What To Consider Before Buying A California King Bed

You may have assumed that bed sizes continue to increase in surface area, from twins to fulls to queens to kings and so on. However, this isn't the case for every size of bed, as California kings actually have the same surface area as kings.

This may come as quite a shock to some, as many of us have inferred that California kings are larger. However, the main difference is not the size but the width and length. The standard king mattress is 76 inches wide and 80 long, while the standard California king is 72 inches wide and 84 long, per Tuft & Needle. Therefore, California types are narrower and longer than regular kings, making them ideal for certain situations but not for others. There's also no option between these two sizes, so you'll either have to sacrifice width for length or vice versa. To determine if a California king mattress is right for you, you'll need to consider a number of factors.

Because a California king is longer than a regular king, you'll need to make sure the size is ideal for you. Of course, if you or someone else who sleeps in the bed with you is extremely tall, the extra length would be beneficial. Another case where you may want a longer bed is if you have pets that often sleep at your feet, as this will provide them with extra room.

However, also remember that this size is narrower than a regular king. Therefore, if you have children that like to snuggle up with you, this mattress would leave you with less space. If you and someone else who sleeps in the bed prefer to have extra space to sleep, this might not be the best choice, either. On the other hand, if you sleep alone and want extra room at the foot of the bed, a California king would obviously be a great option. Or, if you and the person you share a bed with like sleeping close together, this size could work, as Quality Sleep points out.

The first challenge that may arise with a longer bed is less walking space in your bedroom. While those who have a large room may not be affected by this, it could be a problem for others. To determine if you'll have enough walking distance, put down painter's tape where you want the bed to be placed to see how much space is left. Another concern you could have is that these mattresses are often quite bulky and difficult to move. If you think you'll need to move the piece into a different room or home soon, you may want to choose another option. 

It may also be challenging to find sheets, comforters, and other bedding accessories because there are significantly fewer options for California king beds. To demonstrate this, at Macy's, there are about 500 sets of king sheets available but only about 250 sets of California king sheets. Therefore, you may be limited in material, color, and style options. Not only that, but there's a limited number of California king mattresses sold, so it may be more difficult to purchase one.