What Size Bed do You Need?
There are so many different types of beds and mattresses on the market right now, that it can really be difficult to choose the right one for any particular room or for any family member. The sizes of mattresses can vary from a baby crib mattress at 27″ x 52″, all the way up to a king-sized mattress at 72″ x 84″. So how do you go about selecting exactly the right fit for any household purpose you have in mind? The first thing you should do is jot down a few notes on how the bed and mattress will be used.
For instance, it’s important to know how many people will be sleeping in the bed, what kind of space is available in the destination room, how much sleeping space will be needed by the occupants, and just what kinds of features and benefits are being provided by manufacturers of any candidate mattresses you’re considering. It will be worth noting what kind of warranty is being offered, whether there is a trial sleeping period available with your new bed/mattress, and what kind of delivery service is offered with the set.
Twin-sized beds/mattresses
Twin-sized beds and mattresses are most commonly selected for children between the ages of two and 12, because youngsters of those ages will fit on this size mattress most easily. The bedroom where these can be placed comfortably should be at least 8′ x 10′ in size, so that you’ll have room to install other furniture besides the bed, for instance a dresser or chair. This size bed is also sometimes used in dorm rooms, unless the occupant is basically a full-grown adult, in which case it is likely to be too small.
Double or full-sized beds/mattresses
This size bed is most appropriate for a single person, or for youngsters and teenagers. The actual size of these mattresses is something like 54″ x 75″, so it can actually accommodate an adult as well, depending on how large that person is. The room which includes a double bed should be at least 9′ x 9′, but to be really comfortable it should be closer to 10′ x 12′, so there’s room to walk around in the area and include other furniture as well. Double beds are for the person who wants more size than a twin, but not necessarily as much length.
Queen-sized beds/mattresses
Couples generally are the primary users of queen-sized beds, which have dimensions of 60″ x 80″, and the room where one is placed should be at least 10′ x 10′, but for greater comfort and convenience, it should even be 10′ x 14′. This bed takes up a considerable amount of space, so room size can be critical in placing one of these in any given room. Queen-sized mattresses are about seven inches wider than a double or full-sized mattress, and about five inches longer as well. Each person sleeping in a queen-sized bed will have about 30 inches of sleeping space, unless one individual is a bit more dominant while sleeping.
King-sized beds/mattresses
King-sized beds are for couples who prefer a bit more room while sleeping, or for a single person who tends to be a very active sleeper, or who wishes to include a pet on one side of the bed. These beds are sized at 76″ x 80″, and are best installed in rooms which have dimensions of 13′ x 19′ or larger. You could get by with a 13′ x 13′ room, but it would be quite cozy and bordering on uncomfortably compressed. King-sized beds have the same length as queen-sized beds, but offer an additional 16″ of width, to give both partners more sleeping space.
Given the bed and mattress sizes specified above, and the recommended room sizes, you should be able to take all this information and evaluate it against manufacturer offerings, to come up with the best choice of bed and mattress for any room in your household.
