Full Bed vs. Double Bed

Written by Zulekha Nishad

Last Updated September 3, 2024

When choosing the right mattress, you should think about all the options. Many people ask if a full bed or double bed is larger. This is actually a very simple question with a very simple answer - both are the same thing! In this short guide, we will explain all the differences between a full bed and a double bed and how to figure out if it's the ideal sleep surface for you.

Key Takeaways:

  • The terms "double bed" and "full bed" are often used interchangeably, despite there being no actual difference in size. They measure 54 inches in width and 75 inches in length.
  • Full/double beds are smaller than king- and queen-sized beds and are not ideal for accommodating two adult sleepers.
  • While full/double beds can be narrower for two adults, they are perfect for single sleepers under the height of 6 feet.
  • FFull mattresses are less costly than king- or queen-size beds and can fit into a 9.6 x 10.6-foot room.
  • The popularity of king and queen mattresses has made full/double beds less popular among couples, who prefer larger sleeping spaces.
full bed vs double bed - is there a difference

Mattresses are available in various sizes to accommodate a variety of needs, including height and size, number of persons sharing the bed, bedroom space, and sleeping preferences. Sleepers should be aware of the many bed sizes available in the market and select the most appropriate one for their needs in order to have a good night's sleep.

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Full Bed vs. Double Bed – What’s the Difference?

Double bed and full bed dimensions are the same - 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. Therefore, there is actually no difference between the two. In fact, the terms "double bed" and "full bed" are often used interchangeably.

Though full-size mattresses are called doubles, they can't comfortably accommodate two adult sleepers. They are smaller in size than king- and queen-sized beds.

Full-bed-double-bed-size-chart

From the above table, it's pretty clear that a full/double bed has the same length as that of a single bed but differs in width. When two people share a double/full bed, each of them will have only 27 inches of personal space, which is actually less than the space available in a single bed.

Even though full/double beds can accommodate two people, many find them to be very narrow for two adults and prefer bigger beds. Since their length is typically 75", it may be comparatively short for an adult over 6 feet as well. Therefore, most adults out there prefer to sleep on queen- or king-sized beds.

Full-bed and double-bed size

Full/double beds do, however, have certain distinct advantages. These mattresses will readily fit into even the tiniest of spaces. Sheets for a double or full bed are also less costly than sheets for a king or queen-size bed. Furthermore, a double bed is perfect for a single sleeper under the height of 6 feet. Double beds are common in guest rooms and nurseries but not in master bedrooms.

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It's also worth noting that the sizes of these beds or mattresses may differ significantly depending on the country. However, they are minor distinctions.

History of Double Beds

A double-sized bed appears to be the one designed for two people to share, and it was once. Many decades ago, full beds or double beds were the mattress of choice for couples, although this was largely due to the lack of size options available to consumers at the time. Only single sleepers should use this size, as the best mattress for couples nowadays is a queen.

In the 1940s, couples had the option of sharing a double bed or purchasing a pair of twin beds. You might have seen in an old black-and-white TV show the traditional layout of two twin beds with a nightstand between them.

Until the 1950s, separate beds were a common choice for couples, which is when refusing to share a bed became seen as a sign of a broken marriage. This is also the age when king mattresses and queen mattresses became very popular.

A full-size/double-size mattress

Due to the popularity of king and queen mattresses, the double bed has fallen out of favor among couples. Nowadays, many people would not find it a pleasant bed to share since each half measures just 27" by 75"—enough space to lie down but not enough personal space to turn without striking your bed companion.

A double or full-size bed remains an outstanding option for single adults who have very limited space but want a bigger bed than a twin.

What Are the Benefits of a Full Bed/ Double Bed?

More space in the bedroom – If you only have a small living area, you'll require as much extra space to move around. With a king or queen-sized bed, you might find it very difficult to open your closet doors, keep your stuff, and generally give your bedroom a spacious, uncluttered feel. So, in such cases, a double/full-sized bed can be the most ideal option. You'll save at least 6" in width and 5" in length.

Great for a single sleeper – A full bed offers more than enough space for a single sleeper—yes, even if you like to sprawl on your back and relax like a starfish.

Cost – A full-size latex mattress requires less material to manufacture. Therefore, it costs less than a king or queen mattress.

What Are the Drawbacks of a Full/Double-Size Bed?

Less space to toss and turn – While some couples find double-size beds comfortable, others prefer more sleeping space so that they can move without troubling each other in the middle of the night. Similarly, couples who sleep with their kids will probably enjoy having a 76" wide king mattress or a 60" wide queen mattress.

Less length – If you're six feet tall or more, you may find yourself struggling to find room for your feet or hitting your head on your headboard. A king- or queen-sized bed could be ideal in such a case.

natural and organic pillows

Sometimes the choice of words can trip shoppers and make the process of selecting a mattress more difficult than it needs to be. We hope this article has helped clarify the similarity between a full bed and a double bed and offered a solution to the sometimes confusing nature of the bedding vocabulary!

Related blog posts:

1. Mattress Sizes Chart and Bed Dimensions Guide

Mattress Sizes Chart and Bed Dimensions Guide

2. Queen Size Bed Dimensions

Queen Size Bed Dimensions

3. King Size Bed Dimensions

King Size Bed Dimensions

4. Full vs. King Mattress Sizes

Full vs. King Mattress Sizes

5. Twin vs. Full vs. Queen Mattress Size Comparison

Twin vs. Full vs. Queen Mattress Size Comparison

Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.

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