Make a Full Bed into a Queen

Dreaming of more space to stretch out at night? You’re not alone! Many people find themselves torn between the cozy full bed they have and the promise of a roomier queen. Full beds measure 54 inches wide by 75 inches long, while queen beds offer a generous 60 inches of width and 80 inches of length. 

This extra space can make a big difference, especially for couples or those who like to sprawl out while sleeping. Upgrading to a queen bed can improve your sleep quality, give you more room to move, and even make your bedroom feel more grown-up.

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However, that bed is not just going to show up unannounced in your bedroom one day, but not everyone wants to commit to the complete overhaul of a new frame, mattress, and bedding in a queen size. But here’s a little secret, with some ingenuity it’s possible to save yourself some money and make a full bed into a queen.

Measure Your Space

Upgrading your bed size can change your whole room. Before you make a full bed into a queen, you need to measure your space carefully.

Check Room Dimensions

Start by measuring your room’s length and width. Make sure you have at least 2 feet of space on three sides of the new queen bed for easy movement. A queen bed needs more room than a full, so double-check that it will fit comfortably.

Consider Furniture Placement

Think about your other furniture. A bigger bed might mean you need to move or remove some pieces. Consider how doors open and where windows are located.

You might need to rearrange your dresser, nightstands, or other items to fit the larger bed. Drawing a simple room layout can help you visualize the changes and avoid surprises. As you go, you might make a list of things to get rid of in the bedroom.

Measure the Mattress

Now, if you are looking to buy a new queen mattress after extending the bed frame, you might think there’s no need to measure the mattress. Any reasonable manufacturer lists the standard measurements, after all.

However, we must note that most manufacturers do warn in the fine print that there’s a risk of variance in the mattresses they produce. What this usually means is that a mattress may be an inch shorter or longer than normal, so you’ll want to keep that in mind as you prepare to convert your bed.

Choose Your Method

Once you have measured your bedroom, it’s time to pick how you’ll make your full bed into a queen. You have three main options to choose from.

Use a Bed Extender Kit

Bed extender kits are tools that attach to your full bed frame to make it wider and longer. They’re a good middle ground between buying all new furniture and building something yourself. Most kits are easy to install and don’t require special skills.

They usually come with extra slats or supports to hold the bigger mattress. This option lets you keep your current headboard and footboard, which can save money and preserve your room’s style.

Build a Custom Frame

If you’re handy with tools, you might choose to build a custom frame. This lets you make a frame that fits your room perfectly. It takes more work but can save money and give you exactly what you want.

You’ll need to buy materials like wood, screws, and tools if you don’t already have them. Building your own frame also means you can add custom features like built-in storage or a special headboard design. Just make sure to follow safety guidelines to ensure your new frame is sturdy and secure.

Fitting a Full Mattress in a Queen Frame

While not ideal, it is possible to use a full mattress in a queen size bed frame with some modifications. This can be a temporary solution if you’re trying to save money before investing in a new queen mattress.

To begin, it’s crucial to understand that you’ll need to account for a 6-inch width gap and a 5-inch length gap when fitting your full mattress into the queen frame. The filler materials may not be as comfortable as a properly fitted mattress, and the aesthetics of the bed may be compromised.

Start by making sure the mattress has a secure foundation. If your queen frame has adjustable slats, you could move them closer together to better support the smaller full mattress. For full support, though, you might want to try a queen size bunkie board.

Then, you can use foam padding or a narrow piece of plywood on one side of the mattress to fill the 6-inch width gap. Be sure to secure this filler material to prevent it from shifting during use.

Next, tackle the length difference by placing a small cushion or rolled-up blanket at the head or foot of the bed to fill the 5-inch gap. Alternatively, you can center the mattress and have a 2.5-inch gap at both ends.

To keep the mattress from sliding around in the larger frame, use non-slip mats or straps to secure it in place. Understand that it may still shift during use, though, requiring frequent readjustment.

It’s important to remember that this should be viewed as a temporary solution. For optimal comfort and support, it’s best to use a mattress that properly fits your bed frame.

Turning a Full Bed into a Queen

Converting your full bed to a queen can give you more sleeping space without replacing all your furniture. Here’s how to do it step-by-step and some extra tips to make the process easier.

Using Converter Rails

Converter rails are metal bars that make your full bed big enough for a queen mattress. They’re usually made of strong steel and are easy to install with basic tools. Most come with clear instructions to help you set them up.

1. Check your current bed frame: Make sure it’s strong and in good shape before you start.
2. Buy converter rails: These special rails make your bed longer and wider to fit a queen mattress.
3. Put on the rails: Follow the instructions that come with the rails to attach them to your bed frame.
4. Fix the middle support: Make sure the center of your bed frame can hold up the bigger mattress.
5. Add the queen mattress: Once everything is set up, put your new queen mattress on the frame.

Make a Full Mattress Bigger

Perhaps you’re not looking to make the frame bigger but the mattress itself. Now, some companies sell foam pieces that make your full mattress wider, which can work if you have a queen size bed and you need a buffer that keeps the mattress in place.

With some hunting online or at your local home goods store, you can find multipurpose foam blocks that suit this purpose. We should note, however, that this setup may void your mattress warranty coverage, as most warranties are quite specific about how a mattress should be supported.

Some recommend using a queen size mattress topper on your bed to make it feel bigger, but the thing is that it won’t fit perfectly. The ends of the topper will dangle over the sides of the mattress, which can just increase the risk of rolling off the mattress.

Using Queen Sheets on a Full Bed

Queen sheets will fit on a full bed, but they’ll be a bit loose. You can use sheet holders to keep them in place, or just tuck the extra fabric under the mattress.

You can also do the same thing with a queen size mattress protector. This can be a good way to prepare for upgrading to a queen mattress later.

Bedding Considerations

When you upgrade to a queen bed, you’ll need new bedding to fit. Let’s look at what you should think about when shopping for sheets, comforters, and other bed accessories.

New Sheets and Comforter Sizes

Your full-sized sheets and comforter won’t fit your new queen bed properly. You’ll need to buy new queen-sized fitted sheets, flat sheets, and pillowcases.

Queen comforters are also wider and longer than full-sized ones, though some are sold as dual full/queen options. You might also be able to make a full size comforter work on a queen if your priority is staying warm in bed rather than having the comforter hang a set amount over the sides.

When shopping, always check the size label to make sure you’re getting queen-sized items. Remember that deep-pocketed sheets might be necessary if you have a tall mattress or use a thick mattress topper.

Mattress Protectors and Pads

A mattress protector is important for keeping your new queen mattress clean and extending its life. Look for a waterproof option that also protects against dust mites and allergens.

Mattress pads can add extra comfort to your bed and are especially useful if your new mattress feels too firm. Like sheets, make sure to buy queen-sized protectors and pads to ensure a proper fit on your new, larger mattress.

Adding a Headboard

If you have a queen headboard but a full frame or vice versa, you have a few choices. You can buy special adapters to make them fit together, build something yourself to make the headboard fit or hang the headboard on the wall above your bed instead of attaching it to the frame.

FAQs

Can I just put a queen mattress on my full bed frame?

You technically can, but it’s not ideal. The queen mattress will overhang the full frame by about 6 inches in width and 5 inches in length—or in practical terms, you might have 3 inches hanging off each side or half a foot on one side, while the foot of the mattress slopes off.

At best, this can make the bed look odd and might cause the mattress to shift. It can also make it hard to use fitted sheets properly. Long-term, your mattress is more likely to sag and lose support, particularly any edge support it has. This loss of support will mean putting up with discomfort every night until you replace it.

While it works as a temporary solution for a night or two, it’s better to use converter rails or get a new queen frame for long-term comfort and support.

How much more space does a queen bed take up compared to a full?

A queen bed is 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a full bed. In total, it takes up about 33 square feet of floor space, while a full bed uses about 28 square feet.

This might not seem like much, but in a small room, those extra inches can make a big difference. Always measure your room carefully before upgrading to make sure you have enough space.

Are bed extender kits hard to install?

Most bed extender kits are designed for easy installation. They usually come with clear instructions and don’t require special tools or skills. Using the provided hardware, you’ll typically need to attach the extender rails to your existing bed frame.

It’s a job most people can do in an hour or two. If you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, you might want to ask a handy friend for help or consider professional installation.

Will I need to buy all new bedding if I switch to a queen?

Yes, you’ll need to replace most of your bedding. Your full-sized fitted sheets, flat sheets, and comforter won’t fit a queen bed properly. If you have a full bed and suspect you’ll need to switch to a queen in the future, you can prepare slightly by buying queen size blankets and such, as the drape difference is minimal with only slight overhang.

You’ll need to buy new queen-sized versions of these items. Pillows can usually stay the same, but you might want to add an extra one since queen beds are wider. Don’t forget to get a queen-sized mattress protector too.

How much does it typically cost to upgrade from a full to a queen bed?

The cost can vary widely depending on your chosen method. A set of converter rails might cost $50-$150. A new queen mattress can range from $300 to over $1000, depending on the type, thickness and quality.

If you’re building a custom frame, materials might cost $100 to $300. If you’re purchasing a new frame, simple wooden platform beds tend to be fairly cheap, as are some metal frames, and both can be easily found for under $500. Meanwhile, queen size adjustable beds usually cost in the $1000 to $1500 range, depending on their scale of features.

Don’t forget to factor in the cost of new bedding, which could add another $100 to $300. Overall, you might spend anywhere from $200 to $2500 or more for a complete upgrade.

Can I use my full headboard with a queen bed?

It’s possible, but it won’t be a perfect fit. A full headboard will be about 6 inches narrower than your queen bed.

You have a few options when installing the headboard. You can center the headboard, leaving a gap on each side, use headboard extenders to widen it or mount it on the wall above the bed instead of attaching it to the frame.

If you’re handy, you might even modify the headboard yourself to make it wider.

Is it worth upgrading from a full to a queen bed?

For many people, yes. A queen bed offers significantly more space, which can improve sleep quality, especially for couples or people who move a lot in their sleep. It can also make your bedroom feel more grown-up and luxurious.

We would even argue that a queen is a necessity if you want a couple’s mattress, as two people on a full bed can be quite the cramped fit.

However, it’s a personal decision that depends on your room size, budget, and sleeping preferences. If you often feel hemmed in on your full bed or want more space to stretch out, upgrading to a queen could be a great choice for you.

Conclusion

Upgrading from a full bed to a queen can transform your sleep experience and your bedroom’s look. Whether you choose to use converter rails, build a custom frame, or simply place a queen mattress on your full frame, each method has its own benefits.

To measure your space carefully and consider how the change will affect your room’s layout. Don’t forget to budget for new bedding, including sheets, comforters, and mattress protectors, to fit your larger bed.

With some planning and effort, you can enjoy the extra space and comfort a queen bed offers. Sweet dreams await you in your newly upgraded sleeping space!