What Are Double Beds?

Also known as the Full Mattresses, double beds have been around for many years. Before the 1950s, when queen-sized and king-sized beds came into being, spouses used to sleep on a double bed, where the name originated. Although today manufacturers are offering different sizes of mattresses, double beds are still prevalent in America.

However, the million-dollar question is, what is a double bed and who is it suitable for? In this short document, we are going to answer these questions and explain the room dimension that is best for a double bed and the approximate cost.

Double Bed Dimensions

Double beds measure 4.5 feet wide and 6 feet in length. Although the size is too narrow for many couples, it is the perfect bed for a single sleeper.  However, if a person is taller than 6 feet, the double bed dimensions will not be comfortable. That is because their legs will be dangling off the end of the bed. Also, the thickness of a double bed will vary based on the type of mattress one would purchase. Most memory foam beds are between 10 and 12 inches thick, while hybrid brands range between 12 and 14 inches.

The terms’ full-size bed’ and’ double bed’ are commonly used interchangeably, but they both refer to beds with the exact dimensions (4.5 feet by 6 feet). These measurements apply to bed frames and mattresses labeled as ‘full’ or’ double.’

You have shopped around for mattresses before, and you would have come across bed frames labeled ‘Full XL.’ These mattresses have the same width as standard full mattresses. Nevertheless, a ‘Full XL’ measures 5 inches longer than a standard double bed. This makes it a good investment for over 6 feet tall. It is important to remember that these mattresses are less common.

Double Bed Room Dimensions

King-sized mattresses demand large bedrooms, and double beds are flexible and can be fitted comfortably in most spaces. For example, if you live in a studio apartment or have a small bedroom, you are better off with a double bed, which will help you maximize space and still have a comfortable and spacious bed.

A double bed can fit just right in many bedrooms, even in those bedrooms with limited space. For you to leave a walking path around the bed and account for any bedroom furniture, it is wise to get a double bed in a room that measures at least 9 feet by 9.6 feet. This is attractive considering that the average bedroom size in America is 11 by 12 feet. Double beds should fit correctly into most bedrooms.

Who Should Consider Double Beds?

Because the double bed measures 4.5 inches wide, it leaves approximately 2.3 inches of space on each side of the bed. Many people find double beds to be confining. Let us not forget that they are the best for single adults and teenagers.

Teens and children

These mattresses (the twin and full size) are the best option for teens and children. However, as the child grows, the mattresses may be small, and the children might feel that they need more space to move around comfortably. This is especially true for those who are tall and need more legroom to grow.

Nevertheless, a double bed can fit comfortably in most children’s rooms and leave enough playroom and other items.

Single Adults

As mentioned, double beds need to offer plenty of room for the single adult sleeper to spread and accommodate other furniture. Furthermore, they are flexible, affordable, easy to move and fit very well in most rooms.  For those who are taller than 6 feet, we recommend the XL or queen size bed. All in all, due to its flexibility, affordability, and other benefits, it is an ideal investment for single adults.

The Price of a Double Bed

Compared to queen or king-sized mattresses, double mattresses are a lot more affordable. Let us not forget accessories like adjustable beds, bed frames, foundations, comforters, mattress protectors, pillows, and sheets are all affordable.

A good-quality double mattress will generally cost you about $200 to $1500. Hybrid mattresses will cost you about $800 to $1500 for double size. Innersprings mattresses are the most affordable compared to those with thick foam, and they are not that durable.

How Double Beds Compare To Standard Mattresses Size

America’s six standard mattress sizes are twin, queen, king, twin XL, and California King. Below is a list that compares double beds with the common sizes.

Queen Size Mattresses

These mattresses measure 6 feet wide and 6.6 feet long. The mattress is 6 inches longer compared to the double bed. Queen beds are the most popular option in the US because they are large enough to accommodate two sleepers with 30 inches of space on each side.

Twin And Twin XL Size Mattresses

These mattresses measure 3 feet wide and 6.3 feet long. The length is the same standard as the double or full-size mattress. Moreover, they are the same width as both the standard twin and double mattresses. However, the twin XL mattress is 5 inches longer.

King Size Mattress

These mattresses measure 6.3 feet wide and 6.7 feet long. That is 22 inches wider compared to the standard double bed and 5 inches longer. The king-size mattress is ideal for spouses who prefer personal space or a large family who prefer co-sleeping.

California King Size Mattress

California king-size mattresses are 72 inches wider and 84 inches long. They are 18 inches wider and 9 inches longer than a double-size bed. This makes it 4 inches longer and 4 inches narrower compared to the standard king-size bed. This makes the mattress a good option for couples who are over 6 feet tall.

The Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put queen sheets on a full bed?

No! Remember, queen beds are 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer. Sheets made to fit a queen bed will be big to fit on a full-size bed. Using queen sheets will only result in or cause the sheet to bunch up and move while sleeping.

Do two twin mattresses make a queen?

No! Twin beds have measurements of 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. Two twin beds placed side by side will not make a standard queen size bed. Nevertheless, two twin XL beds will create a standard king-size bed, placed side by side, measuring 38 inches wide and 80 inches long.

What size bed do most couples sleep on?

Queen is the commonly purchased mattress for couples. That is because it is large enough to allow 30 inches of personal space on each side. This gives enough room for one to stretch out. Taller couples or families that prefer sleeping together may feel comfortable with a king-sized bed.

How much smaller is a double bed than a queen?

Double beds measure 4.5 feet by 6.3 feet. On the other hand, the queen size bed measures 5 feet by 6.7 feet long. This makes a queen broader and longer compared to a double bed. Queen size mattresses are the best option for couples, while double beds are ideal for growing children, teens, and single adults. However, double beds are not suitable for those who are more than 6 feet tall.

What size bed do I need for a ten by ten room?

Double-sized beds will fit very well in a ten by ten room. When you decide to go for the full XL size mattress, it may feel conjected in the room. The ten by ten room is not large enough to accommodate the mattresses and leave room for other furniture or room to walk through comfortably. Therefore, if you prefer a more oversized bedroom, you should at least consider a room that measures 11 feet by 12 feet.