Difference Between King Bed And California King Bed
When my husband and I decided to upgrade our bed, we were confused about the difference between a king bed and a California king bed. We did our research and learned that while both are larger than a queen bed, they differ in size and shape. Here’s what we found out:
Size and Shape
A standard king bed, also known as an Eastern king, measures 76 inches in width and 80 inches in length. On the other hand, a California king bed, also known as a Western king, measures 72 inches in width and 84 inches in length. This makes the California king bed longer but narrower than the standard king bed.
Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re considering buying a new bed and are confused about which to choose, here’s a step-by-step guide on the difference between a king bed and a California king bed:
- Measure your bedroom to determine which size bed will fit comfortably.
- Decide if you prefer a wider or longer bed.
- Consider the size of your current bedding and whether you’ll need to purchase new sheets and blankets to fit the new bed.
- Take into account any accessories you may have for your bed, such as a headboard or footboard, and ensure they will fit on the new bed.
- Finally, consider your personal preference and which bed size will provide the most comfortable sleeping experience for you.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas
If you’re still unsure which bed size to choose, here are some top tips and ideas to help you make your decision:
- If you’re tall or have a partner who is tall, a California king bed may be more comfortable as it provides extra length.
- If you have a smaller bedroom, a standard king bed may not fit comfortably and a California king bed may be a better option.
- If you like to spread out while you sleep, a standard king bed may be better as it provides extra width.
- If you have a lot of accessories for your bed, such as decorative pillows or a canopy, a standard king bed may be a better option as it provides more space.
- If you’re upgrading from a queen bed, a standard king bed may be a more seamless transition as it is the same width.
- If you have a lot of pets who like to sleep with you, a California king bed may be a better option as it provides extra length for them to stretch out.
- If you have a partner who tosses and turns a lot, a standard king bed may be a better option as it provides more space to move around without disturbing the other person.
- If you have a lot of natural light in your bedroom, a California king bed may be a better option as it allows for more space around the bed, making the room feel less cramped.
- If you have a lot of furniture in your bedroom, a standard king bed may be a better option as it provides more space for other pieces of furniture.
- Consider the style of the bed and whether it fits with the overall design aesthetic of your bedroom.
Pros and Cons
Like with any purchase, there are pros and cons to both king beds and California king beds:
King Bed
- Pros:
- Provides more width for sleeping and lounging.
- More common size, making it easier to find bedding and accessories.
- May be more comfortable for couples who like to sleep close together.
- Cons:
- May not fit comfortably in smaller bedrooms.
- May be too wide for solo sleepers.
- May be too large for some accessories, such as decorative pillows or canopies.
California King Bed
- Pros:
- Provides extra length for taller sleepers.
- May be more comfortable for solo sleepers who like to stretch out.
- Allows for more space in the bedroom.
- Cons:
- May not fit comfortably in smaller bedrooms.
- May be too narrow for couples who like to sleep close together.
- May be more difficult to find bedding and accessories.
My Personal Review and Suggestion
After considering all of the factors, my husband and I decided to go with a standard king bed. We have a larger bedroom and prefer the extra width for sleeping and lounging. We also have a lot of decorative pillows and a headboard that we wanted to keep, which fit better on a standard king bed. We found it easy to find bedding and accessories for the king bed and have been very happy with our decision.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: What is the difference between a king bed and a California king bed?
A: A standard king bed measures 76 inches in width and 80 inches in length, while a California king bed measures 72 inches in width and 84 inches in length.
Q: Which bed size is better for tall people?
A: A California king bed provides extra length, making it a better option for tall people.
Q: Which bed size is better for smaller bedrooms?
A: It depends on the layout of the room, but in general, a California king bed may be a better option for smaller bedrooms as it is narrower than a standard king bed.
Q: Will I need to buy new bedding and accessories for a king or California king bed?
A: It depends on the size of your current bedding and accessories. If they are designed for a queen bed, you will likely need to purchase new ones that fit the larger bed size.