Comparing Queen Beds & Double Beds: Pros, Cons & Tips

It’s time to get a new bed. But you’re on the fence and realised that shopping for a new bed can be surprisingly tricky! Especially when it comes down to choosing between queen beds and double beds. At first glance, the difference might seem minor. But when you’re trying to make the most of your space, budget, and sleep quality, every centimetre counts. If you’re wondering whether to go with a roomier queen bed or stick with the practicality of a double, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, The Mattress Warehouse will help you figure out which bed fits your needs. We break down the pros and cons, compare sizes, and offer a few tips to help you make a confident choice between a queen and a double bed.

Should I get a queen or double bed: size comparisons

Let’s start with the dimensions.

• Double bed: 137 cm x 188 cm
• Queen bed: 152 cm x 188 cm

That 15 cm difference in width might not seem like much. However, for light sleepers or couples, it can make a noticeable impact on comfort. Especially if one or both partners tend to toss and turn.

Tip: You can also get double or queen beds in extra length (200 cm long). The widths stay the same.

Pros and cons of a double bed frame

A double bed makes sense for plenty of sleepers. Whether you’re furnishing a teenager’s room, a compact flat, or a guest bedroom, this size often strikes the right balance between comfort and practicality.

Pros of a double bed

• Budget friendly: From a budget perspective, double beds are generally more affordable than queen beds. This price difference extends beyond just the mattress. Double bed frames, bedding and accessories also tend to be cheaper. If you’re watching your spending, this could be a deciding factor. For example, the Cloud Nine Comfort Flex Double Bed offers a solid, supportive sleep experience at a price point that won’t break the bank.
• Practical: In terms of practicality, double beds are easier to move than queen beds. Especially through tight hallways and staircases. They also fit better into smaller bedrooms, giving you more room for other furniture like desks, dressers or pedestals.

Cons of a double bed

• Feels cramped: For couples, a double bed can start to feel a bit snug. There’s less room to spread out and turn around. This might affect the quality of your (and your partner’s) sleep. 
• Not future-proof: For instance, if you’re single and you get married, you may soon want to get a larger bed. Or maybe you start co-sleeping with kids or pets. In cases like that, you might find yourself needing to upgrade.

Still, for solo sleepers or secondary bedrooms, a double bed is a smart, space-saving solution. Consider the Rest Assured Posture Guard Firm Bed if you’re after something that offers support and comfort with long-term durability.

Pros and cons of queen beds

Queen beds are South Africa’s most popular standard bed size. And for good reason! They offer just that little bit more width, which can make all the difference when it comes to sleeping well.

Pros of queen beds

• Extra width: For couples, a queen bed provides much-needed room to move without compromising closeness. It’s also the better option for light sleepers or anyone who prefers to stretch out. The extra space helps reduce disturbances from your partner’s movements, which can lead to a more restful night overall.
• Future-proof: Queen beds are an investment in your quality of life. If you’re planning to grow into your space or share it with someone down the line, starting with a queen means you won’t need to upgrade later.
• Aesthetically pleasing: On the aesthetic front, queen beds often feel more luxurious and grounded in larger bedrooms. They anchor the space visually and allow for a wider range of stylish headboards, frames and bedding. 
• Easy to outfit: Bedding for queen beds is also easier to find thanks to its popularity.

Cons of queen beds

• More pricey: Of course, these advantages come at a cost. Queen beds are typically more expensive than doubles, and this applies not just to the mattress, but to frames, linen and accessories too. 
• Requires space: Queen-size beds also take up more space than double beds and can feel bulky in smaller rooms. If your room is tight on square footage, make sure to measure carefully before committing.
• Heavy and bulky: If you have to move, a queen bed is not your friend. It tends to be heavier than double beds and is a bit more tricky to navigate around corners and up stairwells. 

When it comes to specific options, the Serta Comfort Cloud Plush Queen Bed offers great support and luxury comfort. Meanwhile, the Slumberland Empire Queen Bed is ideal for sleepers who want both support and plush softness in one durable package.

Tips for choosing between queen beds and double bed frames

Making the right choice comes down to a few important considerations:

1. Measure your room

No matter how comfortable the bed is, it won’t work if it overwhelms your space. Leave at least 60 to 90 cm of walking space around the bed to ensure the room stays functional.

2. Consider who’s sleeping in it

If you’re a solo sleeper, a double bed might be more than enough. Double beds are great for teenagers and students. On the other hand, if you’re sharing your bed, the extra width of a queen bed can make a huge difference.

3. Think long-term

Are you planning to live in your space for a while? Expecting a partner or perhaps planning to co-sleep with pets or kids? Then, a queen bed offers more longevity.

4. Budget smart

A double bed is more budget-friendly up front, but a queen bed can be a better long-term investment if it means you won’t need to upgrade anytime soon. 

How does a double compare with queen beds? 

A double bed is cheaper and more compact. Good for teenagers, solo sleepers and couples living in a tight space. Queen beds, on the other hand, are a bit more expensive, slightly larger and are better for couples with kids and pets. 

Best Beds for Sale at The Mattress Warehouse

Whether you lean toward the budget-friendly efficiency of a double bed or the added space and future-proofing of a queen bed, we have the perfect one for you at The Mattress Warehouse. Take a look at our curated range of beds, mattresses and double bed frames to find the best value and comfort available.

Still undecided? Pop into one of our showrooms or contact our team. We’re happy to help you find your dream bed, one night’s sleep at a time.