If you’re one of the 1/3 of Americans not getting enough sleep, you know how terrible you feel when you’re tired. Not only does a lack of sleep impact your physical health, it negatively impacts your mental health as well. Sleep deprivation results in increased stress, anxiety, depression, and even eating disorders.
If your bed is the result of your lack of sleep, it’s time to make a change. Maybe your mattress is old, is too soft or too hard, or your bed simply isn’t big enough. If you’re considering a new bed, you might want to consider a king-sized bed. Our guide will help you decide between a California king vs. a king so you can get the sleep that you need to feel energized.
Read on to learn more.
California King vs. King Bed
Chances are you know that a California king bed is bigger than a regular king, but do you know how much bigger? And where the extra space comes in?
King Beds
A king bed (also known as an Eastern king) measures 76 inches by 80 inches for a total of 6,080 square inches. It’s equivalent to two twin beds placed next to each other and has plenty of room for two sleepers and a kid or two (or dog) in between. It works well in large master bedrooms and for people who want plenty of space to spread out while they are sleeping.
Some other pros include:
- Wide availability
- Split kings are available if you have different sleeping preferences
- Fills out a large bedroom
Cons of a king bed include:
- Cost of the mattress and bedding is higher
- It won’t fit in smaller bedrooms
- It’s heavy and harder to move than queen or full beds
California King Beds
A California king bed is also known as a Western king and comes in at 72 inches by 84 inches, for a total of 6,048 square inches of sleeping space. It’s the same size as two XL twin beds put together.
The big difference between a king and a California king is the length. The California king 4 inches longer than a regular king, making it ideal for tall people.
Some of the pros include:
- Accommodates tall people
- Isn’t as wide, so couples can sleep closer
- Split California kings are an option
Of course, there are cons associated with a California king, including:
- It isn’t as wide, so couples have to sleep closer together (this can be a pro or a con, depending on who you ask!)
- It’s more expensive
- Bedding is hard to find
- It’s heavy and bulky
Which Is Right for You?
Deciding on which bed is right for you is a matter of needs and preferences. If you and your sleeping partner are on the shorter side, a regular king might be plenty big for you. If you are taller though, the extra length might be nice.
A California king probably isn’t necessary unless you are taller, though, as the bedding is hard to find and is more expensive. Unless you really need a California king, a regular king is probably more than sufficient. If you’re looking to save money on your linens, check out this Nest bedding coupon.
Ready to Upgrade Your Bed?
Now that you know a little more about a California king vs. a king, are you ready to make the jump and upgrade your sleeping experience? Trust us, upgrading to a new and bigger mattress is worth it. Your sleep is valuable!
To save yourself some money, check out our mattress coupons and mattress reviews to find the best option for you.