Key Takeaways
- Consider Space and Design: When shopping for a king size bed frame, it’s essential to consider the available space in your bedroom. King size mattresses are 76 inches wide, and if you plan to include a headboard, the total width could exceed 80 inches. Ensure that you have at least 2 inches of space on either side of the bed to accommodate a headboard.
- Budget Matters: King size bed frames come in a wide price range, from around $70 to $4,000. Your budget will play a significant role in your choice of bed frame. Simple metal frames are more budget-friendly, while upholstered frames with headboards, footboards, and storage options can be more expensive. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of a box spring or foundation if your bed frame requires one.
- Room Size and Comfort: The size of your bedroom is crucial when choosing a king size bed frame. An ideal room size for a king bed is recommended to be 12 feet by 12 feet. Ensure that you leave enough space around the bed to prevent overcrowding. Consider the placement of other bedroom furniture, such as side tables and dressers, when measuring available space. A clutter-free environment can promote better sleep quality.
The search for a king size bed frame can be overwhelming because the market is flooded with options, and you have to consider factors such as space and budget. The king is the widest among all standard sized mattresses, and the king bed frame may need to be a few inches bigger than your mattress depending on the design.
A king mattress is 76 inches wide, and if you are considering a bed frame with headboards, the total width could add up to 80 inches or more. You need at least 2 inches of space on either side of the bed to fit a headboard.
Stylish Support &
Easy To Assemble
If you are looking for a king bed, chances are you are upsizing from a queen. While the length of a standard king, also known as an Eastern King, is the same as a queen, it’s 16 inches wider. The extra width requires much more space than a queen, which is why king beds are best suited for big master bedrooms.
Who Needs King Size Bed Frames?
King size mattresses are popular among couples, growing families, or individuals who prefer extra space while sleeping. Measuring 76 inches by 80 inches, a king is spacious enough to accommodate children who may want to crawl into bed with their parents sometimes.
Factors to Consider When Buying a King Size Bed Frame
A standard simple king size bed frame may require two to five inches of extra space in addition to the width of the mattress. Consider the thickness of the headboard, footboard, and side rails.
Consider also the frame’s weight capacity and its height, as these determine what mattress thickness and mattress weight works best for you.
If you opt for some fancy designs such as floating platforms, sleigh beds, or beds with shelves and drawers in the headboards and footboards, then you will need more space in your bedroom. Floating platform beds are wider than other bed frame styles, while sleigh beds are longer because their headboard and footboards are curved. However, the space provided for the mattress to rest within it is the same across all king bed frame styles.
Space
Once you have decided to buy a king sized mattress, you will need to measure the size of your room before choosing the bed frame design. The ideal room size recommended for an Eastern king bed is 12 feet by 12 feet. You will have to consider how much space you are left with after arranging your mattress and other furniture such as the side table, floor lamps, and dressers.
Depending on the space available, you may choose a fancy bed frame (which is space-consuming) or opt for a simple frame without a headboard or footboard.
Budget
King size bed frames are available in the range of $70 to $4000. Depending on your budget, you can choose either the simple metal bed frames, or the fancy upholstered bed frames with headboards, footboards, shelves, and drawers.
Factor in the cost of a box spring or foundation if you aren’t buying a king size platform bed. You can place your mattress directly on the slats that come with platform beds as long as they’re less than 2.75 inches apart—if the slats are too far apart or you have a different type of bed frame, you will need a box spring or foundation.
Types of King Beds
King beds have evolved with time, and now there are different variations to this standard size designed to suit different sleep needs.
Split King
The standard king is a great mattress for couples who enjoy their personal space while sleeping. It’s spacious enough to accommodate one or two children (depending on their age and size) who may want to co-sleep with their parents on some nights.
Split kings are a great option for couples who enjoy their personal space but have different sleeping preferences. A split king mattress is two twin XL mattresses placed side by side, allowing each sleeper 38 inches by 80 inches of space on their side of the bed.
A split king bed allows both sleepers to choose their ideal levels of comfort and support for their side of the bed. Split king adjustable beds further allow for angle customization.
Typically, you can use a split king bed with a standard king bed frame. After all, split king and standard king mattresses have the same length and width. The exception is split king adjustable beds, which are typically two twin XL adjustable bases
California King
The California king mattress is 4 inches narrower and 4 inches longer than the standard king. The extra length in California king bed comes in handy for tall sleepers. Measuring 72 inches by 84 inches, the California king compensates for the space lost in width by adding to the length. It’s the longest among all standard sized beds.
Since the California king is not as wide as the king, it may be difficult to co-sleep with more than one child on this bed. However, this depends on the age and size of the children.
California kings are also available in a split version, allowing couples the liberty to choose their preferred mattress type.
Other Standard Bed Sizes
Apart from king beds, there are other standard bed sizes available on the market to suit your needs. If the king size is too big for your needs, you may choose one of the other standard sizes.
Twin Mattress
Twin beds are a compact size, measuring 38 inches by 75 inches. They are a good option for children’s rooms. Families with two children can buy a bunk bed—these are usually available in twin, twin xl, and full sizes. A twin size mattress may not be comfortable for full-grown adults.
Twin XL Mattress
Twin XL mattresses measure 38 inches by 80 inches, exactly half of a king-size bed. Twin XL beds are perfect for single sleepers living in studio apartments where space is limited. They are also commonly used in college dorm rooms or shared adult bedrooms.
Full or Double Mattress
A full size mattress is also known as a double bed, but ironically it doesn’t have enough space for two adults. Measuring 54 inches by 75 inches, a full size mattress can accommodate a child along with a single adult.
The full size has another variation to it called the full XL, measuring 54 inches by 80 inches. This size is not widely available, making it difficult to find compatible bedding accessories.
Queen Mattress
The queen size mattress is the most popular bed among Americans, with 47 of percent consumers opting for it, followed closely by the king as 19 percent of consumers buy this size.
Queen mattresses are popular because they are comfortable for single sleepers and can work for couples too. Measuring 60 inches by 80 inches, the queen mattress is spacious enough for a single sleeper to relax and stretch while in bed. They can toss and turn conveniently without the fear of falling off the bed while sleeping.
Though the queen bed is popular amongst couples, it may be uncomfortable for couples who enjoy their personal sleeping space.
Comparison of Standard Bed Sizes
There are different standard sizes available on the market to suit your convenience. But before buying, you always need to measure the available space in your bedroom, factoring in the space taken up by essential furniture. A clutter-free environment relaxes your mind, promoting quality sleep.
It’s beneficial to leave at least two to three feet of space on all sides of your bed (except the side against the wall) to prevent overcrowding. A crowded room may cause sleep disruptions.
| Mattress Sizes | Mattress Dimensions (Inches) | Mattress Dimensions (CM) | Recommended Room Size (Inches) | Recommended Room Size (CM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 inches by 75 inches | 96.5 cm by 190.5 cm | 7 feet by 10 feet | 213.36 cm by 304.8 cm |
| Twin XL | 38 inches by 80 inches | 96.5 cm by 203.5 cm | 10 feet by 10 feet | 304.8 cm by 304.8 cm |
| Full | 54 inches by 75 inches | 134.5 cm by 190.5 cm | 10 feet by 10 feet | 304.8 cm by 304.8 cm |
| Queen | 60 inches by 80 inches | 152.5 cm by 203.5 cm | 10 feet by 10 feet | 304.8 cm by 304.8 cm |
| King | 76 inches by 80 inches | 193 cm by 203.5 cm | 12 feet by 12 feet | 365.76 cm by 365.76 cm |
| California King | 72 inches by 84 inches | 183 cm by 213.5 cm | 12 feet by 12 feet | 365.76 cm by 365.76 cm |
FAQs
Is there a difference between a mattress size and its corresponding bed frame size?
Mattress sizes are usually the same as the corresponding bed frame sizes, but some frames (those including a headboard and footboard) may be two to five inches larger than the mattress. Fancy bed frames with shelves on the headboard, wide floating platform beds, and sleigh bed frames need much more space than simple standard bed frames. It’s best to measure your room dimensions before deciding on your preferred bed frame design.
Is a California King size bigger than the king?
No, a California king is longer than the standard king, but it’s 4 inches narrower—what it loses in width it makes up for in length. While Cal kings are usually perceived as more luxurious than standard kings, they’re simply an alternative for taller people who need extra legroom.
Are headboards wider than mattresses?
Yes, headboards are usually 4 inches wider than the beds. For example, a king size headboard may be 80 inches wide—4 inches wider than a king size mattress.
Conclusion
Bed frames add to the aesthetic appeal of your bedroom, and they are available in various designs to suit your style and bedroom decor.
But you have to be mindful, especially about the width of your room, because bed frames with headboards and footboards are wider than your mattress, and bed frames with storage options may be longer than your mattress.
It’s beneficial to measure the dimensions of your room before you buy a bed frame, from a master bedroom to a studio bedroom apartment. Doing so can point you in the right direction and narrow down the options that simply will not fit.
About the author
Mitchell Tollsen is a graduate student and a freelance writer who’s contributed to the Early Bird blog for three years. Mitchell’s always been fascinated by the science of sleep and the restorative processes our bodies undergo when at rest. The self-titled “Sleep Expert” is always looking for ways to improve his shut-eye, and throughout the years has implemented numerous lifestyle changes and tried dozens of sleep-promoting gadgets to determine the best ways to truly get better rest.
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