Double vs. Queen Bed: Here's The Difference
Quick overview: A queen mattress is the next size up from a double mattress, offering an extra 15cm in both width and length.
At Beds n Dreams, we've been helping people sleep easy for over 10 years. We understand that choosing the right size bed is an important decision, and know that it comes down to more than just dimensions.
Read on to discover the key differences between a double bed and queen bed along with steps to guide you towards making the right choice for you, your space, and your sleeping habits.
Dimensions of double bed vs queen bed
Here are the standard Australian dimensions of a double and queen mattress, side by side for easy comparison:
| Bed size | Width | Length |
| Double bed | 138cm | 188cm |
| Queen bed | 153cm | 203cm |
What is a double bed?
A double bed is the next size up from a king-single bed and a size down from a queen bed. It can be a good middle-ground size offering more sleeping space than a king-single, but without overwhelming a snug bedroom.
If you're a solo sleeper, a double can feel quite spacious. For couples, a double mattress can be doable. However, this will largely come down to each person's sleeping habits.
What is a queen-size bed?
A queen bed is often thought of as the sweet spot in Australian bed sizing. A luxurious option for solo sleepers and an appropriately sized option for two adult sleepers, it's what we sell the most of.
On paper, the double bed vs queen bed measurements gap may seem minor. However, a queen bed can feel like a big upgrade once you're sprawled out in it.
Size difference between queen and double bed
The main thing to know with double bed vs queen bed measurements, is that a double is both shorter and narrower than a queen. Yes, a queen is only one mattress size up from a double. But the extra 15cm in width and length makes it feel a lot more 'grown-up' and can make a pretty big difference to sleep quality.
Essentially, it's the difference between rolling over without waking your partner up, stretching your legs without your feet dangling off the end of the mattress, and sharing a doona without a nightly go of tug-of-war.
5 considerations when choosing between a double and queen sized bed
To help you choose the right size, here are some things to consider:
1. The size of the bedroom
There's no point in even starting the bed size debate until you know exactly how much space you have to work with.
A double bed will leave you with more floor space, which can make a significant difference if you’re working with limited room space. A queen bed tends to fit nicely in most standard-sized Australian bedrooms, but this depends on what else is in the room (more on this later).
While you can generally squeeze a queen bed into a 3m x 3m bedroom, it's best suited to a room that's 3.2m x 3.2m or larger.
2. Whether the bed is for one person or two
A double bed is absolutely suitable if you're of average height and sleep on your own. You'll even have room to stretch out! It can also be a great option for a guest room that may see a mix of solo and double sleepers.
But for everyday use by two adults, a queen sized bed is a much more appropriate option.
It's worth considering your sleep habits here, as well. If you both wake up in the same position you went to sleep in and like being nice and close, a double might do the trick. But if one of you rolls all over the place, sleeps hot, stretches out, or is just a fan of personal space, the extra room in a queen is everything.
3. What else needs to fit in the room
Remember, the bed is only a part of the bedroom. You also need to think about other bedroom furniture. And, of course, there are opening doors and cupboards, and walking space to consider too.
A double bed can be an excellent choice for a room that needs to do more than just be a place to sleep. For instance, a teenager's room or a guest room. But when the bed is to be the main feature of the room, like in a master bedroom, a queen (or even a king size mattress) might be the way to go.
Either way, it's important to aim for roughly 75cm to 90cm of open space on each side of the bed. Anything less than this can result in a level of squeeze that's not manageable over the long term.
4. How you'll use the bed long term
A good quality bed can last for around a decade or more, assuming you treat it nicely. Because of this, beds aren’t a frequent purchase. So, it's definitely worth bringing a bit of future-thought into your decision-making process.
Think about what size bed will work for you right now, but also what will work a few years down the line. For instance, a double might be perfect for a teenager today, but if they’re already tall or likely to use the room as a young adult, a queen bed offers more staying power.
5. How much you're willing to spend
Typically, a double bed is going to cost you less than a queen bed. And that extends beyond the mattress itself. The bed frame and sheets will usually be cheaper in double size too.
If the bed is for a guest room or kid's room, for example, a double can be a good way to save some money (and space). But if it’s your main bed, a queen suddenly becomes a lot easier to justify, and is what we'd generally recommend to customers, assuming they have the space to accommodate it.
Double and queen beds near me
At Beds n Dreams, we stock beds and bed frames in all standard Australian sizes, including double and queen size. And if you're needing to kit out an entire bedroom, we've got all the bedroom furniture options to choose from too. Shop online from the comfort of your couch or pop into one of our stores, dotted around the county.
FAQs
Is the queen or double bed bigger in Australia?
The queen bed is the bigger of the two with approximately 21% more overall sleeping space.
Can two adults sleep on a double bed?
Yes, but it might feel a bit tight depending on how you sleep. For everyday use, most couples will find a queen bed offers a far better sleep experience.
Which is most popular out of a queen and double bed?
For main bedrooms, the queen bed takes top spot. We still sell lots of double beds, though, especially for guest rooms or kids' rooms.
Which bed size is best for a small guest room?
A double bed is usually best for a small guest room. It's the smallest mattress available that can fit two people.
What is the difference in price?
At Beds n Dreams, the difference is relatively minor. You're looking at a difference of about $50 to $250, depending on the mattress and any promotions we're running at the time.