Choosing the right size bed can be challenging. However, since we spend a third of our lives in bed, it is worth taking your time to consider the different options carefully. When you have researched all the available options and made an informed decision, you can be happy with your choice for years to come.
One of the biggest factors to consider when buying a new bed is the size and in this article, we focus on two sizes: double vs queen-size mattresses. You will find details of the dimensions of these two options and what you should consider when deciding between double and queen-size beds. In addition, we briefly explain other mattress sizes available in Canada and share tips on choosing the best mattress for your requirements.
Double vs Queen-Size Mattress: The Main Difference
The main difference between double, which is also called full-size, and queen-size mattresses is their size. A queen is bigger than a double mattress both length and width-wise. A double mattress in Canada is 53 inches wide and 74 inches long, while a queen mattress is 60 inches wide and 79 inches long. Therefore, a queen mattress is seven inches wider and five inches longer.
However, you should note that the standard sizes for double and queen beds in Canada may vary slightly between manufacturers. This is why you should always double-check the dimensions for the specific mattress you are considering in case the manufacturer makes them a little bigger or smaller.
While seven inches in width and five inches in length are not big numbers, they can make a significant difference when you are lying in bed. If you are a taller person, that extra five inches in the length of the mattress can mean that you can fully straighten your legs without your feet hanging off the bottom. And for couples, the added width will mean more space to move around without elbowing or kicking your partner.
Is Double or Queen Better for You?
Whether a double or queen bed is a better option for you depends on several factors. For example, if you sleep alone, a double bed will provide you with plenty of space to get comfortable and move around. On the other hand, queen beds offer two sleepers more room per person.
Let’s look at the factors you need to consider in more detail.
Number of Sleepers
We have already touched on double vs queen-size mattresses when it comes to sleeping alone or with a partner but we cannot emphasise this enough. While double beds were the standard choice for couples until the 1950s, simply because it was the biggest option available other than joining two twin beds, most couples today find them too narrow.
When two people share a double bed, you get less than 27 inches of personal space each. Which is twelve inches less space than you get in a twin bed. A queen bed will give you three more inches of personal space and while that sounds like a small amount, it can make a big difference when two people are lying side by side. However, for a single sleeper, a double bed gives 15 inches more space compared to a twin bed.
The best way to see if a double bed will be big enough for you and your partner is to try them out. Go to a mattress store to test how the bed feels when you are both in it. Make sure you both lie in your preferred sleeping position and try moving around a little to see how well the bed accommodates both of you.
Your Height
If you are a tall person, consider how comfortable you would be in a double bed that is shorter than a queen. Would you be able to comfortably straighten your legs? Very tall sleepers struggle to stretch out fully in double beds.
However, if you are single or do not have the space for a queen bed but want extra length, you could consider a double XL. It is the same width as a double bed but the same length as a queen-size bed.
Your Existing Bed Frame
If you are shopping for a new mattress but want to keep your existing bed frame, then you of course have to match the new mattress size to the size of the frame. However, it may not be as simple as getting a double mattress for a double bed and a queen for a queen bed.
While there are standard mattress sizes in Canada, they may vary slightly between manufacturers and so can the sizes of bed frames. Therefore, when pairing a new mattress with an existing bed frame, always measure the size of the frame to ensure the best fit.
If your mattress is too big, you will have to squeeze it or it may overlap the sides of a flat foundation. A too-small mattress will leave gaps between it and the bed frame, which may cause the mattress to move when you move in the bed. An ill-fitting mattress is likely to wear out and need replacing sooner.
Your Budget
Because the queen mattress is bigger, it will cost you more than a double mattress. The bed frame is also going to cost you more as will the bedding. So if you are on a tighter budget, a double mattress can save you money when you are purchasing the mattress and the bed frame as well as in the long run.
Your Room Size
When you are looking for a new bed and mattress, you need to consider the size of your room. A queen bed will require more space than a double bed so ensure it will fit in your bedroom comfortably. You also need to consider what other furniture you have in your bedroom to ensure you can easily move around all the furniture.
Designs of Double and Queen-Size Beds
You can find double and queen-size beds in various designs in Canada from beds with built-in drawers for storage to beds that fold up against the wall.
Beds with Storage
You can make your bed more than just a bed by getting a bed frame that has storage. Both double and queen-size beds are available with drawers included in the frame. Alternatively, you can get an elevated platform frame that allows you to store things under the bed.
Bookcase Bed Frames
Another way to add storage is to get a bed frame with a bookcase. These types of beds have wrap-around shelving, with some options offering cupboards on the top, sides, or both. Bed frames with shelves and cupboards can be a great space-saving solution in smaller bedrooms or studio apartments.
Double Beds for Kids
If you have kids that have outgrown a twin bed and would like something a bit more grown-up, there are great double bed options for younger sleepers, with a range of designs, fabrics, and colours.
Four-Poster Beds
You can elevate the look of your bedroom with a four-poster bed. Because double beds have been around longer, you can sometimes find great vintage or antique four-poster bed frames for them. For queen-size beds, you can look for replicas, vintage, or modern designs.
Wingback
A wingback is a type of headboard where the ends bend in slightly, offering you a more cocooned feeling when you lie in bed. Usually, wingbacks are made with fabric upholstery but you can find them in other materials, too.
Murphy
Murphy beds are also known as wall beds because when they are not in use, they can be lifted against the wall. They are great for guest bedrooms as well as apartment living. With a bed that folds up, you can go from daytime to bedroom mode in moments. Murphy beds also often come with storage options, making them an even more useful option for smaller spaces.
What Are the Other Bed Sizes in Canada?
While double and queen beds are both popular options in Canada, with the queen size being the most popular, there are several other options you might like to consider depending on your circumstances and sleeping requirements.
- Twin and twin XL beds are made for single sleepers. A regular twin measures 38 inches x 74 inches and the XL option is five inches longer. You can combine two twin mattresses to make a king-size mattress.
- King-size mattresses are wider than queen-size mattresses but have the same length. A king-size mattress is 76 inches wide. They are great for couples who want extra space or with kids who like to crawl into bed with you.
- California king is not as wide as the regular king-size mattress at 72 inches but still 12 inches wider than a queen mattress. The California king is longer than a regular king with five extra inches. This makes the California king a great choice for taller Canadians or people whose pets sleep at the bottom of their beds.
Tips on Choosing the Right Mattress
Once you have chosen the best size mattress for you, it is time to consider other important factors such as the type of mattress and the best level of support and firmness for you.
Mattress Type
Mattresses come in different types: foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid. Foam mattresses come in two types, which are polyfoam and memory foam. Natural latex mattresses are also a type of foam mattress but they are made with organic rather than man-made materials. Innerspring mattresses have coils in their core, while hybrids bring together the best qualities of spring and foam mattresses.
Support
The right mattress will support your spine so it is in a neutral position whatever your preferred sleeping position is. While softer mattresses will provide lighter sleepers enough support, heavier sleepers will need a firmer mattress. For most Canadians, medium to medium-firm mattresses are the best options for support.
Firmness
The firmer the mattress, the less it will contour your body. Back and stomach sleepers need firmer mattresses to stop the middle section of their bodies from sinking in too much and creating an unnatural curve in the spine. Side sleepers can choose a less firm mattress that will allow their hips and shoulders to sink in to maintain the natural curve of the spine.
Very soft mattresses, those rated below four or five on the firmness scale, are too soft for most Canadians. You should only consider a very soft mattress if you weigh under 60 kg. Very firm mattresses can be great for heavy sleepers but are not recommended for light sleepers.
Conclusion
For many bed buyers, the decision is often between a double or queen-size bed. While double beds offer plenty of space for single sleepers, many couples find them too small. Double beds may also be uncomfortable for taller sleepers.
When deciding between double vs queen-size, you also need to consider the size of your room and your budget. If you have an existing bed frame, you also need to ensure your new mattress is the right fit for the frame.
With so much choice in the Canadian bed and mattress market, you are likely to find the right bed for you whether you decide to get a double or a queen-size bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Double and queen mattresses are not the same size. A queen-size mattress is seven inches wider and five inches longer than a double mattress.
The term full bed is another name for a double bed. Full beds have the same dimensions as double beds. Both names refer to the fact that they are beds for two sleepers.
Until the mid-20th century, double beds were the choice for couples in Canada. It wasn’t until the 1950s that queen and king-sized beds became an option. So yes, double beds are suitable for couples. However, many modern couples find them too narrow for a comfortable sleep. Many tall Canadians also find double mattresses too short.
