What Is a California King Size Bed and What To Consider Before You Buy One?
If you are in the market for a new bed and mattress, then you might have come across the California King size in your search, and be left wondering what it means. There are lots of things to consider when it comes to choosing the right mattress for you, and there is probably more to think about than you might have thought.
Getting your hands on the perfect mattress for you is really important, as this is what you are going to have to sleep on every single night. So, you will need to think about the size, comfort level, length, who is going to be sleeping on it, and more. These are all things that we are going to cover in this article.
If you want to find out more about California King mattresses, then you have come to the right place, as we are going to answer any questions that you might have about them here.
What is a California King Size?
A California king mattress is also commonly referred to as a Western King mattress, and it measures at 72 by 84 inches. It is the same size as two XL twin mattresses put together, and it is great for couples. The best thing about these mattresses is that they have extra length, which makes them perfect for sleepers that are 6 foot tall or more.
These mattresses are more narrow than a standard king size, which might not be ideal for all couples. These beds are the second-largest standard size mattress in the industry, and they feature 6048 square inches of total surface area.
In comparison, a standard King mattress is 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. If you were to compare them side by side, the standard King size resembles more of a square shape, but the California King size has more of a rectangular shape. A King mattress is four inches wider than a California King mattress, which is better for those that are looking for width. This means that the California King has less of a surface area than a King size.
California King: Pros and Cons
If you are trying to decide whether or not to get yourself a California King mattress, it can be helpful to weigh up both the pros and the cons to help you to make a final decision.
Pros
- Great for taller people
- Better for long and narrow rooms
- Ideal for single sleepers or couples
Cons
- Difficult to move
- Harder to find accessories for
The California King size is ideal for those that are taller and either sleep alone or as a couple. Although, some couples may find it to be a little more cramped than it would be in a King-size bed. It can be difficult to find accessories like bedding and bed frames for this mattress as it is not as widely available as other mattress types.
Things to Consider When Buying a California King Mattress
There are lots of things to think about when it comes to choosing any new mattress and the California King is no exception to this. You will need to carefully consider certain things to make sure that this is the right mattress for you and avoid getting stuck with a mattress that you do not like. To help you to make an informed decision, we are going to leave some things for you to think about below.
The Size of Your Room
A California King bed is a great choice for rooms that are longer, rather than wider, as this matches the mattress size perfectly. If you don’t quite have the room size or shape for a king mattress, you should definitely consider the California King as the next best option. Whether this is in the master bedroom or the guest room, this type of mattress can make a great addition to more awkward rooms. You should always measure the mattress and bed frame to make sure that it is going to fit into your chosen space before you go ahead and buy it.
Who is Using the Bed?
It is also important to think about who is going to be using the bed. If you are the only one that is sleeping on the bed, then this is going to be more than spacious enough to accommodate you.
However, if you are planning on sharing the bed with someone else, you should consider the amount of space that you will have and evaluate if this is going to be enough to provide you both with a comfortable night’s sleep. If you have dogs or children that also like to jump into bed with you, then you are quickly going to run out of room. In this instance, you might find a King size more efficient.
Your Height
The California King bed is slightly longer than the normal King size, which means that it is better for taller people. If you are more than 6 feet tall, then you will find that this type of mattress is much more accommodating for your height. If you are not particularly tall, then you might not need to get this mattress, and you will have more options available to you. Hopefully, now you have all of the information that you need, you will be equipped to make a well-informed decision about your new sleeping arrangements.
Cost of the Mattress
Just like with any other mattress, the overall cost of the mattress is going to depend on the brand that you are purchasing from. Typically, you can expect to pay around the same price for a California King mattress as you would for a standard King size mattress, as they are very similar in size.
However, something that you should be aware of is the fact that California King bed frames and accessories are not as widely available as other sizes, which can often lead to a heftier price tag. This might also limit your choices when it comes to choosing the perfect mattress.