Getting a good night’s sleep is hard enough, especially if you deal with issues like insomnia or night sweats.
When you add a partner to the mix, it can become even more difficult. This is particularly true if one (or both) of you moves around a lot in your sleep or snores.
That’s why choosing the right bed size is key for couples. But you might be wondering: What’s the best bed size for a couple?
“The right bed size is so important for couples because it gives both people enough space to sleep without bumping into each other all night,” says Shelby Harris, PsyD, director of sleep health at Sleepopolis. “If the bed’s too small, one person’s tossing or turning can wake the other up, leading to a restless night.”
Ahead, we’ll explore the best bed size for couples so you can choose a mattress that allows both of you to sleep comfortably.
Best bed size for couples: a comprehensive overview
Full-size mattress
A full-size mattress (54 inches by 75 inches) is affordable and fits well in small spaces such as apartments or guest rooms, according to Harris. She also says it’s generally easier to move than larger beds.
But the cons are that it’s too narrow for most couples to sleep comfortably long-term, “especially if either partner moves a lot during sleep,” says Harris.
Queen-size mattress
A queen-size mattress (60 inches by 80 inches) “strikes a great balance between space and cost,” Harris says. “It’s roomier than a full-size, making it a good fit for most couples, even in slightly smaller bedrooms. It offers enough space for most people without being too big or expensive.”
But then there are some cons to consider. For taller or larger individuals, or couples who like a lot of personal space while sleeping, a queen may feel a bit cramped, notes Harris. “If you move around a lot in your sleep, you might find it less comfortable than a larger bed,” she says.
King-size mattress
A king-size mattress (76 inches by 80 inches) is perfect for couples who really value personal space or share their bed with kids or pets, Harris says. “It’s super spacious, which means you can both stretch out without disturbing each other,” she adds.
However, there are some drawbacks. “A king-size bed needs a large bedroom to fit into and they can be expensive,” explains Harris. “Moving or setting up a king mattress can also be a challenge, especially if you don’t have a lot of extra help.”
California king mattress
A California king mattress (72 inches by 84 inches) is ideal for taller people, Harris says, giving them extra length to stretch out. “It also feels luxurious and spacious without being as wide as a king, which can be perfect for couples who don’t need quite as much width but want the extra length,” she says.
There are some downsides to consider as well. “The width is a little narrower than a standard king, which means less personal space for each person,” Harris says. “And like the king, it requires a larger room and can be quite expensive.”
Split king mattress
Made up of two twin XL mattresses placed next to one another to form a king-size bed, a split king mattress (76 inches by 80 inches) is “customizable for couples with different sleep needs as each side can have a different firmness or adjustable base setting,” says Harris.
She cautions that the gap between the two mattresses might bother some couples, and specialized bedding can be harder to find.
Our best mattresses for couples
Saatva Classic Innerspring Mattress
Our flagship luxury mattress is expertly engineered with coil-on-coil construction for durability, a layer of memory foam for enhanced back support, and a cushiony Euro pillow top for extra comfort.
Our best mattresses for couples
Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress
Featuring precise 50 firmness settings on each side of the bed for personal customization. Natural latex and gel-infused memory foam layers provide luxurious comfort and support.
Our best mattresses for couples
Contour5 Mattress
Luxurious body-hugging feel and pressure relief with 3” of ultra-premium, high-density 5-lb memory foam.
Our best mattresses for couples
Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
This memory foam hybrid mattress features the perfect balance of body-contouring and responsive feel. Enjoy the innovative cooling system, which prevents overheating.
Our best mattresses for couples
Zenhaven Latex Mattress
Natural latex responds to every curve for pressure-free support and responsive comfort. Natural latex is supple, resilient, and durable, for the ultimate in elevated sleep. (It’s naturally hypoallergenic too.)
Our best mattresses for couples
Latex Hybrid Mattress
This hybrid mattress combines the pressure-free support of natural latex with the classic innerspring feel. Handcrafted with pure materials for the ultimate in cool and healthy sleep.
Our best mattresses for couples
Saatva HD Mattress
This luxury hybrid innerspring mattress is specifically engineered to support people weighing between 300 and 500 pounds. Plush upper layers made of foam and latex deliver comfort, while a high-durability coil base offers support.
Our best mattresses for couples
Saatva Rx Mattress
Specially designed to give maximum support and pressure relief that can help alleviate discomfort associated with serious and chronic back and joint conditions like sciatica, arthritis, herniated disc, and scoliosis.
FAQs
What is the most popular bed size for couples?
A queen-size mattress seems to be the most popular choice for couples, from what Harris has observed. “It offers a good balance between comfort and affordability while fitting into most bedroom sizes,” she says. “Its popularity comes from being a practical middle ground for space and budget.”
What size bed is best for two people?
So, what is the best bed size for couples? “For most couples, a queen-size bed works best because it provides enough room for both partners without taking up too much space in the bedroom,” says Harris. “However, if space and budget allow, a king or California king is better for maximizing comfort, especially if you share your bed with kids or pets.”
How wide should a two-person bed be?
In general, Harris says a bed that’s at least 60 inches wide (or queen-size) is recommended for couples. “However, when thinking about comfort and personal space, especially for larger individuals, a width of 72 to 76 inches (California king to king) is ideal,” she adds.
Do couples sleep better in bigger beds?
According to Harris, couples often sleep better in bigger beds because more space reduces disruptions from movements or changes in position. “A larger bed allows each person to maintain their preferred sleep posture without feeling cramped, which is particularly important for light sleepers or those with different sleep styles,” she says.
Find the best mattress for couples at Saatva
Now that you’ve learned about the ideal mattress sizes for couples, you should know that Saatva offers a wide range of mattress sizes, from full to queen to king to split king, to meet couples’ needs.
Our
Our luxurious customizable mattress with 50 precise firmness options
mattress is specifically designed for couples with different sleep preferences since the firmness can be adjusted. It’s also fully customizable when you order a split top or split king mattress and pair it with our
Our deluxe adjustable base with even more customized comfort options
.
All of our mattresses come with a 365-night home trial, free white glove delivery, and lifetime warranty. Take our mattress quiz to find your perfect mattress.
