Queen Beds: How to Determine if a Queen Bed Is Right for You

A queen bed is a popular mattress type that sleeps at least two people. Queen beds are one size larger than a full-size mattress and one size smaller than a king-size mattress. While twin beds are a more common choice for children’s rooms and college dorm rooms because of their size and compatibility with bunk beds and daybeds, a queen-size bed is a better fit for standard rooms and larger-size rooms (like master bedrooms).

A standard queen-size mattress in the United States is 60 inches by 80 inches. Queen beds are the most popular mattress choice due to their size. Apartment dwellers and others with limited space may prefer queen-size beds because it doesn’t take up as much space as a king-size bed (76 inches by 80 inches) or California king-size bed (72 inches by 84 inches).

If you need a new bed and are unsure if a queen-size mattress is right for you, consider the following factors before making a purchase:

1. 1. Occupants: If you’re planning to sleep alone in the bed, you can likely get by with a smaller mattress—for instance, a twin XL or full bed. However, if you’ll be sleeping in the bed with a partner, a child, or a pet, you should consider buying the roomier queen-size mattress. If you plan to share your bed with more than one other person or pet, consider an even larger mattress, like a king or California king.
2. 2. Sleep style: Everyone has different preferences when it comes to how much space they prefer for sleep. Queen 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 king-size bed instead.
3. 3. Room size: Queen-size beds are often recommended for bedrooms that are at least 10 feet by 10 feet. Buying a queen bed for a smaller room can take up extra space and make it challenging to maneuver around bedroom furniture. If your master bedroom is significantly larger than 10 feet by 10 feet (for instance, any longer or wider than 14 feet), making a king bed the centerpiece of the room can help fill out the space.
4. 4. Frame size: Certain queen 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.
5. 5. Guest accommodations: A queen-sized bed is an excellent choice for guest rooms since it can fit comfortably in a modest-sized room and is large enough to accommodate a wide variety of visitors—singles, couples, and people who move around in their sleep.

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