Size Comparison Guide: Full vs Queen Mattress

Although similar in size a Queen and full bed have a world of differences that should be noted. See which mattress size is right for you.

Although the difference between full and Queen size beds may seem too close to call, the few inches that separate the two can actually-make a world of change when two are sharing a bed. The full vs Queen size bed will depend on ones needs and wants, plus size of room that the bed will be placed in. Couples who enjoy closeness may do fine in a full-size bed, but may find even a more pleasant sleeping experience together in the Queen-sized bed. By having just a few extra inches, that the Queen size bed provides, sleeping for two on a mattress can be the difference between night and day.

I. Comparison Chart: Queen vs Full Mattress

II. Queen Mattress: Pros & Cons

III. Full Mattress: Pros & Cons

IV. Room Size Requirements

V. Comfort

VI. Cost

VII. Conclusion

I. Comparison Chart: Queen vs Full Mattress

II. Queen Mattress: Pros & Cons

The Queen bed arrived on the scene the same time as the King bed. In 1958 Simmons was the first manufacturer of mattresses to sell the Queen and King bed. As it became clear to companies that couples were seeking beds to sleep together in, and master bedrooms were being built to accommodate larger beds, the Queen bed gained in popularity.

Pros

The Queen bed is the full bed made into a grownup size. Adding 5 inches to the length allows for adults to stretch out comfortably and the extra 6 inches to the width, compared to the full bed, allows for each adult to have room to turn in their own space without disrupting the other. The Queen bed is a match for a master bedroom made for two people, but is just a bit too small to accommodate a King bed.

Cons

For a larger couple the Queen may still lack in needed width that will allow the duo to move around without bothering the mate. More often though this is not an issue to worry about.

III. Full Mattress: Pros & Cons

The full bed is the original bed popular for couples to use in master bedrooms approximately 30 – 40 years ago. The suburban and city homes were more commonly built with smaller master bedrooms that would accommodate the full-size bed. With the invention of the slightly larger Queen bed, the full-size mattress became a perfect furnishing for a child’s room.

Pros

The Full bed has become a wonderful choice for a guest room or child’s room in the house. The size of a full bed is the same length as a twin but slightly wider allowing for a parent to comfortably lay alongside a child reading a bedtime story. The full-size bed can be placed against a wall allowing it to work great in a smaller room, where a larger than twin bed is preferred, but that does not have the room to accommodate a Queen.

Cons

With the sleeping area per person being only 27 inches, the size of a crib, wide, the full bed can get cramped and cause problems for couples sleeping together.

IV. Room Size Requirements

It is most important to take into consideration what the room size is before purchasing any bed. Full size beds will work nicely in a smaller room and have more possibilities to fit into a floor plan, as they look nice whether protruding from the center of a wall or with a side against a wall. Queen beds generally will only look good with their head against a wall and both sides open to move around. Before purchasing any furnishings one should measure the room and make a floor plan. Whether using graph paper or an app, lay out furnishings on paper ahead of shopping. Take into consideration any dressers, chairs, etc. that are needed in the room as well. Note that you will wants at the minimum 2 feet of space to walk around a bed comfortably. Three feet of space opened around the bed will work the best for appearances and less than 2 feet can work but will be very tight. Add 2 feet on either side, and to the foot of the Queen bed, at 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. This means that you need a room at least 9 feet wide by 8 feet, 8 inches long without additional furniture. Add in dressers and the room will need to be larger to fit the extra furnishings. The full-size bed gives more options for room size. If the bed is placed with the head against a wall, with the intention of walking around it, then adding 2 feet to each side and the foot is necessary. This gives one a room size of 8 foot, 6 inches wide, by 8 feet, 3 inches long. Placing the bed in a corner with the head and one side against a wall will allow for the full-size bed to be fitted into a much smaller room. Be careful to remember to add in any additional furnishings to the floor plan to be sure that the bed will fit both sleep and room needs.

V. Comfort

The inches of difference may have an impact on comfort but so will the type of mattress. Although couples may differ on firmness choices most will be happy with a medium firm choice. Memory foam mattresses are perfect for comfort for both adults and children. They allow for the body to be supported for all sleep positions. Full size beds add extra comfort in kids’ rooms when a parent finds themselves sharing the bed for snuggling to get the kiddy to sleep.

VI. Cost

Cost of a Queen bed will be more than the smaller full bed. Also, to take into consideration for cost will be bed frames and other furnishings. Where a Queen bed may just need a headboard, a full bed in a child’s room may require a platform of a captain’s bed to provide drawer space. Bedding too will be less expensive for a full vs Queen. A full-size bed fits two standard size pillows, while a Queen requires larger two Queen size pillows.

VII. Conclusion

The choice of bed is very personal. It depends on the needs of those sleeping in it as well as the size of the room. While two will fit sleeping together in a full bed it will be much more comfortable for a couple to share a Queen bed on a daily basis. Full beds are a great choice for guest rooms as well as a child’s room. In the child’s room the full bed will grow well with a little one into his or her college years. Whatever the choice make sure that the mattress and foundation will be able to be moved into the appointed bedroom. Memory foam mattresses are not only a very comfortable choice but are also very easy to move as they are bendable. A bed-in-a-box memory foam is the best choice for getting a mattress into a room. Simply unpack the small box and the mattress will come to full life as it is put in place.