feels right for you.
If you're still not sure what mattress size you need or what's going to be most suitable for you, we're here to help.
Call or text us at 269-982-1188 or take our Sleep Match Quiz.
Take the Sleep Match Quiz today and let us help you find the last mattress you may ever buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I consider the bed frame when choosing a mattress size?
Yes, your bed frame is an important thing to consider when choosing the mattress size. Your bed frame should either be the exact same size or just slightly bigger than your mattress to make sure it fits properly.
If a mattress is too small for the frame, it will move around, and if it's too big, it will hang over the edge. In both cases, this can cause the mattress to wear down over time, and it's certainly not going to result in a good night's sleep.
If you already have a bed that you love and don't want to part with, then this will impact the mattress size you can choose. For example, if your current furniture is a queen size, then a king size mattress wouldn't be suitable.
How does room layout affect mattress size choice?
You should always take the size and layout of your bedroom into consideration when deciding which size mattress to buy. It's important to leave yourself with enough space for other furniture or items in your room, plus some space to move around.
If the bed size and mattress you choose are too big, then the room will be cramped and uncomfortable. If it's too small compared to your room, then it may feel bare and unwelcoming.
How can I maximize space with a larger mattress?
If you have a smaller room, but prefer a larger mattress, there are still ways to maximize the space you have without feeling cramped. One of the best ways to do this is declutter as much as possible and get rid of anything that you no longer need, use, or want.
You can also find lots of great storage solutions, such as under-bed storage and wall storage that allow you to keep your most important items for when you need them, but still keep your bedroom clean, cozy, and tidy.
How does my sleep position affect mattress size choice?
The position you sleep in and how much you move around during the night are things you should take into consideration when choosing the right mattress size for you.
If you're a side sleeper who stays mostly in the same position all night, a queen size mattress is usually enough to provide adequate support and comfort.
If you sleep on your back or stomach, then a longer mattress size like a queen or king is likely to be more suitable as it allows you to extend your legs fully.
How much does the mattress size affect price?
Although a bigger mattress will generally cost more than a smaller one, there are other factors that determine the price of the mattress, such as the materials used, the mattress type, and any bedding essentials like mattress protectors, sheets, and pillows that cost more than smaller sizes when you go up in size.