California King, King, and Queen Beds: A Handy Guide to Help You Choose Which is Right for You

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Considering that the average person spends a third of their lifetime asleep, it's no wonder the bedroom is the most important room for many adults. According to a survey of American homeowners and tenants, the bedroom is among the spaces that most respondents want to prioritize furnishing. Moreover, beds were ranked among the most preferred items not just for sleeping but also for other forms of contemporary relaxation, like watching TV or playing video games.

With this in mind, it stands to reason that the bed you choose should merit careful consideration. When you're ready to upgrade from your standard twin or double bed, it's time to turn to larger models. These include the California King, King, and Queen beds. But which among these is right for you? Here's a quick guide to help you out.

The California King

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What it is

Contrary to popular belief and the notions perpetuated by pop culture, this bed type is not necessarily the biggest. Rather, it is the longest. As seen in the California King bed sets on Living Spaces, each measures 72 by 84 inches. Cali Kings (as they're also called) are roomy enough for even the most active sleepers without being too cumbersome. Most Cali Kings are also made of wood in varying finishes and designs. For instance, while mid-century Alton Cherry II uses rubberwood and a cherry veneer, the classic European Chapleu uses Asian hardwood and hickory veneer. This ensures that each bed is durable and stylish. Many California Kings also have matching bedroom essentials, like dressers and side tables. Since these are sized to complement the bed frame, they offer space-efficient storage solutions.

Who it's for

These are specially designed for tall individuals or those who want the extra length. In the latter case, this includes those who sleep with their pets or who have younger children who want to have occasional bedtime snuggles. They also work well for couples who enjoy legroom.

King bed

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What it is

The widest of all bed sizes, king beds require a lot of space, so they're best utilized in larger rooms that measure at least 12 feet in length and width. Because of their sheer size, king beds can comfortably accommodate multiple sleepers. They're also very elegant and will fill in more generous bedrooms. Naturally, because they're bigger, linens and accessories may also cost more as they require more material. Since the king bed is also pretty big, it can be outfitted with split mattresses that allow two users to tailor their sleeping conditions to their exact needs. Most of these beds are made using wood and metal to support their size.

Who it's for

The king bed is ideal for sleepers who want an indulgent and roomy experience. Its size also makes particular sleeping routines easy. For example, couples who observe the Scandinavian-style bed with duvet practice. Since this sleeping approach recommends using two separate covers so both parties can get as comfy as they please, the king bed's size ensures it won't get crowded.

Queen bed

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What it is

Among the three beds listed here, queen beds are the smallest at 60 by 80 inches. That said, this is by no means a tiny bed, especially considering that a typical twin measures around 38 by 75 inches. A great benefit of the queen bed is that it's easy to fit even in more moderate-sized rooms. There is also no shortage of linens for this bed, and most are not too expensive, either. For instance, Walmart carries a wide range of queen-sized bedding at affordable prices. These include fitted and flat sheets, pillowcases, duvets, and comforters from brands like the coastal Host & Home and laid-back Mellanni Cotton. It's also easiest to find mattresses for queen beds, even if you're looking into pre-loved ones, since this bed size is very popular. Going for a queen can also be budget-friendly enough that you can still cover the costs of other upgrades, such as transforming your ceiling, which Mario Alexander's previous post considers a great way to elevate a space.

Who it's for

Queen-sized beds are great for solo sleepers who want a more indulgent sleep without feeling overwhelmed by the extra space. For couples who like to cuddle, a queen bed will have ample room while still being cozy.