California King vs King Mattress [Mattresses Compared]

When it comes to choosing your ideal bed, there are many factors to consider. Both King size and California size beds have their pros and cons, so how do you decide which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between California king vs king bed, and give some tips on how to choose the right size for your needs.

California King vs King

Although they’re two different types of beds, the king and the California king are similar enough to make it difficult to decide between them.

King Size Bed Dimensions

Being the widest mattress on the market, the king-size bed is designed to comfortably fit two sleepers. This makes it ideal for couples who can’t sleep too close because they feel cramped or overheated, as it gives them enough personal space while at the same time allowing them to feel close to their partner.

The king-size mattress dimensions are 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, with a total surface space of 6,080 square inches, which is equivalent to two twin beds placed next to each other. This size would be appropriate for larger master bedrooms, but it might be a little too large for smaller rooms.

Like any other bed, the king-size bed (also known as the Eastern king) has its benefits and drawbacks. Although it’s a good choice for families with children who like to snuggle with their parents from time to time, the king-size bed dimensions (6.3×6.6 in feet) make it challenging not only to move it but also to change its sheets. You may also struggle with finding a perfect king-size mattress because they can be quite pricey, as are the corresponding bed accessories. The following list contains all the pros and cons regarding this bed:

Pros

• Ideal for couples who like their personal space or families with children or pets
• Best fit for shorter, but wider rooms
• Easily obtainable
• Split king option – for sleepers with different sleeping preferences

Cons

• The difference between king vs California king is that people over 6 feet tall find the king bed too short
• Difficult to move
• The mattress and bed accessories cost more

California King Dimensions

Also known as the “Western King”, this bed is the second-largest standard-sized bed on the market, after the king-sized one. But how big is a California king exactly? It’s 72 inches wide, and 84 inches long, with a surface area of 6,048 square inches. This means that it’s a little narrower compared to a king-sized mattress, but what it lacks in width, it makes up in length. California king is considered the longest mattress on the market, as it’s around four inches longer than the king bed, making it ideal for people over 6 feet tall.

As its name suggests, this bed originated in California as an alternative to the king-sized one and is equal in size to two twin XL mattresses put side by side. The dimensions of a California king bed allow it to fit perfectly in a larger master bedroom that measures 12×12 feet. In terms of the number of sleepers, this bed would be perfect for couples, or families with one or two small children, although any more than that would make the space cramped.

Like the king-size bed, this one also has some pros and cons:

Pros

• It’s long enough for tall people to rest comfortably
• Fits easily in a master, 12×12 feet bedroom
• Split option available for couples with different sleep preferences

Cons

The cons of California king bed vs king bed are more or less the same:

• They can be quite expensive
• Hard to move due to the bed’s size
• Difficult to find bed accessories, such as beddings, organic mattresses, etc.

Key Takeaways

The king and California king are similar enough to require a detailed analysis to determine which one would best fit your needs, so make sure you consider every similarity and difference between the king and California king bed before you make your ultimate decision.

California King Bed vs King: How to Choose?

Although both names seem to carry an air of luxury in them, that’s not enough to help you choose. There are many more factors to consider, and we provided you with the most important ones:

Your Height

When choosing between a California King bed vs king size bed, you should rely on your height. If you’re over 6 feet tall, the California King is probably a better option for you, as the extra length won’t let your feet hang off the bed sides. If you’re under 6 feet, then the standard king should work for you just fine.

Room Size

Ideally, your room should be at least 12×12 feet in order to fit either of these beds without seeming overly crowded. Having in mind the size difference between a king and a California king bed, you should base your decision on whether your room is narrower but longer or vice versa.

Sleeping Position

If you and your partner sleep on your sides, either option will be fine, as side sleepers tend to curl up a bit. However, if either of you sleeps on your stomach or back, you’ll need to make the decision based on your height.

Sleeping Partners

The difference between Cal king and king matters more if you share your bed with someone else, rather than sleep on your own. You could choose the California King bed if you and your partner enjoy cuddling or sleeping close to each other, but if you require extra space, the king bed is your go-to option.

Installation

Before purchasing your bed, make sure it can fit through all the spaces it needs to pass by before it gets installed, including your bedroom, your home’s entryway, as well as your doorways and staircases. Here’s where the difference between king and California king size becomes very important. Although both of them can be difficult to move, the length of Cal king makes it difficult to move around tight corners, while the width of the king one can be hard to fit through doorways.

Conclusion

Both king and California king beds are great options, but there are many factors to consider before making the final decision. Using all the information you gathered, make sure that your choice between a king vs California king-size bed is in accordance with your needs, preferences, and lifestyle.