Twin vs Full Bed: What Is the Difference Between Them?

When you’re looking for a new mattress for yourself or your child, there’s much to consider. Your comfort and available space need to come into play as you choose a mattress for roughly the next 8 years.

When choosing a new bed for a guest room, a child’s room or a first apartment, the choice is often between a twin or a full bed. Both have their benefits, so the choice comes down to how much space your home allows and how much space you need from your mattress.

At Comfort King, we offer any size mattress you need, so size differences aren’t a restriction for us. But if you’re deciding between a full-size mattress or twin mattress, here are a few things you’ll want to consider.

What’s the Difference Between a Full Bed and Twin Bed?

There’s about a 16-inch difference between a twin bed and a full bed. A standard twin bed is approximately 38 inches wide, while a full bed is 16 inches wider at 54 inches wide.

For most people, the full bed offers far more comfort than a twin bed. A twin bed doesn’t allow most taller adults the ability to stretch out and position their bodies on the bed, while a full bed offers ample room for most people to relax. Twin mattresses are generally used for single sleepers, bunk beds, guest bedrooms and young children.

Is There a Difference Between a Full Mattress and a Double Mattress?

No, the terms are used interchangeably. Back in the 1940s, mattresses were mostly limited to twin beds then called singles and full beds, known as doubles. However, the double mattress didn’t mean it was double the size of the twin. Instead, it referred to how many people could use the bed. These days, double mattresses are still used, but they’ve become less popular as queen and king beds are more common for couples.

Should I Get My Child a Twin or Full Bed?

That depends on their age and size. A twin bed is usually a good choice for younger children, as they don’t need much space. When a child is transitioning from a crib to a bed, a twin bed fits them well. Older children who are still growing and need extra space to stretch out are likely better off with a full bed. 

Since mattresses last about 8 years, you could purchase a twin mattress and bed for their first bed and upgrade to a full when your kids hit middle school.

Which Bed Should You Get?

It depends on your budget and space. If you don’t have a lot of space available or need to save a few dollars, a twin bed works fine for most people (with the exception of taller individuals). If you can afford the space, upgrading to a full bed will be more comfortable for guests, older children and any adults who use it. It’s a matter of your individual situation as to which of these choices works best for you.

Whether you need a twin mattress, a full-size mattress, or any of our popular mattress sizes – up to an Alaskan king or California king! – Comfort King is the place to shop. Contact us with any questions and we’ll help you make the ideal choice for any sleep situation.