King Bed Guide: 4 Factors to Consider Before Buying a King Bed

A king bed is a spacious mattress type that can accommodate at least two people and even has additional room for small children or a sizable pet. A king-size mattress is the widest amongst standard-sized mattresses and serves as a great fit for individuals who enjoy more sleeping room.

A standard king-size mattress in the United States is 76 inches by 80 inches. For even more room, consider a California king-size bed (72 inches by 84 inches), Wyoming king (84 inches by 84 inches), Texas king (80 inches by 98 inches), or Alaskan king (108 inches by 108 inches).

Apartment dwellers and others with limited space may prefer queen-size beds and may want to steer clear of this mattress size, which can overwhelm a standard size room.

As you’re deciding on the type of mattress you want, it’s helpful to consider the following factors:

1. 1. Accessibility: King-size beds are recommended for bedrooms that are at least 12 feet by 9 feet, 10 inches. Buying a king bed for a smaller room can take up extra space and make it challenging to maneuver around bedroom furniture: designers recommend leaving a minimum of 30 inches of space around the bed for movement. If your master bedroom is significantly larger than the standard minimum recommendation (for instance, any longer or wider than 16 feet), use the king bed as the centerpiece of the room to fill out space.
2. 2. Occupants: A king-size mattress is a good option for anyone who has to share their sleep space with someone else. However, if you’re not planning on sleeping next to a partner, pet, or child, you may want to consider a smaller size, such as a twin XL, a full bed, or a queen.
3. 3. Sleep style: Everyone has different preferences when it comes to how much space they prefer for sleep. King beds (or larger) are optimal for people taller than six feet, two inches tall, and people who want room to stretch out or move in their sleep. If you’re buying this bed to accommodate two or more people who have larger builds or like extra space when they sleep, consider purchasing a California king.
4. 4. Frame size: Certain king bed frames are between three and five inches wider than the mattress to give adequate support. Many bed frames take up more room or add more visual weight, including panel bed frames, sleigh beds, solid wood frames, footboards or headboards (especially tufted headboards), storage beds, upholstered beds, wingback beds, heavy box springs, and platform bed frames. If you have spatial limitations, consider buying a slim metal frame, rail frame, or low-profile wood slat frame for your queen mattress, which are typically closer to the mattress size.

There are various options for king bed frames, which are typically made with solid wood, pinewood, or engineered wood, depending upon your preference:

1. 1. Platform bed frame: Mattresses can typically sit on a platform bed frame without any additional support system, such as a box spring or foundation. They sit lower to the ground and can accommodate any mattress type.
2. 2. Wood frame with wooden slats: Wood bed frames are easily customizable and typically include additional support with their wooden slats that run across the bed’s width.
3. 3. Metal bed frame: Reliable and durable, metal bed frames will last for years and can withstand extra weight.
4. 4. Panel bed: A panel bed includes a headboard, base, and two side panels, all of which construct a four-wall frame. Panel beds are known for their stability, and they can hold both a box spring and a heavy mattress.

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