Width: Twin (38 inches (97 cm)), Full (54 inches (140 cm)) Length: Twin 75 inches (190 cm), Full 75 inches (190 cm)
College dorm rooms are often equipped with twin beds since they can easily fit inside the small living space. Twin mattresses are also usually the main type of mattress that fits a bunk bed frame, a tiered frame that holds 2 mattresses on top of each other. Guest rooms and smaller apartments are ideal for a full mattress because they’re bigger than twins but save space compared to a longer and wider queen bed. If you’re considering buying a full mattress for a couple—whether it’s yourself and a partner or for guests—try the mattress out first. Some can fit comfortably, but others might feel a little cramped.
This also applies to accessories like bed frames, sheets, pillows, and quilts. You’ll usually pay less for twin bed accessories because they come in smaller sizes than larger full bed items. Price is also something to consider if you think your new mattress will get worn out quickly. For example, if you’re getting a dorm room bed and you know you’ll probably throw the mattress away after a couple of years, spending a ton of money might not be wise.
Two people sharing a twin mattress would have only 19 inches (48 cm) of sleeping space each, which is not nearly enough to comfortably sleep on for most people.
It’s recommended that you set up a twin mattress in a room that is at least 7 feet (2. 1 m) by 10 feet (3. 0 m) to fit the bed comfortably. When you choose a mattress, you’ll save roughly an extra 1. 5 feet (0. 46 m) of floor space if you pick a twin over a full. In a very small room, that makes a big difference. As you measure out your space, consider how the room is oriented and how much flexibility you’ll have when it comes to bed placement. If you’re locked into 1 or 2 spots for the bed, use a measuring tape to see which works better.
If you don’t mind the width of a twin mattress but need a bit more length, choose a twin XL mattress instead. Keep in mind that not all adults can comfortably fit on a twin mattress. Some are simply tall or wide enough that the mattress feels too small to sleep on.
Full mattresses are also still considered a budget-friendly choice because the costs for bed frames and bedding are less than all other larger 2-person mattress options. Depending on your sizes and sleep styles, a full might not be large enough for you as a couple. Test out a full mattress before buying, if possible, and consider a queen mattress if you end up disliking the full.
The additional space in bed can also keep you from feeling like you’re about to fall out of bed all night long. Just remember that full-size mattresses are the same length as twins, so they won’t help you if you feel too tall for a twin. If height is an issue, look into a full XL mattress, which is longer. A 6 feet (1. 8 m) tall sleeper would actually only have 3 inches (7. 6 cm) of extra bed space if they stretched to full length on a twin or full mattress.
Keep in mind that the recommended room size for a full mattress is at least 10 feet (3. 0 m) by 12 feet (3. 7 m). Any smaller, and it might feel a little cramped in the room!
Twin XL mattresses can cost between $300 and $1,200. XL mattresses are a popular choice for those who both have the room space to fit one and are tall enough to need the extra length on their mattress.
Queen mattresses typically cost between $500 and $2,500. Couples can also fit comfortably on queen mattresses, though they won’t have as much personal space as they might on a bigger bed.
King mattresses are usually the most expensive type of mattress, ranging between $800 and $3,000. King mattresses are essentially the equivalent of pushing 2 twin XL mattresses side by side; doubling the length and width of a twin XL mattress equals a king mattress.
A California king mattress usually fall within a similar price range as the standard king, between $800 and $3,000.