King Bed vs. Queen Bed: Mattress Showdown!

Quick answer: While a king-size mattress and queen size mattress are the same length, the king size offers an extra 30cm in width.

At Beds n Dreams, our goal is to help people sleep better, and we’ve been doing it for decades! We know that when it comes to choosing between different-sized beds, there’s more to consider than just the measurements.

Battling with the king-size vs queen-size decision? This guide can help you settle the debate.

Queen vs king bed size comparison

In Australia, the standard sizes are:

What is a queen-size bed?

A queen-size bed is what most people end up with, and for good reason. At 153cm wide, it’s big enough for two people to sleep in comfortably, but not so big that it takes up every inch of floor space in the bedroom.

But it’s a trade-off. What you gain in extra room to spread out and get comfy in the bed, you lose in general space in the bedroom. Not all bedrooms in Australian homes can comfortably accommodate this size bed.

King vs queen bed size difference

Both mattresses are the same length, so the only real difference is the extra 30cm in width. That’s about 15cm more space each if you’re sharing. We know it doesn’t sound like much, but it’s the difference between noticing every movement and not thinking about it at all.

In essence, width is what changes how a bed feels, and that extra bit of space is what gives a king its edge over a queen.

How to choose between a queen and king-size bed

The queen bed size in Australia is the most widely used, with king-size trailing close behind as the next most popular choice. Here are a few practical checks that can help it become clear which size you should go with:

1. Determine the exact size of the bedroom

Check your room size. In Australia, standard bedrooms are usually around 2.7m × 3m to 3m × 3.2m, while master bedrooms are normally around 4m × 3.6m up to roughly 4.2m × 3.9m.

A queen-size bed (153cm wide) will fit comfortably in most standard bedrooms. A king (183cm wide) starts to make more sense once you’re working with a master bedroom in that 4m × 3.6m range or larger.

2. Factor in furniture and layout

It’s not just the mattress that needs to fit. You need to think about the bed frame, bedside tables, and anything else that needs to stay in the room. And don’t get caught out by not allowing space for doors and drawers to open properly!

The general rule of thumb is to aim for approximately 75 to 90cm of open space on each side of the bed. By doing this, you can ensure good day-to-day usability and not just a technical ‘fit’.

3. Consider how you sleep

If you sleep on your own, a queen-size bed is usually more than enough. As a solo sleeper, a king bed only becomes worth it if you tend to really spread out or just like having loads of extra space around you.

If you’re sharing a bed, the king-size vs queen-size decision should come down to sleep habits. Two people who stay fairly still throughout the night can make a queen bed work without any issues. But if one of you moves around heaps, is a hot sleeper, or just has a different sleep rhythm, a king-size bed could mean better sleep for you both.

4. Plan ahead

If your room only comfortably fits a queen, that’s your answer for now. And just because a king fits your current room doesn’t mean it’ll work everywhere. If you’re likely to move, it’s worth thinking about whether your choice will suit future bedrooms as well.

It’s also worth considering how your situation might change. For example, you might move in with a partner, change your lifestyle, or just want more space as time goes on. These are common reasons people move from a queen to a king later on.

4. Think about the budget

When it comes to king vs queen-size mattress costs, you can expect to have to dig a little deeper for a king. It uses more materials, is larger to manufacture, and costs more to transport.

And you need to remember that the mattress is only part of the cost.

When you upgrade to a king, everything that goes with it gets bigger, too. That includes the bed frame, sheets, mattress protectors, and doonas, all of which are typically more expensive in king size.

Queen and king beds near me

At Beds n Dreams, we have a fantastic range of both queen and king bed frames and mattresses. With stores across the country and the convenience of being able to shop online if that’s more your style, finding the perfect fit for your bedroom has never been easier.

FAQs

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a king vs queen-size bed?

A king gives you more space and can enhance your sleep if you share a bed, but it takes up more room and costs more overall. A queen is easier to fit and costs less, but can begin to feel a bit squished for couples over time.

Is the queen bed bigger than a king in Australia?

No. In Australia, a king bed is larger than a queen bed in width, while both are the same length.

Is a king-size bed worth it compared to a double?

For most people, absolutely. It’s significantly longer and wider, which would make a noticeable difference to comfort, especially if there are two in the bed.

How do I know whether a king bed will fit in my room?

Measure your room and allow for about 75 to 90cm of clearance on each side of the bed. As a rough guide, a king tends to do its best work in rooms that are 4m × 3.6m or bigger.

What are the cost differences between a king and queen bed?

In Australia, a king mattress will probably cost you a few hundred dollars more than its queen counterpart. Depending on the range, the difference is often somewhere around $200–$600. You’ll see a price jump across bed frames and bedding, too.