Written by Jill Zwarensteyn, Editor
Full-size beds, also referred to as “double beds,” are generally bigger than a Twin and slightly smaller than the popular Queen-size mattress. The difference is in the overall surface area, length, and width.
However, a lot of people are unaware of the actual dimensions and how this could impact performance, price, and more. With this in mind, we’ve taken the liberty to break down the differences between a Full and Queen-size bed. Our goal is to make sure that you have all the necessary details so you can decide which one is right for you.
Size Comparison Chart
| Full Bed | Queen Bed | |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 54 inches | 60 inches |
| Length | 75 inches | 80 inches |
| Popularity | 21% of all the purchases | 32% of all the purchases |
| Pros | The size is perfect for a single sleeper | It is usually suited for someone taller or for a couple |
| Cons | The full bed won’t fit a couple good as it is too narrow | Even though the bed is designated for couples, it could still feel too narrow |
Best Full-Size Mattresses
- Nolah Natural – Best Hypoallergenic Full-Size Mattress
- Leesa Original – Best Memory Foam Full-Size Mattress
- Signature Hybrid – Best Full-Size Mattress for Combination Sleepers
- Bear Star Hybrid – Best Full-Size Mattress for Recovery
- Cocoon Chill – Best Cooling Full-Size Mattress
Best Queen-Size Mattresses
- Helix Midnight – Best Queen-Size Mattress for Side Sleepers
- DreamCloud Original – Best Queen-Size Mattress for Couples
- Nectar Original – Best Value Queen-Size Mattress
- WinkBeds Original – Best Queen-Size Mattress for Back Pain
- Saatva Classic – Best Luxury Queen-Size Mattress
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| Nolah Natural Mattress | Leesa Original Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Bear Star Hybrid Mattress | Cocoon Chill Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Nectar Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Saatva Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Soft: 6/10 | Soft: 5.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Soft: 6/10 | Soft: 6/10 | Soft: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Latex | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Innerspring |
| Cooling |
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| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery |
| Trial Period | 120 Nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights |
| Best For | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Couples, Back Sleepers | Joint Pain, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Joint Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers |
Difference Between Queen and Full Bed Explained
Dimensions
Starting off with the dimensions, as you can see from the comparison chart, the full-sized bed measures 54 x 75 inches while the queen-sized one measures 60 x 80 inches. The difference is quite significant, yet not enough for the queen bed to freely accommodate a couple comfortably. This is why both choices are usually preferred by people who prefer to sleep alone.
One of the best parts about owning a full-size is that it would provide you with a substantial amount of sleeping space without taking a whole lot from your room. Even though it’s not as compact as a regular twin, it could fit within the majority of bedrooms comfortably. You will have the necessary amount of space to conveniently maneuver in your room.
Price
Regardless of the brand or built you go for, a full-size is always going to be the cheaper solution in absolutely every aspect. This is since they are both quite popular and are amongst the most regular choice of the majority of people. With this said, even the spare parts for the full-sized bed are going to be cheaper.
The reason for this is quite logical and straightforward – they are comparatively smaller which makes the main difference. This is something that you ought to account for. Queen sized beds also require larger pieces of sheeting, duvets, and comforters which is even going to jack up the price a bit so keep this in mind.
Comfort
You’re likely to be looking at an overkill if you prefer the queen-size for a single sleeper. However, if you have the room to afford it, this is never a bad thing. This is especially true if you find yourself moving a lot during the night – the extra space could prevent you from waking up in the middle of the night as you’ve run out of room for your feet. While it’s not the ideal pick for a couple, 30 inches per person is quite substantial and it’s certainly better than the full-sized option.
This is the ultimate solution if you don’t have excessive space in your bedroom and you intend to sleep alone. It is going to leave an inconsiderable 27 inches per person if you decide to share it which could be quite tight. However, if you are a single sleeper, the mattress is the most optimal space-saving option, which is quite awesome. Keep in mind, though, that it is also 5-inches shorter than its queen-sized counterpart.
Accessories
Accessories for full-sized beds are incredibly common, and you would be able to find different sets at prices which are fairly affordable. You would also be able to get a nice and appropriate duvet set at one of the most commonly visited big box stores or even online for as much as $20 or even less than that. You will also be given a room for one additional pillow, which is always something beneficial.
Finding accessories for your queen-size is also going to be a breeze as this is one of the most commonly purchased sizes. The sets are pretty much equally prized as the ones for the full-sized beds, even though a slight increase because of the larger dimensions is quite possible. There is nothing overly expensive to be worried about, though.
Recommended Room Size
If you want to purchase a full-sized bed, the recommended room size should be about 10 x 12 feet. If you don’t have that, you should consider going down to a twin-size in order to allow yourself the additional breathing room around the mattress.
Once again, anything above 10 x 10 feet is likely to work fine, even though you’d have slightly less space around it for maneuvering. On the other hand, if thee room is smaller than 9,5 x 10 feet, you should consider going down a size to make sure that there is no discomfort.
Full Bed Pros and Cons
The pros and cons of the full mattress are mainly related with its compactness and relatively larger sleeping space.
The Pros:
- It is quite inexpensive
- The solution is not too heavy
- It is incredibly easy to find accessories
The Cons:
- It’s not fit for couples
Queen Bed Pros and Cons
When it comes to queen mattresses, the advantages and disadvantages are slightly different due to the various dimensions.
The Pros:
- It’s good yet not ideal for couples
- It’s very easy to accessorize it
- It provides additional room for your legs
The Cons:
- It’s slightly more expensive
- It’s heavier
Conclusion
As you can see, the differences between the full sized bed and the queen sized one could be quite substantial, especially if those few inches on top are what you’re looking for.
At the same time, the size of your mattress is also going to determine a few different components such as the overall comfort not only of your sleeping solution but the entire bedroom as well. If you have a smaller room, it’s wiser to go with a smaller option in order to leave enough space for other necessary furniture as well.
Hopefully, the aforementioned has been of value. We hope that now you have the necessary clarifications to make a quick and decisive choice.
