King size vs. Queen size beds: What is the difference?

In India, the preferred Queen size is a slightly more rectangular 5 foot x 6.5 foot (60 x 78 in/152 x 200 cm), while the popular size for King beds, is a squarer 6 foot x 6.25 foot (72 x 75 in/184 x 190 cm). These are the sizes that Indian sellers are usually referring to when citing a “standard” size. This can be confusing to the first time buyer as despite a larger surface area, the King size is 3 inches shorter than the Queen. What is more, there are dimension variations such as the California King (longer than a standard King at 7 feet), and Olympic Queen (6 inches wider than a standard Queen), but these are rare in the general Indian market and not sizes that one would typically encounter.

The Difference Between King Size and Queen Size Beds

Let us then explore the range of measurement of King and Queen size beds that you are most likely to encounter. As mentioned earlier, when deciding what is King size and Queen size bed dimensions, the principal factor is width. Your 5 ft width Queen size or your 6 ft width King will usually come in three length variations:

• 6 feet (72 in/184 cm)
  

  This is by-and-large not a popular length, as it is quite short for a tall person. In a Queen size, this could be an option in a smaller guest room or for a single adult. In a King size this is actually a true square bed and probably only a choice for rooms with acute space constraints. Incidentally, sheets and bedding for this length at a King size width are often harder to find.
  
  

• 6 feet 3 inches (75 in/190 cm)
  

  This is a much more common length and can be the perfect balance; leaving sufficient space in your bedroom while still being long enough for comfort. In the Queen size, this is a great choice for a small bedroom design.  As previously stated, this is the most popular option of the King size in India, providing enough width for two adults comfortably, without overwhelming an average sized master bedroom.

Depending on the orientation of your room and the usage needs of doors, drawers and cupboards you might want a bed with greater length but a shorter width. And, if your bed design incorporates storage you might want a larger surface area even if you have to sacrifice some length.
 

How to: Choosing Between a King Size and Queen Size Bed

The main difference between King and Queen size bed designs is the amount of surface area that each offers. Irrespective of length, the surface area of a Queen size bed is smaller than the King sizes, which is a factor when you are dealing with limited floor space or want in-built bed storage solutions. For a King size bed the minimum usable floor space for your bedroom ought to be at least 12 feet by 12 feet. Pay attention to door and window placement when calculating the dimensions of your usable floor space and factor in access to in-built storage, if that is part of your plan.

For a couple who have an infant, a small child or a fur baby who insists on sharing, the King size will comfortably accommodate them along with two adults. This would also be the recommended bed size for plus sized users or particularly restless sleepers.
 

For a King size bed, often the main consideration is keeping it from dominating or overwhelming the space. By placing the bed against the back wall or even under a window, you can leave space along three sides for easy movement. Choose taller pedestal lamps to draw the eye upward and place cupboards facing the foot of your bed, to get the best flow.

Although we have King and Queen size bed dimensions in feet, mattress manufacturers often sell in either inches or centimetres, and it would be a good idea to double check your size specifications before you pick your mattress and bedding.

When buying pillows for your Queen size bed, make sure to choose the standard pillow size of 20 x 26 inch rather than the oversized King pillow of 20 x 36 inch, so as not to unnecessarily dwarf your bed design.