California King Bed & Difference Between King and California King

Sleep is very important. If you do not get enough of it, you cannot be productive in your daily activities. Although there are many factors that might lead to lack of sleep, having an uncomfortable mattress is way high up the list. This is why it is important to choose a mattress that not only offers comfort but is also wide or tall enough. Luckily, there are two very popular king size bed mattresses in the market- the California king bed and the standard king. If you do not know the difference between the two, you have come to the right place.

In this post, we shall highlight the following:

• History of the California King Size Bed
• Benefits of a California King Size Bed
• What to Consider Before Buying either
• Difference between the California king and the standard king
• Answer some frequently asked questions

Therefore, without much ado, let’s get right into it! Shall we?

History of The California King Size Bed

There was a boom in the American economy after World War II. As such, many people started to migrate from the cities into the suburbs. Here, there were larger spaces and people could build bigger homes. These bigger homes allowed them to buy larger furniture including sofas and beds. As a result, the manufactures of this furniture saw a business opportunity and started making larger beds. At this point in time, the norm for couples was sleeping in twin beds or a double bed which was not very comfortable for two people to share.

Therefore, the California king came into being and become popular especially to celebrities. When the furniture manufacturers in the East realized that the California king was rising in popularity, they decided to make their own king size and named it the Eastern king. The Eastern king is now what is popularly known as the standard king-size bed. As time passed, the standard king-size bed and the California king size become the popular big bed sizes in the US and the world over.

California King Bed Size

The hope of every person as they get into their beds is to get a good night’s sleep. The quality of sleep will depend on a number of factors. However, the comfort of the mattress runs pretty high on that list. The California size mattress is very much ideal for tall people since it is longer than the standard king mattress. This makes it very ideal for taller people.

There is a difference in terms of surface area between the California king and the standard king-size bed. The California king bed measures 6,048 sq. inches. The standard king-size bed measures 6080 sq. inches. The standard king-size mattress measures 79inches by 80 inches while the California king mattress measures 72 inches by 84 inches. This means that the California king size is longer than the standard king size. However, it is less in width. However, the few inches by which it is thinner should not worry you as the mattress is quite large to comfortably fit two adults and a child or a pet.

The standard king-size mattress is more square shaped compared to the California standard mattress which is more rectangular in shape.  The narrower shape of the California king mattress might not provide the same space as the standard king mattress but it is still wide enough. As such, there is nothing much to complain about on that front.

The design of the California size mattress oozes class and will add décor to any bedroom. Thanks to its rectangular shape, the mattress might be easier to place in your bedroom. The placement of the mattress will of course depend on the dimensions of your bedroom. The only problem that you might encounter with the California king-size mattress is finding the beddings since they are not as readily available as the standard king mattress bedding which includes the mattress pads, pillows, and sheets.

With the standard king size, it is also easy to find the beddings in different materials. Therefore, make sure that you are able to get the beddings of your choice before you buy that California bed size that you so much desire.

The narrower width of the Cal king is actually an advantage if you and your partner prefer to sleep close to each other.

However, the perception out there is that the California size mattress is larger than the standard mattress probably due to the extra inches in its length. Although the California king mattress has these few extra inches on its length, it is a bit narrower.

The standard king mattress is shorter but wider. When it comes down to it in terms of size, the standard king mattress is actually larger than the California king-size mattress!

Benefits of a California King Size Bed

The king-size mattress has always been associated with comfort and an air of opulence. The king-size mattress was in the time past a preserve of the well off in the society including celebrities and millionaires. If you got a king-size mattress, then you were deemed to belong to the upper class. Although nowadays most people apart from celebrities and millionaires can afford the mattress, the king-size nonetheless still offers the same level of comfort as it did then if not more.

If you are a tall couple, or one of the partners is tall, then the California king-size mattress is your best option due to the extra inches it has in length. The extra inches come in handy since you will not find your feet hanging out of the bed in the middle of the night. Thanks to the extra inches too, you will not have to fold your legs all night through in fear of finding your feet hanging outside the mattress! As a result, the California king is a perfect choice for people who are more than six feet tall. The mattress has become even more popular than the twin XL beds which are also popular for their extra length which bonds well with taller college kids.

The extra height will keep your mind at ease since you do not have to worry about bashing your head on the headboard in the middle of the night as you stretch. Although the mattress is a little bit narrow than the standard king-size, the width of the California king size is still quite enough for two adults and a small child or a pet to share!

Another great benefit of the California size mattress is that they are aesthetically appealing and they will add a decoder to any bedroom. They also ooze class and sophistication and are therefore a great choice for people who have an eye for style. Since the mattress is more rectangular, it is easier to place it in your bedroom. It is worth to note though that the placement of the mattress will depend on the size and orientation of your bedroom.

However, due to its unique dimensions, it might be a bit difficult to find beddings that will fit the California king size mattress. Since the standard king size mattress is more common, finding its beddings might be easier. With the standard king size mattress, it is not an issue finding the mattress pads, pillows, and sheets.

King Vs California King. What is the Difference?

If you are looking for a king size mattress, you might not be very certain which one to go for – the California king size or the standard king size. You might be wondering what they are all about. More importantly, you might want to know the difference so that you can make a more informed buying decision. Below, you will get to know the difference between the California king mattress and the standard king mattress. You will also get to learn the pros and the cons of each mattress.

King Size Bed

The king size measures 76 inches high by 80 inches wide. These are the dimensions of two XL beds placed side by side. The king size which is also known as the Eastern King is wide enough to comfortably accommodate two audits plus kids who like to sleep with their parents.

As earlier stated, standard size measures 6,080 square inches. It is the perfect mattress especially if you have a large master bedroom that measures at least12feet by 10 feet. However, for better placement, a bedroom which measures 13 feet by 13 feet will be most ideal for this king size bed mattress.

[one_half][tie_list type=”thumbup”]

Pros

• It is wide enough to accommodate two adults and children too. It has room for people who like to stretch out while they are asleep.
• They are perfect for large bedrooms.
• They are widely available. It is also easy to get their beddings including sheets, pillows and mattress pads.
• There is a split king option which is very ideal for couples with different sleeping habits.

[/tie_list][/one_half]
[one_half_last][tie_list type=”thumbdown”]

Cons

• King size bed are heavy
• They are expensive
• They are large therefore not appropriate for small spaces

[/tie_list] [/one_half_last]

California King Size

The California King size is also called the Western king. It measures 72 inches by 84 inches. The dimensions are equal to the toes of two XL mattresses placed side by side. As earlier stead, thanks to its taller length, the mattress is very much appropriate for people who are more than six feet tall. Although the California mattress is narrower than the standard king size bed mattress, two adults and a small child can comfortably fit.

The Western kings come in second as far as mattresses size in this category is concerned for they measure 6,048 sq. inches. in surface area. The most ideal room measurements for the California king mattress is 12 feet by 12 feet. However, due to the extra length, a room measuring 12feet by 14 feet would be better.

[one_half][tie_list type=”thumbup”]

Pros

• Very appropriate for tall people especially those who are 6 feet and above
• Very appropriate for people who like to sleep next to each other
• There is a split king option which is very ideal for couples with different sleeping habits.
• It is very appropriate for larger bedrooms

[/tie_list][/one_half]
[one_half_last][tie_list type=”thumbdown”]

Cons

• They are not easy to move because they are large and heavy
• They are on the higher side in terms of price
• Their beddings are not as easy to find.

[/tie_list] [/one_half_last]

What to Consider Before Buying California King Size Bed?

Whether you decide to go with the California king size bed mattress or the standard one, there are some factors that you must consider. You must consider the room dimensions, the sleeper’s height, and the cost. Also, consider your sleeping patterns- do you like more personal space as a couple or do you prefer sleeping close to each other?

Room Dimensions

It is prudent to have a room that will have at least two feet of space on the three sides of the king size bed mattress. This space is important as it will allow you to walk around your bedroom unhindered. You can also use this space to place more furniture into your room without overstuffing the bedroom. The California king size mattress is a better option especially if our room is a bit narrow.

If you do not have enough room for the king size mattress, then you can opt for the queen size mattress. It is an ideal choice for couples or single slippers.

Height

Your height or that of your partner is also an important consideration. If either of you is taller than 6 feet, it would be better to go for the California king since it is taller compared to the standard king size. However, if you are 6 feet or under, then the standard king size should serve you well.

Couples

Your sleeping habits as a couple is also another factor that you should consider when selecting the type of mattress. If you love to seep close to each other, then the California king mattress is the better choice. However, if you like some personal space, you should go with the standard king mattress.

Your Budget

The second option that you should consider is the cost. It is no secret that the California king and the standard king have high price tags as far as mattresses are concerned. Their price range is understandable since they are large and are also made from high-end materials.

Also, note that the California king size mattress is not as available as the standard king mattress. This means that you might have to pay more for the mattress. Additionally, its accessories like bedsheets, comforters, and bed frames are also not very common which might make them be more expensive.

Is It Worth Buying a King or A California King-Size Mattress?

The factors highlighted above will help you determine if you should either buy a standard or Cal size mattress. However, if you or your partner is not taller than 6 feet, then it is quite okay to buy the standard king mattress. The dimensions of your room can also help you make the choice. If your room is spacious enough, you can go with the standard king mattress. If it is a bit narrow, then you can get the Cal king mattress.

FAQs About California King-Size Beds

Why is it called a California king-size bed?

The name California king came from a mattress builder who observed the lifestyle of the Californians and correctly assumed that they would need larger mattresses to fit their lifestyles and also their big homes. As a result, he made a mattress that measured 72 inches by 84 inches (6 feet by 7 feet). He named the mattress the “Californian king”. The mattress is also known as the Western king.

The standard king mattress is sometimes referred to as the Eastern king. There is also another king size mattress known as Alaskan King which has completely different dimensions.

What is a split king mattress?

A split king mattress simply refers to two XL beds placed next to each other. If as a couple you have different firmness preferences, then the split king might be the perfect option. When you set the firmness that each of you wants, the two beds are fitted together to form a king size bed.

What kind of bedroom do you need for a California king bed?

The best dimensions for the California king bed are narrow rooms since the California kings are narrower than the standard king mattresses. On the other hand, if your room is square or near a square in shape, then the standard king might be the better option.  If you want to have additional furniture in the room, you should go for a mattress size that will leave enough space for the additional furniture.

Leaving at least 2 feet of space around three sides of the bed will make the room look less congested even if there are additional furniture’s in the room.

Is a California king bigger than a regular king?

No, the regular king is bigger in terms of surface area than the California king. The regular king measures 6080 sq. inches while the California king measures 6048 sq inches. Therefore, the standard king is larger than the California king. The Cal king might appear to be larger because it is taller.

How much bigger is California king than a queen?

A Californian queen is bigger than a queen in both height and width. The California king measures 72inches by 84 inches while the queen size measures 60 inches by 80 inches. Therefore, the Californian king is obviously larger than the queen.

Are California king beds more expensive than standard king beds?

The price of the king beds will depend on the brand. Some standard king beds are more expensive than the standard king beds. However, at most times, the price is almost the same. The Californian king size are not as common and therefore they might be more expensive than the standard king size.

Another factor that might raise the cost of the Californian king size are the beddings. The beddings are a bit more expensive since they are not as easy to find. If you are on a budget, then you should go for the standard king size.

How does the comfort of a California king compare to a standard king?

When it comes to comfort, the two mattresses offer almost the same level of comfort. The main difference between the two is the dimensions. If as a couple you love to spread out, you should go for the standard king since it is wider. However, if you are tall, then a California mattress will be a more comfortable choice.

Can you use a California king mattress with a king-size bed frame?

It is not possible to use a California king mattress with a standard king-size bed frame since the mattress will not fit. Due to their different dimensions, it is impossible to fit one mattress into a bed frame meant for the other mattress.

How do the king and California king beds compare to other mattress sizes?

When it comes to the comparison between the king and California king beds and other mattress sizes, the difference is quite noticeable. Queen size for example measures 60inches by 80 inches, when it comes to full size mattresses, they measure 54inchesby 75 inches.

Will king sheets fit a California king mattress?

No, king sheets will not fit a Californian king mattress because of the dimensions. The Cal king is narrower and taller than the standard king.

Will the same pillows fit both a standard king and a California king bed?

The good news is that the pillows will fit both the standard and California king beds. All you have to make sure of is that the pillow provides the required support.

Final Word

Whether you will have a restful night’s sleep is determined by a number of factors. At the top of the list is the comfort of the mattress. If your mattress is uncomfortable, then good sleep might elude you. The good news though is that there are two types of king size mattresses in the market that are very comfortable. The California king and the standard king are mattresses that will ensure that you have perfect sleep. The choice of which among the two you should buy depends on a number of factors. One of these factors are the dimensions. The California king is taller and a bit narrower which makes it ideal for tall people. The standard king is shorter and wider which makes it ideal for people who love more personal space when they sleep.