Queen vs King Mattress: Which Size Is Right for You?

For many Australian couples, the choice comes down to a Queen vs King mattress. Both are practical adult sizes, but they create noticeably different sleeping space and use different amounts of floor area. The right choice is not simply “bigger is better” — it should fit your room, access, furniture and the way you sleep.

If you already know which size you need, browse Queen mattresses or King mattresses. If you are still deciding, use the comparison below.

Queen vs King mattress dimensions in Australia

Standard Australian dimensions are approximately:

• Queen: 153 cm wide × 203 cm long.
• King: 183 cm wide × 203 cm long.

The length is generally the same. The key difference is width: a King is about 30 cm wider than a Queen, giving two sleepers roughly 15 cm of additional width each.

For other mattress sizes, see our complete Australian bed size guide.

When a Queen mattress makes sense

A Queen is popular because it balances sleeping space with efficient use of the bedroom. It can suit couples, single sleepers who like extra room, guest bedrooms and apartments where a King would make the room feel too tight.

A Queen may be the stronger choice when:

• you want comfortable space for two without dominating the bedroom;
• you need more clearance around bedside tables, wardrobes or drawers;
• your access route includes narrow stairs, turns or lifts;
• you want a wider choice of bedroom furniture around the bed;
• you are moving into an apartment or a more compact bedroom.

When a King mattress makes sense

A King gives couples more individual sleeping width. That can be valuable if one or both sleepers move frequently, prefer more personal space, or simply enjoy a more expansive bed.

A King may be worth choosing when:

• your bedroom comfortably accommodates the extra 30 cm of width;
• both sleepers value personal space;
• you have room for appropriately sized bedside furniture;
• the access route can handle the larger mattress and base or frame;
• you prefer the visual scale of a larger bed in a spacious bedroom.

How much bedroom space do you need?

Start with the mattress dimensions, then add the external dimensions of the bed base or bed frame. Upholstered frames can be wider and longer than the mattress itself, so the mattress size alone is not enough for room planning.

Measure from wall to wall and mark the proposed bed footprint. Then check:

• walking space on both sides of the bed;
• clearance for wardrobe and cupboard doors;
• space for bedside tables;
• door swing and access into the room;
• whether drawers or other furniture can still open freely.

If moving from Queen to King forces the rest of the room into awkward positions, the extra mattress width may not be worth it.

Queen vs King for couples

Both sizes are designed to work for couples. A Queen is often sufficient when two people are comfortable sleeping relatively close together. A King offers more separation and can make a meaningful difference for sleepers who spread out or change position frequently.

However, mattress construction also matters. A well-designed pocket spring mattress can help localise movement because individual coils respond more independently. So do not judge couple suitability on width alone.

Queen vs King for one person

For a single sleeper, a Queen already provides generous width. A King can be chosen for luxury or room scale, but it is usually a lifestyle choice rather than a space requirement.

If you live alone and have a medium-size bedroom, a Queen often leaves more usable space for a desk, chair, drawers or circulation around the room.

What about bed bases and bed frames?

Your mattress and foundation must match in size. A Queen mattress needs a Queen base or frame; a King mattress needs a King base or frame.

Best Beds offers bed bases in multiple sizes as well as gas lift storage bed frames. If you are upsizing the mattress, remember to budget and plan for the matching foundation too.

Can storage affect the decision?

Yes. In a smaller room, a Queen gas lift bed can sometimes be more practical than a King without storage because it preserves floor clearance while creating concealed space underneath the bed.

For larger bedrooms, a King gas lift bed can combine maximum sleeping width with substantial under-bed storage. Check the full external dimensions and lifting clearance before ordering.

Think about delivery access before you buy

A King mattress is wider, and King bed-frame components can be larger as well. Before ordering, measure the narrowest points from the property entrance to the bedroom. Pay particular attention to apartment lifts, stair landings, tight corners and narrow hallways.

For current Best Beds delivery and collection information, see Delivery & Collection.

Does King mean more comfortable?

Not automatically. King describes size, not comfort quality. A Queen and King version of the same mattress should use the same underlying comfort concept; the King simply provides more width.

Comfort depends on the mattress construction and how it feels to you. Consider support core, surface cushioning, firmness, edge design and your preferred sleeping position. Our mattress buying guide explains these factors in more detail.

Queen vs King: a simple decision rule

Choose a Queen when you want an efficient balance of sleeping room, bedroom space and easier access. Choose a King when the room comfortably fits it and the extra personal sleeping width is valuable to you.

If you are unsure, physically mark both sizes on the bedroom floor with removable tape. The 30 cm width difference becomes much easier to judge when you can walk around it.

Shop Queen and King mattresses at Best Beds

Browse Queen mattresses and King mattresses online, or visit Best Beds in Epping to compare selected mattresses in person.

Frequently asked questions

Is a King mattress longer than a Queen in Australia?

Standard Australian Queen and King mattresses are generally the same length at about 203 cm. The King is wider.

How much wider is a King than a Queen?

A standard Australian King is about 30 cm wider than a Queen.

Is a Queen big enough for two adults?

For many couples, yes. Whether it feels spacious enough depends on personal sleeping habits and how much individual room each person prefers.

Should I choose mattress size before firmness?

Yes. First confirm which physical size fits the room and access route, then compare mattress constructions and comfort levels within that size.