Short Queen vs. Queen Size Mattress: Comparison Guide
Written by Nectarsleep editorial team
Last Updated on Jun 23, 2022
The queen-size mattress’s versatility makes it one of the most popular mattress choices worldwide. The queen size bed can easily cater to various needs, like in your bedroom, guest room, or even kids' and teenagers' room.
However, the days when mattresses were available in just three dimensions- a king, queen, and twin are gone. Today, each category flaunts immense versatility. The queen size is no exception. Today, you can choose between a queen and a short queen size.
Most buyers get confused between the two. Hence we are here to compare short queen vs. queen. We would highlight the difference in their specifications here to help you make an educated choice. Read on further to find out!
Short Queen Vs. Queen Mattress Size Comparison
A short queen mattress is 5 inches shorter in length than a regular queen mattress but both mattress sizes have the same width.
A short queen mattress is 60 inches wide and 75 inches long, while a standard queen mattress is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. This difference of 5 inches makes a short queen mattress less expensive than a queen mattress. A short queen mattress is also lighter in weight than a queen mattress.
While we have now become aware of the differences and similarities between a queen and a short queen, let us summarize and understand it better through its tabular comparison.
Short Queen Vs. Queen Size Comparison Chart
| Parameter | Short Queen | Queen |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 75 inches | 80 inches |
| Width | 60 inches | 60 inches |
| Surface Area | 4500 inches | 4800 inches |
| Price Range | $600 - $1500 | $1000 - $1800 |
| Occupancy | 2 Adults | 2 Adults |
| Ideal for | A couple with average height | A tall couple |
| Minimum Room Size | 9.6 X 10 ft. | 10 X 10 ft. |
Short Queen Vs. Queen: Pros and Cons
Foremost, let us understand what exactly a queen and a short queen mattress are:
What is a Queen Mattress?
A queen mattress is best defined as one lying between a king-size mattress and a full-size mattress. The queen mattress dimensions are smaller than a king-size but more extensive than a full-size. It is most revered for its versatility and has the crown of being the first couple bed.
Pros-
- It is better suited for taller people.
- It offers ample space for a couple.
Cons-
- It is more expensive than a short queen mattress.
- It is quite heavy, which makes it more difficult to move.
- It cannot fit a small room or an RV.
What is a Short Queen Mattress?
The short queen mattress is easily deciphered by its name. It has the same width as a queen mattress but is 5 inches shorter in length. Sometimes, the length can even be 6 inches short.
This length cut might seem odd, but it works wonders in many situations. For instance, people with tiny apartments and short heights prefer it to make the room look more spacious and accommodating. It is also an ideal choice for RVs.
It is also coveted for design purposes. It allows you to place other furniture in any décor more comfortably and eliminate the look and feel of clutter.
Pros-
- It is less expensive than a queen mattress.
- It is light in weight which makes it easier to move.
- It can fit in an RV or a tiny apartment.
Cons-
- It cannot accommodate taller people.
Points to Consider Before Making a Decision
Both the queen and the short queen mattresses have their own place and function. You can choose based on what you need out of your mattress. Let’s look at their similarities and differences on various parameters.
1. Dimensions
The mattress sizes are perhaps the most significant difference between the queen vs. short queen. However, the construction difference is almost negligible.
A standard queen-sized mattress is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. The size remains the same for any RV, home, or other accommodation.
As already stated, the short queen mattress size is just like the standard queen but just shorter in length. Its standard size is 60 inches wide and 75 inches in length. Hence, its length matches the full-size mattress. Sometimes, the length is also constructed at 74 inches.
Short queen RV mattress sizes in less marketable versions can sometimes be 70 inches in length with unique angles or cut corners for better adaptability to transportation needs.
Besides, queen vs. short queen might vary slightly in having unusual shapes and corners.
2. Cost
The cost of a mattress depends on various factors, and generally, there is some difference in cost between queen and short queen mattresses.
The cost of a queen-size mattress depends on the style and material used. However, it usually ranges from $1000 to $1800.
Like a queen size mattress is more expensive than a full size owing to the full vs. queen size difference. Similarly, because short queen dimensions are less than the queen, a short queen mattress uses fewer materials and hence, is cheaper. Its average price ranges from $600 to $1500.
However, it is slightly more expensive than the full-size mattress but offers way more comfort and bed space. This factor makes RV short queen mattresses more popular.
3. Mobility
One major difference between the two is the ease of transportation and mobility.
By comparing the dimensions it is easy to deduce that a queen size mattress offers less mobility than a short queen. However, it offers greater mobility than the king-size bed. But more often than not, the mattress is used in places like a bedroom or a guest room, where minimal mobility is required.
The short queen size mattress offers better mobility than a queen. Not only is it shorter in dimensions but it is often made lighter in weight to increase its mobility.
4. Weight
Undoubtedly, the queen mattress is heavier compared to the short queen due to its larger size. It is also made heavier for better durability and enhanced comfort. Mobility is not considered when purchasing the queen mattress. The average weight of the queen mattress is 70 to 90 pounds and can even exceed it.
The maximum weight of a short queen mattress does not exceed 70 or 80 pounds. But, more often than not, it is made lighter to cater to the camping and RV audience.
The lightweight and mobility specifications make it an ideal and popular choice as a short queen RV mattress, camping mattress, etc.
5. Suitability
Both mattresses are made to cater to different audiences. You can choose between them based on what suits you best.A prime reason for the queen mattress’s popularity is its versatility. It is ideal for reasonable to small-sized rooms, guest rooms, hotel rooms, etc. It is also an excellent choice for Murphy beds or pull-out beds. The bed is an excellent choice for the master bedroom if the couple is of average to a short height.
The short queen mattress is ideal for any small and challenged space. In addition, the short queen bed frame size works wonders in many places by just being five inches short. It is used primarily as RV beds, for design purposes, to free up space in any bedroom, as a camping bed, and so on.
6. Performance
A queen bed boasts traditional and popular designs. However, it is neither lightweight nor offers excellent mobility. Hence, its best performance comes out in places where these two are not required. If you do not need the extra length of king-size, many couples choose queen beds over king beds or any other beds. It is designed to give you sublime comfort with appreciable durability.
The short queen offers several advantages if you know what you are getting. It fits nicely in tight spaces and offers excellent performance. The only thing to note for top-notch performance is that the quality of its construction material is not compromised. Otherwise, it might be thin and really uncomfortable.
7. Firmness
Superficially, there is no difference in the firmness of a short queen vs. queen. However, the queen is often made of superior materials and lends better firmness.
The short queen is primarily built for narrow and tight spaces. It also needs to be lightweight, especially if you use it for RV and camping. Hence, lighter and fewer materials are often used, which tends to make it flimsy and less firm. However, if the mattress is built of superior materials, it would offer you the same firmness as the queen mattress.
8. Durability
The durability of any mattress depends on the quality of material used, its construction, and overall use and wear. Most of the time a queen mattress will last you longer than a short queen.
The short queen usually loses in resilience compared to the queen. However, it does not imply that it is less durable. On the contrary, the short queen mattress can last for years if looked after properly and subjected to less use and wear.
9. Rating
How high a rating people give to a mattress speaks about its popularity. The queen-size mattress enjoys a superior rating compared to the short-queen as it gives you the utmost comfort, durability, and outstanding performance.
While the mattress lacks slightly in rating comparatively, it does get excellent and rave reviews from camping and RV users. It also earns appreciation from people on a shoe-string budget as it is comparatively cheaper.
10. Comfort
Comfort is one factor that anyone purchasing a mattress takes into consideration.
The queen mattress is far more comfortable with superior construction and more bed space. Moreover, the space is comfortable even for couples.
The mattress is equally comfortable if the same material and construction are employed as the queen. But most of the time, the thickness and material used are compromised to better suit the requirements.
Other Queen Size Bed Variety
A queen-size mattress is the go-to choice of the masses globally because of its versatility. However, given its high demand, most leading mattress manufacturers offer you a wider choice than the queen and the short-queen mattress. Here, we walk through a few of its other popular variations.
Olympic Queen
The Olympic Queen is similar to the Queen but has more width added to it. Its standard dimension is 66 by 80 inches. This implies that it is six inches wider than the standard queen but has the same length.
The mattress is most coveted by couples sharing a bed as it gives them more bed space to stretch and relax better.
Another fantastic feature about this mattress is that it fits easily into a queen size bed frame despite its wider dimensions. This is possible because of its unique design. Hence, you enjoy the comforts of a queen mattress with it, but with a wider space.
It is also an ideal choice for those who do not have the space or budget for a king-size mattress.
California Queen
Another variety of queen-size mattresses is the California Queen. In contrast to the Olympic Queen, it has the same width as the standard queen mattress but adds about four inches of extra length to it.
The increased length makes the mattress ideal for extra-tall sleepers who do not have the budget or space to install a California-size king bed. The mattress has the same length as the California king-size bed.
The mattress cannot be installed in the same bed frame of a queen size but needs its unique bed frame.
The Verdict
The difference between a queen and a short queen is not a huge one, but it makes a significant impact on your budget and user experience.
Both emerge as an excellent choice, provided you select them after tailoring them to your needs. The queen mattress is meant more for prolonged and static use while the short queen is ideal for small rooms, camping, and RVs.
We hope that now short queen vs. queen is no longer a mystery to you!
