Updated Aug 6, 2025
For most couples, a queen-size mattress (60" × 80") hits the sweet spot—spacious enough for two without overwhelming the bedroom or budget, while still easy to move. Kings feel luxurious but demand more room and cash, and fulls can feel cramped, making the queen the practical, popular choice.
If you’re wondering what the best bed size for couples is, you might be on the cusp of a big change. Maybe you and your partner have decided to move in together. Or, maybe you both are ready to upgrade from the futon you’ve been sleeping on since you decided to call the same place home.
To ensure you’re on the right track to achieving the best sleep every night, you’ll want to conduct a bit of research to determine which mattress will help. We’ve got you covered. Here, we’ll outline the primary features of three mattress sizes couples commonly purchase: full, king, and queen.
If you’re wondering why we end with a queen mattress, that’s because we think you’ll find it’s just right.
When to Consider a Full Mattress
A full mattress — also referred to as a double — is typically 53 inches wide by 75 inches long. People tend to gravitate toward full mattresses when outfitting their guest room or a smaller sleeping space.
Couples shopping for a perfect-sized mattress should ask themselves the following questions when considering the full size bed option:
- Do we like to cuddle?
- How big is the space where the mattress is going?
- What does our budget look like?
Pros of a Full Size Mattress
- Cozy for cuddling couples who don’t mind sharing close quarters—perfect for those who like to be nose to nose at bedtime.
- Budget-friendly option compared to larger mattresses, freeing up funds for other adventures.
- Easier to move and fit into smaller bedrooms or apartments, especially if you’re dealing with stairs or tight spaces.
- Full mattress dimensions allow them to fit nicely in guest rooms or smaller sleeping areas without overwhelming the space.
Cons of a Full Size Mattress
Limited sleeping space means less wiggle room, which might not be ideal if you or your partner like to sprawl or toss and turn.
- Might feel cramped if you share your bed with kids or pets who like to join the slumber party.
- Smaller size can feel confining for taller sleepers or those who prefer more personal space at night.
When to Consider a King Mattress
Standing tall and strong at 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, the king sized mattress is an ideal option for partners that like stretching room and prefer a little space when snoozing.
When looking for a mattress built for two, couples should ask themselves the following questions when considering the king size mattress option:
- How much space do we have in the bedroom?
- What is our budget — if we buy this giant mattress can we afford a nice bed frame?
- How many flights of stairs are involved?
- Do we have any four-legged snuggle partners?
Here’s a quick look at the advantages and drawbacks to help you decide if a king size mattress is the right fit for your bedroom and lifestyle.
Pros of a King Mattress
- Generous sleeping space lets each partner sprawl out without disturbing the other.
- Perfect for large master bedrooms or spacious guest rooms.
- Plenty of room for pets or children who like to join the bed.
- Offers premium comfort that can accommodate different sleeping preferences side by side.
Cons of a King Mattress
- Requires a large bedroom and ample space to move around comfortably.
- More expensive upfront, plus the cost of bigger bed frames and accessories.
- Heavy and bulky, making it harder to move—movers might be necessary for relocation.
- Not the best fit for small spaces or apartments with tight stairwells.
When to Consider a Queen Mattress
The standard size of queen beds measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long and is the most popular mattress size, especially amongst couples. Here’s what else to consider before you decide on a queen.
Couples considering the queen size bed option should ask themselves the following questions:
- Is our master bedroom at least 10 x 10 square feet?
- Do we want the option to cuddle and the option to have our own sleeping space?
- What are our long-term plans for living together?
Pros of a Queen Size Mattress
- Offers enough space for two without taking over the entire room.
- Versatile enough for both cuddling and personal space preferences.
- Easier to move and fit in most master bedrooms compared to a king.
- Split queen options allow partners with different firmness needs to get the best of both worlds.
Cons of a Queen Size Mattress
- Might feel a bit tight if either partner is taller than six feet.
- Less room for pets or kids who join the bed compared to a king size.
- Not ideal for very large bedrooms where a bigger bed could be a centerpiece.
Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Bed Size for Couples
Choosing the perfect bed size for two isn’t just about grabbing the biggest mattress you can fit—it’s about balancing space, comfort, and lifestyle. Keep these key factors in mind to find a mattress that works for both you and your partner.
Room Size
Before you pick a mattress, measure your bedroom to make sure there’s enough space to move around comfortably. Larger mattresses like kings need more room not just for the bed itself but for furniture, pathways, and those late-night trips to the bathroom. If your bedroom is on the smaller side, a queen or full size mattress might be the smarter fit to keep your space feeling open and inviting.
Body Size
Your height and build matter when choosing a mattress size. Taller sleepers generally benefit from longer beds like queen or king mattress sizes to avoid hanging feet and cramped nights. Plus, if either of you tends to stretch out or move a lot while sleeping, opting for a wider mattress will help you both rest easier without bumping elbows or toes.
Sleeper Preferences
How you and your partner sleep—whether you cuddle, need personal space, or share your bed with pets or kids—plays a huge role in mattress choice. Some couples prefer to cozy up close, which a full or queen mattress can accommodate. Others want maximum personal space, making king or split mattresses ideal. Also consider firmness preferences; mattresses with split options can give each sleeper customized comfort without compromise.
Additionally, if you and your partner have different mattress firmness preferences, you may want to opt for a split queen. So, what is a split queen mattress? A split queen mattress is exactly what it sounds like—two separate mattresses, each half the size of a standard queen, placed side by side to form one full queen bed. With a split queen, you can customize comfort without compromising closeness, because great sleep doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all.
Budget
A bigger mattress usually means a bigger price tag, so it’s important to weigh your budget alongside your sleep needs. Keep in mind the cost of accessories too—larger mattresses require bigger sheets, bed frames, and protectors, which can add up. But investing in a quality mattress that supports restful sleep is one of the best investments you can make for your health and relationship.
Mattress Sizes for Couples: What's the Best Choice?
So, what's the best bed size for couples? Choosing the right mattress size with a partner is all about balancing the factors we’ve discussed, from comfort to space and practicality. While full mattresses can feel cozy but cramped, and king mattresses offer luxury but require a larger room and budget, the queen mattress strikes the perfect middle ground. At 60 inches wide by 80 inches long, a queen provides ample space for two sleepers to stretch out comfortably without overwhelming most bedrooms. It’s versatile, easier to move, and widely available—making it the smart, popular choice for couples looking to share a restful night.
Still unsure of what to choose? Find more in depth comparisons of the full vs queen and king vs queen beds with our blog.
Finding Your Next Mattress: Casper's Picks
Once you’ve settled on the perfect mattress size, the next step is finding the right mattress model to match your comfort needs. Shop these expertly designed Casper mattresses, available in a range of sizes to fit your bedroom perfectly.
Casper One
The no-brainer mattress choice. Discover affordable memory foam mattresses no matter your budget with the One.
Casper Dream Max
Ergonomically engineered to help relieve pressure & cradle you all night, the Dream Max is our most supportive mattress for your dreamiest sleep.
Casper Snow Max
With our most supportive ergonomics and most innovative cooling features, the Snow Max is the ultimate solution for whatever is keeping you up.
Make it Official with Casper
Finding the right mattress seems like it’s stressful — there are major factors to consider like budget, time-frame, room size, and more. But achieving the very best sleep with the person you love should never be a chore. In fact, it should be a dream come true and finding the right mattress is simpler than ever with Casper.
At Casper, we make mattresses with the help of sleep experts and with your comfort in mind. Our proprietary foam technology will send you and your partner into dreamland in record time.
Whether you’re a diehard cuddler or a “this is my side” sleeper, you’ll find exactly what you need at Casper.
