What is a Double Bed?

Double beds, also known as full mattresses, have been a common bed size for many years. In fact, before the 1950s and the introduction of queen and king size beds, many couples slept on a double bed, hence the name “double.”

Although manufacturers now offer more spacious mattress sizes, doubles are still a popular choice for many Americans. But what is a double bed and who is it right for? We answer these questions and explain the room dimensions needed for a double bed and the approximate cost. Read on to find out if this mattress size is right for you.

Dimensions of a Double Bed

Doubles beds are 54 inches wide—4 feet and 6 inches. Although this width is too narrow for most couples, it works well for a single sleeper.

The length of a double bed is 75 inches—6 feet and 3 inches. This size provides plenty of legroom for most sleepers. However, those over 6 feet tall may wake up with their feet dangling off the end of the bed.

The thickness of a double bed will vary depending on the type of mattress you purchase. Most memory foam beds are between 10 and 12 inches thick, while hybrid mattresses are between 12 and 14 inches thick.

Although the terms “double bed” and “full size bed” are often used interchangeably, both refer to a bed with the same dimensions—54 inches wide by 75 inches long. These measurements will apply to mattresses and bed frames labeled as “double” or “full.”

As you shop, you may come across mattresses and bed frames labeled at “full XL.” A full XL bed has the same width as a standard full mattress—54 inches. However, a full XL is 5 inches longer than a standard double bed, making them a good choice for those over 6 feet tall. Although full XL beds are less common, some mattress retailers offer this size.

Room Dimensions for a Double Bed

While queen and king size mattresses require a larger bedroom, double beds are more versatile and can fit comfortably in most spaces. If you live in a studio apartment or have a small bedroom, a double bed is a great way to maximize your space and still have one of the most comfortable mattresses.

A double bed can fit well in most bedrooms, including those with limited space. To leave a walking path around the bed and to account for any bedroom furniture, we suggest using a double bed in a room that measures at least 9 feet by 9.6 feet. Considering the average bedroom size in the United States is 11 feet by 12 feet (132 square feet), double beds should fit well into most bedrooms.

Who are Double Beds Right For?

Since double beds measure 54 inches wide, this provides only 27 inches of space on each side of the bed. Therefore, most couples find a double bed too confining. However, doubles are the best mattresses for teenagers and single adult sleepers.

Children and Teens

Twin and full size mattresses are often the go-to options for children. However, twin beds, also known as a “single bed,” can start to feel too small as children grow and require more space to move around and get comfortable. This is especially true for tall sleepers who need more legroom.

A double bed is also small enough to fit inside most children’s rooms and still leave room for a play area or other furniture.

Single Adults

With a 54 inch width, double beds provide plenty of room for a single adult sleeper to spread out. Plus, double beds are versatile, easy to move, affordable, and fit well in most rooms without dominating the space.

For adult sleepers who are 6 feet or taller, we suggest opting for a full XL or queen size bed, both of which measure 80 inches long.

Price of a Double Bed

Double mattresses are more affordable than queen and king size beds. Plus, mattress accessories, such as bed frames, adjustable beds, foundations, mattress protectors, comforters, pillows, and sheets are less expensive when shopping for a double bed.

A high-quality double mattress typically costs between $200 and $1500. Memory foam mattresses and hybrid beds tend to cost between $800 and $1500 for a double size. Innerspring beds are often less expensive but will not last as long as those with a thick foam comfort layer.

How Double Beds Compare to Other Standard Mattress Sizes

The six standard bed sizes in the United States are twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, and California king. Below, we explain how a double bed compares to these common sizes.

Twin and Twin XL Size Mattresses

A twin mattresses measures 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. These beds are the same length as a standard double/full size mattress. A twin XL size mattress is the same width as both a standard twin and double mattress; however, twin XL mattresses are 5 inches longer, making them 80 inches long, the same as a full XL mattress.

Queen Size Mattresses

Queen mattresses measure 60 inches wide and 80 inches long—6 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a double bed. Queen beds are the most popular size in the US because they are large enough to accommodate two sleepers with 30 inches of space on each side of the bed.

King Size Mattress

King size mattresses measure 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. This size is 22 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a standard double bed. King size beds are ideal for couples who prefer more personal space or for families who prefer co-sleeping.

California King Size Mattress

California king size mattresses are 4 inches longer and 4 inches narrower than a standard king size bed—72 inches wide by 84 inches long. This size variation is a good option for couples who are over 6 feet tall.

Cal kings are 18 inches wider and 9 inches longer than a double size bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put queen sheets on a full bed?

No. Queen beds are 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a full bed. Therefore, sheets made to fit a queen bed will be too big to fit snugly on a full size bed. Using queen sheets on a full bed will likely cause the sheets to move and bunch up during sleep.

Do two twin beds make a queen?

No. twin beds measure 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. Two twin beds placed side by side will not make a standard queen size bed, which measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. However, two twin XL beds, which each measure 38 inches wide by 80 inches long, will create a standard king size bed (76 inches wide by 80 inches long) when placed side by side.

What size bed do most couples sleep on?

In most cases, queens make the best mattresses for couples. A queen size bed has 30 inches of personal space on each side of the bed, allowing each person enough room to stretch out. Taller couples or familiar who prefer to co-sleep may be more comfortable on a king size bed, which measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long.

How much smaller is a double bed than a queen?

Double beds measure 54 inches wide by 75 inches long, while queen size beds measure 60 inches wide by 80. Therefore, a queen is 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a double bed. Queen size mattresses work well for most couples, while double beds are ideal for growing children, teens, and single adult sleepers less than 6 feet tall.

What size bed do I need for a 10 by 10 room?

A double bed will fit comfortably in a 10 by 10 room. However, if you opt for a full XL size mattress, it may feel too confined in a 10 by 10 room. If you prefer a bed larger than a double bed, your bedroom should measure at least 11 by 12 feet.

Conclusion

Even if you are resting on a comfortable mattress, you may not get a good night’s sleep if it is too small. Although a double bed may not work for most couples, single adult sleepers and teens will enjoy the extra space of a double bed. Plus, doubles are more affordable, easily accessible, and fit well into most spaces.