Mattresses
Published April 20, 2024
15 minWhich is The Best Bed Size For Couples?
Ever notice how you can sleep for eight hours but still wake up tired? Sometimes the problem isn't how long you're sleeping—it's that you're spending half the night unconsciously adjusting because the
Table of contents
Which Bed Size Do You Need? Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Bed SizeSpecial Circumstances and Creative SolutionsHow to Test and Choose Your Perfect Size Making Your Decision: A Practical FrameworkThe Bottom Line: Your Sleep is an InvestmentFrequently Asked Questions About Bed Sizes for Couples
Ever notice how you can sleep for eight hours but still wake up tired? Sometimes the problem isn't how long you're sleeping—it's that you're spending half the night unconsciously adjusting because there's just not enough space.If you're ready to make that big step together—and upgrade your bed—choosing the right size can make the difference between restless nights and actually getting quality sleep.
Which Bed Size Do You Need?
The measurements are helpful, but let's be honest—what really matters is how that space actually feels when you're lying there trying to get comfortable at night.Full/Double (53" x 75"): With a full-size bed, you each get about 26.5 inches wide of space. While some couples make this work, especially in studio apartments or small bedrooms, you'll definitely be getting cozy whether you want to or not.Queen (60" x 80"): A queen bumps you up to 30 inches per person, giving enough room to sleep comfortably without your bed taking over your entire bedroom. Queen beds work particularly well if you're both average-sized, don't mind sleeping relatively close, and have a typical bedroom (around 10x12 feet).King (76" x 80"): Now we're talking about real space. At 38 inches each, you both get the equivalent of a twin bed's worth of space. This is often the sweet spot for couples who need room to sprawl, have different sleep schedules, or regularly share their bed with kids or pets.California King (72" x 84"): At 72 inches wide, a California King is four inches narrower than a standard king, but makes up for it with its extra length (at 84 inches vs 80). If either partner is over 6'2" and regularly complains about their feet hanging off the bed, this might be your answer.Split King (Two 38" x 80" Twin XLs): This is essentially two twin XL mattresses placed side by side, and it's becoming increasingly popular for couples with very different sleep preferences. Each side can have completely different firmness levels, and if you use adjustable bases, you can control them independently.Split kings are particularly great for couples where one person has specific medical needs, chronic pain, or significantly different sleep schedules.| Bed Size | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (cm) | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full/Double | 53" × 75" | 134.6 cm × 190.5 cm | Small bedrooms Budget-friendly | Tight for two adults Not much personal space |
| Queen | 60" × 80" | 152.4 cm × 203.2 cm | Most couples Average-sized bedrooms (10×10 to 12×12) | May feel cramped for taller or restless sleepers |
| King | 76" × 80" | 193.0 cm × 203.2 cm | Couples who want maximum space Families with kids/pets Large bedrooms | Requires large room Larger bed means more expensive bedding |
| California King | 72" × 84" | 182.9 cm × 213.4 cm | Tall individuals Couples needing extra legroom Large bedrooms | Narrower than King Fits tall sleepers but less width |
| Split King | Two 38" × 80" Twin XLs | 96.52 cm × 203.2 cm | Couples with different mattress preferences or sleep schedules | Requires large room Potentially higher cost for two mattresses and adjustable base |
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Bed Size
Choosing the best bed size for couples involves more than just measuring your bedroom. Let's break down the factors that actually impact your sleep quality and relationship happiness.Your Sleep Styles and Habits
How you naturally sleep together matters tremendously. Some couples naturally gravitate toward each other throughout the night. If that describes you, a queen might provide the perfect balance of togetherness and personal space.
But if you both need your own territory to sleep well, don't underestimate the value of extra space. Research from the National Sleep Foundation shows that couples sleep better when they have enough room to move naturally without disturbing each other.Consider your movement patterns. Are either of you restless sleepers? Do you toss and turn, or sleep like a rock? Light sleepers paired with active movers often find that a larger bed significantly improves their sleep quality, even with a mattress that has good motion isolation.Your Physical Size and Sleep Position Needs
Body size directly impacts space requirements. This seems obvious, but larger people need proportionally more room for comfortable sleep. If either partner is over 200 pounds or particularly tall, factor this into your decision.Sleep position preferences also play a role. Side sleepers typically need more horizontal space since their shoulders and hips extend beyond their body's center line. Back and stomach sleepers can often work with slightly less width but may need more length if they're tall.Here's a practical test: lie down next to each other on your current mattress in your typical sleep positions. If you're constantly bumping elbows or feel like you're hanging off the edge, you need more space.Temperature and Sleep Environment Preferences
Larger beds can actually help with temperature regulation. When you're not constantly sharing body heat, both partners often sleep cooler. This is particularly important if either of you tends to sleep hot or if you live in a warm climate.Different temperature preferences become easier to manage with more space. One partner can use lighter bedding while the other stays cozy under heavier blankets, without the constant tug-of-war over shared covers.Lifestyle Factors
Work schedules and sleep timing can make or break your bed size decision. If one of you works nights or gets up much earlier, a larger bed (or split king) can be a relationship saver. There's nothing worse than trying to slip out of bed at 5 AM while your partner is still deep in sleep.Kids and pets add complexity to the equation. If your bed regularly becomes family central headquarters, plan accordingly. A king gives everyone enough space for those inevitable middle-of-the-night visits without anyone ending up on the floor.Health considerations shouldn't be overlooked. Chronic pain, sleep apnea, pregnancy, or mobility issues often mean needing more space for positioning and movement. A larger bed gives both partners room to find comfortable positions without compromising each other's sleep.Bedroom Size and Layout
Your dream bed needs to actually fit in your space—and that means more than just squeezing it through the door.Small Bedrooms (10x10 feet or less): Stick with a full or queen in smaller spaces. You need room to walk around, open drawers, and fit other essential furniture like dressers and nightstands. A cramped bedroom can make even the most comfortable bed feel claustrophobic.Pro tip: Position your bed away from walls on at least two sides if possible. This creates a more open feeling and makes the room appear larger.Medium Bedrooms (10x12 to 12x12 feet) These spaces can handle a queen comfortably, or a king if you don't mind a tighter fit. Consider your other furniture needs—do you need space for a reading chair, desk, or large dresser?Layout matters: Try different bed positions before committing. Sometimes angling a bed or placing it on a different wall can create surprising amounts of extra space.Large Bedrooms (12x12 feet and up) You have the luxury of choice in larger spaces. Go as big as you want, but remember that a bed that's too small can make a large room feel empty and uninviting.Budget and Finances
Larger beds cost more across the board—not just the mattress itself, but sheets, comforters, bed frames, and any accessories. A king-size sheet set can cost 30-50% more than queen-size bedding. But if a new bed means you both actually sleep well for the next 7-10 years, the extra cost breaks down to just pennies per night of better sleep.If you're not in a hurry to make the purchase, consider shopping during major sales events like President's Day, Memorial Day, or Black Friday when many mattress companies offer significant discounts.Take advantage of trial periods. Many companies offer 90-365 night trial periods, so you're not stuck if the size doesn't work out. Nectar's 365-night trial gives you a full year to test whether your size choice was right.Consider financing options if they're available. Many mattress companies offer 0% financing that can make a larger bed more budget-friendly.Special Circumstances and Creative Solutions
Sometimes your situation requires thinking outside the traditional bed size box.Split Solutions for Different Needs: Split kings aren't just for different firmness preferences. They're also perfect when partners have significantly different sleep schedules, health needs, or even height differences that require different mattress lengths.Adjustable bases can transform any bed size by letting each partner find their perfect position without a pile of pillows. This can make a smaller bed feel more spacious or a larger bed even more comfortable.Transitional Strategies: Moving in together? Consider starting with a queen and upgrading later if needed. This gives you time to understand each other's sleep habits without a huge initial investment.Temporary solutions like mattress toppers can help improve a too-small bed while you save for the right size, or help you determine if you actually need to go bigger.How to Test and Choose Your Perfect Size
Ready to make a decision? Here's your step-by-step approach:The Measurement Phase
Measure everything first: your room, doorways, stairs—the entire path from your front door to your bedroom. Don't forget ceiling height if you have an upstairs bedroom.Sketch your room layout with different bed sizes to visualize how each option would work with your existing furniture.The Honest Conversation
Talk with your partner about what actually works and what doesn't with your current setup. Be specific about sleep disruptions, space issues, and comfort concerns.Discuss your future plans: kids, pets, moves, health changes—anything that might impact your sleep space needs over the next several years.The Testing Strategy
If possible, test different sizes in stores to get a physical feel for the space difference. Lie down together in your typical sleep positions and see how each size feels.Consider trial periods seriously. A 30-second test in a showroom tells you very little about how a size will work for months of actual sleep.Pay attention to your current sleep patterns for a week before shopping. Note when you feel cramped, when your partner's movements wake you, or when you feel like you have enough space.Making Your Decision: A Practical Framework
| Size | Top Reasons to Choose |
|---|---|
| Choose a Queen if: | You're both average-sized (under 6 feet, under 200 pounds) You have a smaller bedroom (under 12×12 feet) You naturally sleep close together and don't mind the proximity Budget is a primary concern You rarely have kids or pets joining you in bed |
| Choose a King If: | Either partner is larger or taller than average You have different sleep schedules or one is a very light sleeper You regularly share your bed with children or pets You have the bedroom space and budget for the upgrade You've tried a queen and felt cramped |
| Choose aCalifornia King If: | Height is the primary issue (either partner over 6'2") You want some extra space but have width limitations in your bedroom You prefer the proportions for your room layout |
| Choose aSplit King If: | You have significantly different firmness or support needs One partner has health issues requiring specific positioning You want the ultimate customization with adjustable bases Different sleep schedules are causing major disruptions |
