Double bed vs. queen bed vs. king bed: Which one to choose?

Everyone agrees that sleep is essential. But if you truly want to hit the ideal sleeping hour and achieve a well-rested night after a long day, you'd surely need to find the best type and size that will guarantee your comfort. This is where the decision between a double bed, a queen bed, or a king bed enters the picture.

Whether you're furnishing your new home or looking to upgrade your current bed, it's important to know the differences between these three popular bed types. This guide will dive into the key factors you need to consider.

What is a double bed? 

A double bed, often called a full bed, is a type of bed that’s slightly bigger than a single bed. If you’re sleeping solo, this bed gives you that extra sprawl space for a more comfortable sleep. Plus, it doesn't eat up the room like the bigger beds.

It's about 54 inches wide and 75 inches long, making it cozy enough for one person to stretch out. It's a perfect fit for smaller bedrooms or guest rooms. 

What is a queen bed? 

A queen bed is a type of bed with dimensions of about 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. It's bigger than a double bed, making it an ideal choice for any single sleeper who likes to spread their arms and legs. For couples, this bed will give you plenty of room to move around without kicking your sleeping partner or falling off the edge.

Queen beds also strike a perfect balance between size and comfort. They're big enough to accommodate two people comfortably but not so huge that you'll feel like you're drifting apart. Plus, they fit nicely in most bedrooms without hogging all the space.

What is a king bed? 

A king bed is a whopping 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, which means you’re getting a lot of bed space. It's perfect for couples with children or pets who enjoy sleeping together at night. 

However, king beds require a lot of space. But, if you've got the room, the sleeping experience king beds offer is worth it. You can ensure that everyone has plenty of room to stretch, turn, and snuggle with the king-size bed dimensions. They're also great for taller individuals who need that extra length to sleep comfortably.

Double vs. queen vs. king size bed: What's the difference? 

Choosing the right bed size depends on many factors. It's not just about fitting your room or your budget. It also needs to match your sleep style, who you share it with, and how you value your space at night. This guide will break down these factors and help you decide which bed to invest in.

In terms of bed and mattress sizes

When we talk about mattress dimensions and bed sizes, it's clear there's a giant leap from one size to another. Typically, a double bed measures 54 inches wide x 75 inches long. This size is perfect for singles or close-knit couples who don't mind cuddling up. They’re also a practical choice for smaller rooms, ensuring enough floor space is left for other furniture.

As for queen beds, they usually measure around 60 inches x 80 inches, providing that extra width and length many couples appreciate. They're often seen as the go-to for adult bedrooms and moderately sized rooms. This size hits a sweet spot for those who want more room to stretch without overwhelming the space.

Then there's the king bed, the biggest bed size in Australia, stretching to dimensions of 76 x 80 inches. It has ample space to roll, stretch, or even let pets or kids sneak in during the night. 

In terms of sleeping capacity

A double bed comfortably accommodates single sleepers or couples who prefer a snug fit. On the flip side, a king bed stands out as the ultimate choice for families with children and even pets who want the same sleeping quarters without feeling cramped.

The queen bed is a versatile middle ground suitable for couples with limited room space. It provides more bed space than a double but won’t take up as much room as a king. It's also a popular choice for solo sleepers who want extra room to spread out but don't need the added width of a king bed.

So, when comparing things, the decision usually falls on a double bed vs. a king bed. Ultimately, everything's a matter of personal preferences, but the latter's sleeping area is usually a decisive factor. 

In terms of bedroom space

When choosing the right bed to invest in, you also need to consider the amount of space it's going to take in your bedroom. 

A double bed can be a smart move for those really squeezed for space.  It's smaller than a queen and king bed, but enough to accommodate two sleepers while still leaving room for essential furniture pieces and easy mobility around the room. 

TIP: If you have ample vertical space, you can invest in a double over double bunk bed to maximize your room.

However, if you have enough bedroom space, the choice will often lead to a queen bed vs. a king bed. They're both large and the difference seems small, so it's understandable that many are confused as to how they'd decide.

The rule of thumb is to consider your comfort and sleeping space without overcrowding the room. For most standard-sized bedrooms, queen beds tick all these boxes. If you have a spacious room, you can go for a king-size mattress. 

In terms of long-term suitability

When choosing your bed, it's crucial to think about how your life might change over the years. Double beds are perfect for young individuals or in a child's room. They won't take up unnecessary space, leaving more room for play and work. However, it’s important to note that double mattresses won’t be able to adapt to major life changes like kids growing up or other people joining you in the bed.

Meanwhile, queen beds can easily accommodate shifts in your sleeping needs or living situations. Couples who need more elbow room or those who imagine their family growing can benefit from them. Plus, they're adaptable enough to still fit in medium-sized rooms without crowding the space.

However, go for king beds if you foresee significant changes like family members joining you in bed or a desire for greater personal space over time. They offer the largest sleeping capacity as compared to the other bed types, so you're sure that an increase in room occupants won't require a hasty bed upgrade or two separate beds in the future.

In terms of assembly and mobility

Given their compact size, double beds are relatively easy to maneuver and assemble. They can easily fit through narrow hallways or staircases without much trouble.

On the other hand, queen and king beds require more effort when it comes to assembly. The larger dimensions mean you'll need an extra pair of hands to help guide the frame and move the mattress through tighter spaces.

The planning doesn't end there, though. You also need to think ahead of time when you need to disassemble the bed frame. Double beds remain the easiest to take apart and move around, whether you're shuffling furniture within a room or relocating to a new home. Queen beds are a tad more complex, although still manageable.

King-size beds, on the other hand, present the greatest challenge in terms of assembly and moving. Their size means navigating hallways and corners can become a real headache. You’ll likely need professional help to move and assemble them.

In terms of cost

If you're wondering about how much you'll shell out for a bed, double beds are the most affordable option. You're looking at a range from $110 to $500 for frames alone. Mattress sets can go from $350 to $15,000.

Moving on to queen beds, they offer a bit more variation. Frames start as low as $100 to $400 for custom ones. Mattresses range from $500 to $1,500. But when you're aiming for a complete set, prices can climb up from $1,200 for basic ones to $3,000 for customized, upholstered, and orthopaedic ones.

King beds, on the other hand, are where things get a bit more lavish. If you're eyeing steel bed frames alone, prices kick off at around $300 to $1,500. Mattresses are priced from $500 to $3,000. And if we're bringing mattresses into the mix, be prepared to go all the way up to a whopping $5,000. It's the choice for those who don't mind spending a bit more for a superior sleeping area.

In the US, designer beds are also highly expensive, promising maximum comfort and premium aesthetics. The cheapest ones are sold for $30,000.

Get expert help for bed assembly with Airtasker

It's clear that picking out the perfect bed involves balancing comfort, space, and cost. But, once you've made your choice, the thought of assembling it too would surely feel like overkill. 

Instead of fumbling with instructions and tools, why not post your task on Airtasker and have skilled professionals handle your bed assembly for you? It's a hassle-free way to ensure your new bed is set up perfectly, leaving you more time to enjoy your revamped bedroom space.

And it's not just beds. Airtasker can also connect you with other Taskers who can professionally tackle most of your furniture assembly needs.

Why not take the stress out of setting up your new purchase? Post a task today and connect with experienced pros who are ready to make your life a bit easier.