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Today, I’ll be talking to you guys about double and full beds. Do you know how these two beds are different? Well, they’re not because they actually have the exact same dimensions. So why do they have different names? Find out the answer and learn about who should get a double bed vs. full by reading the entire article below.
Difference between double bed vs. full size
| Mattress Size | Double Bed | Full |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 54" x 75" | 54" x 75 |
| Can fit | 2 average sized individuals | 2 average sized individuals |
| Bed frame availability | Common | Common |
| Bedding availability | Common | Common |
| Mattress types | Memory foam, latex, innerspring and hybrid | Memory foam, latex, innerspring and hybrid |
What is a double mattress?
A double bed measures 54 inches wide and 75 inches long.
Imagine that you went back in time to the early 1900s and you were looking for a mattress. To your surprise, there were only two mattress sizes available and the double mattress was one of them, with the other being the single mattress. Double beds were the staple mattress size for couples up until the 1940s when people started feeling a bit too cramped.
Eventually, this widespread problem caused mattress manufacturers to usher in the era of king and queen size mattresses. These mattresses were bigger and they provided ample sleeping space for couples to be comfortable and have their own side of the bed.
Nowadays, double beds are still commonly used but mostly for single adults who need a spacious mattress. Also, the term “double bed” isn’t used anymore in the US, but it’s still a common mattress size in Europe. Some brands that make double-sized mattresses are Noa Home and Emma Sleep.
What is a full mattress?
Just like a double bed, a full mattress measures 54 inches wide and 75 inches long.
Formerly known as double beds until the 1950s, full mattresses were originally used by couples. When the average American started to weigh more and become taller, mattress makers decided to use the term “full mattress” instead of “double mattress”.
Today, a full mattress is one of the six standard mattress sizes in the US. You’ll find that it’s highly popular with single people and those who have kids. However, its 75-inch length might not be enough for taller sleepers, so that’s a major drawback.
Despite having different names, double and full mattresses are exactly the same. Their names are interchangeable but full mattress is the term used in the US. Who are full and double beds good for? Find out in the next section.
Who should get a double or full mattress?
Double beds are good for:
- College students
- People with guest rooms
- People who need a mattress for kids
- Single adults
- People who want to save money
College students
A double bed is a great option if you’re a college student staying in a dorm room or apartment. It’s going to be big enough for most young adults and it won’t take up as much space as a Queen or King mattress. Double beds are also affordable which makes it an easier mattress for college students to acquire.
People with guest rooms
Have a guest room in your house? A full or double bed is going to be perfect for it. Unlike a Queen size mattress, a full bed doesn’t take up that much space and can fit in smaller rooms. It’s excellent for accommodating a guest overnight.
People who need a mattress for kids
A double bed is also a great choice for those who have children. You can use it as a mattress for one kid, or two smaller children. It will have enough space for your kids to grow into, but it isn’t going to be ideal if you have a teenager who’s 6 feet or taller. In that case, you should opt for a Queen-size mattress instead.
Single adults
Although it was used for couples back in the day, a full or double bed is much better for a single adult. If you sleep alone and you can’t decide on a bed size, go for a double bed. It’s spacious, inexpensive, and it will fit perfectly in most apartments. But, I should remind you of its one caveat – a double bed is not suitable for people over 6 feet tall. Bear that in mind.
People who want to save money
If you have an average body type and you don’t want to spend too much on a mattress, go for a full or double bed. You’ll get adequate space to sprawl out and get comfortable sleep. Rather than getting a Queen or King size mattress, you can save a couple hundred dollars on a double bed.
Are a Full XL and Double XL the same size?
Yes, Full XL and Double XL mattresses also have the same dimensions.
They have the width as full or double mattresses, but they are five inches longer to give taller sleepers extra legroom. And although a full XL bed offers plenty of benefits, it’s actually the least common mattress size in the US.
Only very few mattress brands produce full XL mattresses. And even if you do manage to find one, it could be especially challenging to find a bed frame and bedding accessories for this size. If you need a longer mattress, we suggest that you get a Queen or King size mattress instead to avoid all the hassle.
Other mattress sizes
So, what other mattress sizes are available besides a full or double bed? I’ve listed the other common mattress sizes for you below.
Twin
At 38″ x 75″, a twin-size mattress is the smallest standard mattress size.
A twin bed is best suited for children and teenagers, and it’s great for people who have limited space. Its counterpart, the twin XL size mattress, is five inches longer and offers a bit more space for taller sleepers to stretch out their legs. A twin XL mattress is also commonly used for college dorm rooms and apartments. Both a twin mattress and twin XL mattress are super affordable and easy to move.
Queen
Measuring 60″ x 80″, Queen mattresses are most people’s choice when it comes to mattress sizes.
Its popularity stems from its ability to offer amazing value for almost any individual. From single sleepers to couples, budget shoppers to luxury consumers, a Queen bed is a clear favorite.
See our full vs. queen mattress and our double vs. queen mattress guides for more details.
King
Known as the biggest standard mattress in terms of width, a King size mattress measures 76″ x 80″.
It offers the most sleeping space out of all the standard bed sizes and it’s great for couples who want to have additional room. A King size bed is also going to be quite expensive as its larger size means it needs more materials to build.
California King
Lastly, the longest standard mattress size is a California King size mattress.
Its dimensions are 72″ x 84″ and it is mostly used by couples who are taller than average. A California King bed is also a luxury option and you can expect it to be much more expensive than the smaller bed sizes.
FAQs
It’s possible, but it won’t be as comfortable as you would expect. Two adults should get a queen mattress at least to get enough sleeping space.
A double bed is the same size as a full mattress.
No, a full bed is not bigger than a Queen size mattress.
Conclusion
In this full vs. double bed article, you learned that these two mattress sizes have the exact same dimensions. Originally known only as double beds, full beds have since become a standard mattress size that’s commonly used by single adults and people with kids. Full or double beds also have a longer, albeit less common version known as full XL mattresses.
Next step: Read our Eve mattress review. In addition to offering a double bed, they also offer other UK mattress sizes like King and Super King. If you’re looking for a double mattress then you should strongly consider Eve Sleep.
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