Hey there, sleepyheads! Did you know there's more than meets the eye when it comes to king mattresses? That's right; there's a whole kingdom of size options to choose from!
While king-size beds are the widest of the standard sizes, with California kings being the tallest, you might think these are the biggest mattresses around — but you'd be wrong! There are bigger kings, ranging from Texan kings to Alaskan kings. So, if you've been disappointed with the size range of standard-size mattresses, you don't have to be — check out what other majestic sizes you didn't know existed!
1. Standard King Mattresses (76 x 80 in.)
Of the standard sizes, king mattresses are the widest and most popular, standing at 76 x 80 inches. This size is wider than a queen mattress by 16 inches (although they feature the same height!), so it's perfect for couples to spread out or to co-sleep with a child or fur baby. But since it's no longer than a queen, it's still not a good fit for people who are 6 ft. tall or taller.
As for the room size, a 12 x 12 feet space provides plenty of space to leave about two feet of space on all three sides of the mattress and sleep comfortably!
Did You Know? King mattresses are also known as Eastern king mattresses and differ from Western ones (aka Cal king mattresses).
2. California King Mattresses (72 x 84 in.)
The second most popular king mattresses are California king mattresses, which are 72 x 84 inches. These mattresses are four inches narrower than king mattresses but also four inches longer, making them ideal for people who are 6 ft. or taller. Although it's narrower than a standard king, it's still wider than a queen by 12 inches, so it still provides plenty of room for sleepers to spread out.
However, sometimes it can be harder to find bedding fitting the longer frame. But thankfully, you don't need a room around 12 x 12 feet to accommodate the size!
3. Split Kings
As you shop, you've probably seen the option for a "split king" or "split California king" mattress and wondered at the difference. Size-wise, there isn't any difference; a split king is the same size as a standard king, and the same goes for a split Cal king and a standard Cal king.
The most significant difference is that the mattress is split into two halves (a king is equal to two twin XL mattresses!), which lets sleepers adjust their side of the bed to their preference. Some manufacturers will even let you customize the firmness of each side of the bed, which is especially helpful for couples!! As for the bedding, finding fitted sheets for a split king will be easier than a split Cal king since you can use twin XL sheets.
4. Wyoming King (84 x 84 in.)
Another royal in the king mattress lineup is the Wyoming king mattress, which is 84 x 84 inches. This size matches the length of a Cal king, but it's much broader! The extra width is 8 inches wider than a standard king, which gives you more room to spread out. And with the additional height, taller sleepers can sleep comfortably without their feet sticking at the end of the bed!
Keep in mind that a Wyoming king bed will take up a lot of space, even more than a Texan king because of the extra width, so fitting in your room can be tricky. But if you have a 12 x 12 feet room, it should fit comfortably. But finding bedding for it will be a challenge!
5. Texas King Mattresses (80 x 98 in.)
Naturally, everything is bigger in Texas, right? Including the Texan king mattresses! These beds are also known as super king, grand king, or athletic king and are 80 x 98 inches, making them the second-largest oversized mattress. This bed is 18 inches longer than a California king and four inches wider than a standard king, which makes it tall and wide enough to accommodate almost every sleeper size.
But the drawback is that it will take up over 8 feet of space in the bedroom, so measure carefully. Typically, Texan king mattresses require a minimum room size of 12 x 14 ft.
6. Alberta King Mattresses (96 x 96 in.)
While not as easy to find, Alberta king mattresses are another option among the different king mattresses. Some manufacturers will label it as an Alaskan king, but it's 96 x 96 inches (8 x 8 ft), which puts it somewhere between a Wyoming and a Texan king mattress.
This mattress is still a good size for multiple people (like couples who co-sleep with multiple children), but it won't be as roomy as an Alaskan king.
7. Alaskan King Mattresses (108 x 108 in.)
Known as the king of king beds, Alaskan king beds are the largest oversized mattress you can find. These mattresses are 108 x 108 inches (or 9 x 9 ft), which can sleep up to four adults comfortably, or a family of two adults with three or four children depending on their age and size — that's unbelievable!
Unfortunately, because the mattress is so large, the recommended room size is 16 x 16 feet — that's huge! But if you have the space and constantly co-sleep with pets and children (have different sleep schedules than your partner), this bed is ideal.
Fit for Royalty
There you have it — the seven types of king mattresses! Who knew there were so many different sizes in the king kingdom (empire?)? And boy, are they some hefty sizes. But if you don't have the space for them or don't want to bother with custom bedding and frames, don't worry; there are plenty of more manageable mattress sizes you can find at Van's Home Center!
We carry sizes from twin beds to Cal king mattresses so you can find something for everyone in your home! And if you have any questions, don't worry; our team is ready to answer your call or speak to you in-store!