Sarasota & Venice Mattress Stores

California King vs. King: What's the Difference and Which One Suits You?

Written by Land of Sleep | February 28, 2022

You've just moved into your new apartment or home, and you're looking to furnish it with home accessories, including the mattress. Or perhaps your current mattress is on its last legs and needs replacing. Either way, a good quality mattress can make all the difference to your sleep experience.

But you're in a dilemma, deciding which mattress to buy between California King and King. They are both great choices, but each comes with its benefits. We'll help you make an easier decision by comparing their features and pros and cons to help you choose the right one.

California King vs. King: Features

California King and King mattresses come with distinct features, including the size and surface areas. Let's take a look at them in detail:

Mattress Size

A California King measures 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, while a King mattress is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. As you can tell, California King is the longest option of the two, whereas King is 4 inches wider than its counterpart. This difference in size means that you should factor in the size of your bed frame if you want to get the most out of your purchase.

Surface Area

The surface area is another element informing the difference between California King and King mattresses. The King mattress has a slightly larger surface area than the California King. Notably, King has 6080 square inches compared to 6048 square inches for California King. This makes King more suitable for heavier people who need extra support.

California King vs. King: Pros and Cons

Now that we've gone over the differences between California King and King, here are some advantages and disadvantages of each.

Advantages of California King Mattress

  • Longer in size, so you don't have to worry about your height.
  • Softer, so you won't be waking up sore from tossing and turning.
  • Better for back pain because it provides more support.
  • Ideal for couples who share a bed

Disadvantages of California King Mattresses

  • A bit more expensive
  • Might not fit into your existing furniture
  • Challenging to find its accessories/bedding

Advantages of King Mattresses

  • Excellent for larger bedrooms
  • Perfect for shorter but wider rooms
  • Ideal for people with children or pets
  • Easy to find/widely available
  • Excellent for couples with different sleeping preferences/styles

Disadvantages of King Mattresses

  • May not be suitable for taller people (6'4" and above)
  • Not recommended for smaller rooms
  • May be challenging to move, thanks to its weight and size

How To Choose Between California King And King Mattresses

So now that you know what you're getting yourself into, how do you choose between California King and King? There are a few things to keep in mind before making any final decisions. Here's a quick breakdown:

Your Family Needs

First, you should consider your family needs. You should opt for King if you have kids, since it's more comfortable for them. Also, if you have pets, King will suit you best. However, if you don't own any animals, California King is probably the way to go.

Your Budget

The California King costs slightly higher than a King mattress. You'll also pay more for accessories such as box springs, foundation, and headboard. If you have a tight budget, stick to King mattresses.

Your Room Size

Finally, you should consider your space. If you live in a small room, you should opt for a California King. On the other hand, if you have a spacious bedroom, you can go ahead and get a King mattress.

Land of Sleep is Your Trusted Florida Mattress Store!

If you're still unsure which type of mattress you need, consider consulting with a professional. An expert will help you make an informed decision based on your needs. At Land of Sleep, we sell top-quality mattresses and bedding accessories at competitive prices to our customers throughout Venice, Sarasota, Bradenton, and the North Port area.

When you shop with us, you'll enjoy free, no-obligation consultations with our sleep experts. We also provide expert tips and advice to help you get the right mattress at the lowest possible price. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today.