Twin mattress set or discount mattress set need not be of lower quality than more expensive brands. The truth is that most mattress dealers from national brands to smaller chains buy their mattresses from the same manufacturers, and in fact these mattresses are virtually identical (they’re called “comparables” in the industry) but differ in stitching, fabric, and other superficial ways to distinguish them from competitors. The problem is that this makes it harder to comparison shop.

Shopping for mattress sets can be a terribly confusing business. Different dealers are going to market virtually identical mattresses so that they look as distinct as possible in order to attract customers. Worse, unlike a car dealership, you can’t usually “look under the hood” and see what’s inside your mattress. One sign of a good mattress dealer is a sample “cutaway” mattress where you can see how the springs and padding are integrated. Seeing the kind of padding and quilting will help you determine whether a particular mattress is worth another look.

If you are buying a mattress in a specific size, don’t assume that if you know it’s a “twin” that you know the mattress size. Mattress sizes can differ even for a particular class of mattress. This is especially true for mattresses from other parts of the world. A “twin” size mattress from Europe will be about three inches narrower than a US twin, and an Asian twin will be about three inches wider and longer.

The mattresses for queen-size beds are typically about 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, and typically measure approximately 152 centimetres by 203 centimetres.

The mattresses for king-size beds are typically about 78 inches wide and 80 inches long, and typically measure approximately 198 centimetres by 203 centimetres.

The mattresses for long twin-size beds are typically about 39 inches wide and 80 inches long, and usually measure approximately 99 centimetres by 203 centimetres.

The mattresses for full-size beds or double beds are typically about 54 inches wide and 75 inches long, and typically measure approximately 137 centimetres by 191 centimetres.

The mattresses for California king-size beds are typically about 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, and typically measure approximately 183 centimetres by 214 centimetres.

A Good Bed Frame is Critical

How in the world is anyone supposed to know the difference between all the beds on the market today? Even the sales person in your local department store bed department might not really have all the facts. It can be very confusing!

And if you think you’re sure that a King is larger than a Queen (doesn’t that make sense!) you might not know just how much larger. What exactly is the difference between the different sizes of beds available?

We’re going to help you understand the sizes of beds on the market and how to decide which one is right for your needs.

Note: Some manufacturers are custom-cutting beds larger or smaller than “standard” sizes. But beware! While it may seem intriguing to have a “custom size” bed, you may have trouble finding bedding to fit.

Read on to get details on Twin, Single, and Extra-Long Twin Beds.

• Twin beds are also known as single beds. They’re the most common choice for children’s rooms or multi-use guest rooms. These beds are narrow and fit easily into the smallest bedroom. Often twin beds have a “trundle” underneath to accommodate a sleep-over or second guest. Twin beds are used for bunk beds too.
  • Overall dimensions: 39″ wide x 75″ long”
  • Width per person: 39″
  • Pros: Because of its small size it will fit easily into smaller bedrooms. Twin sheets are the least costly of all sheet sizes and are available in lots of patterns. It’s easy to make a twin bed.
  • Cons: A standard size is too short for many adults.
• Twin Extra Long beds are 5″ longer than a standard twin. They’re often used in college dorm rooms to accommodate tall teens.
  • Overall dimensions: 39″ wide x 80″ long
  • Width per person: 39″
  • Pros: The longer length is good for taller teens and adults. It’s easy to make, since it’s narrow. If you need flexibility in a guest room, two extra long twins are a good choice. They can be used as singles or pushed together to form a king size bed.
  • Cons: Bedding is difficult to find and not available in every pattern.

Note: What is “standard” is occasionally changed by some manufacturers. Before you go shopping for bedding, be sure to know the exact measurements of the bed you have purchased. Some “standard” fitted sheets may not fit.

Are you thinking about a Double, a Full, or a Queen size bed?

Any of these sizes fit in a normal room, but many couples feel that a Full or Double bed (they’re the same thing) is definitely too narrow for anything more than an occasional night’s sleep. A Queen size bed gives each one a bit more room without taking up too much more floor space.

Here are the basic differences between a Full bed and a Queen:

• Double or Full beds are 15″ wider than a Twin, but if two share the bed, each has only 27″ of personal space, much less than a twin!
• A Queen bed is 6″ wider than a Double bed, allowing more room for each person, but still 9″ less than a twin bed.

Now the facts on Double, Full, and Queen Beds.

• Double beds (also known as Full) were the most common for two to sleep in until the 1960’s. They’re only 15″ wider than a Single bed, leaving only 27″ of sleep space for each of two adults. At 75″ long, a Full size bed may be too short for some taller adults.
  • Overall dimensions: 54″ wide x 75″ long
  • Width per person: 27″
  • Pros: Fits into smaller rooms. Might be just right for a single sleeper who is under 5′5″ tall. Sheets are less expensive than queen or king size.
  • Cons: Many people find a Double bed too narrow for 2 adults and too short as well.
• Queen size beds are 21″ wider and 5″ longer than a Twin bed and 6″ wider and 5″ longer than a Double size bed. Though this extra width and length can make all the difference in getting a good night’s sleep, each adult still has 9″ less of width than if they each slept in a twin bed. A Queen bed works well for guest rooms and small master bedrooms and is a good choice for couples who like to snuggle.
  • Overall dimensions:60″ wide x 80″ long
  • Width per person: 30″
  • Pros: Gives 2 adults more space than a double. The extra length (5″) works well for most adults. Sheets and blankets are easy to find and cost less than king bedding.
  • Cons: With only 30″ of personal space for each person (only 3″ more than a Double), a Queen may be too narrow for everyday sleeping for a couple. Some bedding is sold as “Full/Queen” and doesn’t really fit either full or queen perfectly. Check bedding dimensions to be sure that it will fit comfortably. Standard size pillows or queen pillows work well.

Note: You might find a slightly larger Queen size bed called an “Olympic Queen”. Beware before you buy bedding: Standard Queen sizes may not fit correctly and you might need to cut down king-size bedding, adding a considerable cost to your purchase.

With two sizes of King beds and four names, it can get confusing when you go shopping for a King Size Bed.

A Standard King is also called an Eastern King and a California King is also called a Western King.

A Standard King is about 4″ wider and a California King is 4″ longer.

Two people sleeping in a King size bed will get the same amount of personal sleeping space as in a Twin bed. In fact, if you pushed two Extra-Long Twin beds together they’d be about the same size as an Eastern King. For great versatility in a guest room, if you have the floor space, use 2 extra long twin beds separately for singles or push them together to make a king bed for couples.

When buying sheets, you have to be careful to purchase the right size. Flat sheets will fit both sizes of King beds, but fitted sheets are cut to fit one or the other. Before you go shopping for sheets, be sure to measure your bed exactly to be sure to buy the linens that will fit exactly.

• Standard King or Eastern King beds are about 16″ wider than a Queen bed and the same length. A King size bed is sold with two box springs or frames and one mattress. This makes it easier to move.
  • Overall dimensions: 76″ wide x 80″ long
  • Width per person: 38″
  • Pros: As the widest bed commonly available in stores, the Standard King is the most comfortable for two adults. The 80″ length is sufficient for most people. Sheets labeled “King Size” fit a Standard King bed.
  • Cons: Because of its size, a King bed may not be practical for a single person who has to do the moving by himself. They’re hard to get upstairs, through narrow, winding hallways, and small rooms. A King bed may not be long enough for very tall people. Bedding is most expensive in the King sizes. The wide bed requires at least 3 standard or 2 queen or king pillows, adding to the cost.
• California King or Western King beds are 12″ wider than a Queen and 4″ longer. This is the longest bed commonly available in stores and is the best choice for tall people. Like the Eastern King, the California King bed set comes with one mattress and two half-width box springs to be more manageable when moving. Very tall single people can sleep from corner to corner and still be comfortable.
  • Overall dimensions: 72″ wide x 84″ long
  • Width per person: 36″
  • Pros: A California King size mattress is wide enough for two to sleep comfortably and is the longest bed commonly available. Its extra length is good for tall people.
  • Cons: This very large mattress may be cumbersome to move and may not fit up stairs, through narrow hallways, or in small bedrooms. Like the Eastern King, the California King bed set comes with one mattress and two half-width box springs to be more manageable when moving. Very tall single people can sleep from corner to corner and still be comfortable.

Note: Some bed manufacturers change the definition of “standard” sizes by a few inches. Before you go shopping for bedding, be sure to get the exact measurements of your bed so you are able to putchase the correct size sheets.

If you’re making a quilt for yourself it’s much easier to consider all the bed size “what ifs.” If the quilt is a gift, you can’t be sure which bed size it will ultimately be used on, so consider making a quilt that would fit a queen mattress, the most popular bed size.

Mattress Sizes:

• Crib Mattress Size: 28″ x 52″
• Twin Mattress Size (Single): 39″ x 75″
• Full Mattress Size (Double): 54″ x 75″
• Long Twin Mattress Size: 36″ x 80″ (Most beds in college dorms have long twin mattresses)
• Queen Mattress Size: 60″ x 80″
• King Mattress: 76″ x 80″
• California King Mattress Size: 72″ x 84″
• Quilt Design Options

Knowing standard mattress sizes will get you off to a good start when you design a quilt, but consider a few of the variables before you decide exactly how large the quilt should be. Ask yourself these questions.

• How much extra quilt width should extend past each side of the mattress to create a nice drop?
• Will the quilt look better if the primary focus of its design stops at mattress edges?
• Will the quilt be used with a dust ruffle? How much extra width and length do you need to make sure the quilt extends nicely past the top edge of the ruffle?
• Does the bed have a footboard that would interfere with the quilt? Would the quilt look better tucked in?
• How will the quilt look with pillows plumped underneath it? Would it be better to alter the border width or add another design element, then place pillows on top of the quilt near the bed’s headboard? For pillows on top, you could make throw pillow covers to match or contrast with the quilt.

Frames: Although not strictly necessary, a modest oak or metal frame adds a touch of class to your mattress.

Sheets: Whether they’re adorned with flowers, stripes or Star Wars characters, a set of sheets is an absolutely crucial purchase.

Pillows: Just like mattresses, pillows come in a wide variety of styles. Choose a firmness and size that’s right for you.

Mattress topper pads: Protect your mattress from leaks and spills with this handy cover-up.

Dust ruffles: Give your bed a Victorian je ne sais quoi with these elegant ruffles that attach to your mattress and graze the floor. They’ll come in handy when you’re ripping the bodice off your mistress’ heaving bosoms! If you play your cards right, you might even be able to convince your mattress salesman to toss in some of these extras for free.

• Keep your bedding clean (and protect your warranty) by using a mattress pad.
• Bolster your new bed’s support by replacing your old box spring.
• Rotate your mattress from head to toe every two months to equalize wear.
• Don’t remove the law tag label. Believe it or not, these tags are actually used to identify warranty rights.
• Don’t use dry-cleaning fluid on your mattress. If you need to clean your mattress, vacuum it instead.
• Mattresses should never get wet (Just like Gremlins!). Protect your mattress’ upholstery at all costs.