When shopping for a new bed, one of the most common questions is: what’s the difference between a California King bed vs King bed? Both are large, luxurious choices, but their dimensions, mattress sizes, and best uses vary. This guide from Bel Furniture explains California King vs King dimensions so you can confidently pick the right size for your bedroom.
Cal King vs King: What’s the Difference?
Before we dive into the specifics, let's uncover the interesting history and dimensions of the California King bed. The California king-size bed was first developed in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1960s, in response to the growing demand for a longer mattress and taller individuals who prefer extra legroom. The California King size bed is distinct from the standard Eastern King (or King size) bed in that it is longer and slightly narrower. A standard King bed measures 76 inches in width and 80 inches in length, while a California King bed measures 72 inches in width and 84 inches in length. The California king-size bed gained popularity primarily in the Western United States, particularly California. Its longer length was well-suited for people who were taller than average. Over time, its popularity has expanded beyond California and can be found in bedrooms across the United States and other countries.
What Is a California King Bed?
A California King bed (also called Cal King or King Cal mattress size) measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. It’s designed with extra length, making it perfect for:
- Taller sleepers who need more legroom
- Couples who share the bed with pets at the foot
- Bedrooms with longer layouts
California King size: 72"x84"
The California King bed measures 72 inches in width and 84 inches in length. It is 4 inches narrower and 4 inches longer than a standard King bed. The extra length makes it an excellent choice for taller individuals who may find their feet hanging off the edge of a standard King bed.
What Is a Standard King Bed?
A King bed measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. It’s wider than a Cal King, making it ideal for:
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Couples who want maximum width
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Families who co-sleep with children
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Square-shaped bedrooms that can fit extra width
King size: 76"x80"
The standard King bed measures 76 inches in width and 80 inches in length. It's a spacious option, providing plenty of room for couples and even families who love to share their bed with kids or pets.
| Bed Size | Width (inches) | Length (inches) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Bed | 76" | 80" | Couples, families, wider rooms |
| California King Bed (Cal King) | 72" | 84" | Tall people, couples with pets, longer rooms |
California King Bed vs King Bed: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing the right bed size is important for your comfort, well-being, room aesthetics, and practicality. It's a decision that should be made considering various factors and individual needs to ensure that your bed enhances your overall sleep quality and bedroom experience.
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✅ Choose a King Bed if you want maximum width for more elbow room or co-sleeping.
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✅ Choose a California King Bed if you’re tall, share the bed with pets, or prefer the sleek look of a longer mattress.
When it comes down to King vs California King size, both offer spacious comfort — the choice depends on whether you value width or length more.
Pros and Cons of California King Beds
Pros:
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Ideal for Tall Individuals: The extra length of the California King prevents your feet from dangling off the edge, providing an elongated sleeping surface for those who appreciate more room.
Cons:
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Slightly narrower in width, which might feel snug for some couples.
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Bedding may be less common and slightly pricier due to unique dimensions.
Pros and Cons of King Beds
Pros:
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A wider sleeping area that offers ample space for your family to sleep comfortably.
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Easier to find standard bedding, making customization convenient.
Cons:
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Size: While a king bed is larger than a queen bed, it is not as long as a California king. This can be a drawback if you or your partner are tall, as your feet may hang off the end of the bed.
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Space: King beds can take up a significant amount of floor space in your bedroom. This can be problematic in smaller rooms, leaving less room for other furniture or walking space.
Choosing Between California King and King Beds: A Step-by-Step Guide
Choosing between a California King bed and a King bed or mattress can be a challenging decision, but understanding your specific needs and preferences can make the process easier. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you decide your right bed size:
1. Measure Your Bedroom:
Room size: To measure your room for a California King or King bed, gather tools like measuring tape. Measure the length and width of your room, accounting for any existing furniture. Ensure you have at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides of the bed for easy movement.
Furniture: Consider your existing furniture, such as chest, dressers, nightstands, chairs, vanities, and other items. Ensure there is enough space to fit these pieces alongside your chosen bed without overcrowding the room.
Doors: Take into account the location of windows and doors in your room. Ensure that the placement of the bed doesn't obstruct them or interfere with their functionality.
2. Consider Your Height:
Your height is a crucial factor when deciding between a King and California King bed. Taller individuals, especially those over 6 feet 4 inches (over 6'4"), often face discomfort on a standard King bed, where their feet might hang off the mattress. A bed that suits your full height allows for a natural sleeping position, reducing the risk of aches and pains. The California King bed, with its extra length, is ideal for taller individuals, providing more legroom and promoting better sleep.
3. Sleeping Position and Family Needs:
Consider your sleeping habits and whether you have children or pets who share the bed. If you or your partner are side-sleepers or prefer more width to stretch out, a King bed might be preferable. On the other hand, if you sleep flat on your back or stomach with your legs outstretched, the added length of a California King bed can provide the necessary leg space. Families with children or pets can also benefit from the extra width of a King bed.
4. Mattress Dimensions: King vs California King
Here are the mattress sizes you’ll need to know:
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California King Mattress Size (King Cal Mattress Size): 72” W x 84” L
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California King Bed Dimensions (with frame): ~74”–76” W x 86”–88” L
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Standard King Mattress Size: 76” W x 80” L
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King Bed Dimensions (with frame): ~78”–80” W x 82”–84” L
Ensure your mattress size aligns perfectly with the bed frame, especially if you're buying them separately. Coordinate with the retailer or manufacturer to confirm that your chosen mattress size matches the California King bed frame you've selected.
5. Mattress foundation and bedding accessories:
When considering California King or King beds, it's important to acknowledge their relative rarity and potential difficulty in finding a complete bedroom set for this size. Therefore, it becomes vital to turn to a large and diverse retailer like Bel Furniture that offers a comprehensive selection of bedroom sets tailored to your preferred size and style.
King-sized bedding and accessories, including box springs, adjustable bases, sheets, blankets, and comforters, are more widely available and cost-effective compared to California King options. Additionally, King-sized bed frames and adjustable bases are easier to source. If you choose a California King bed, it's crucial to select a reputable, large furniture retailer like Bel Furniture, capable of offering a comprehensive range of California King-sized items, including beds, mattresses, foundations, mattress protectors, and adjustable bases.
Where to Buy a California King Bed Frame in Houston?
Some searching keywords like "California King bed near me" or "where to buy California King bed near me" can help you explore choices within online marketplaces. If you're looking for California King beds and mattresses in Houston, Bel Furniture is your top choice. We offer a wide range of styles, comfort levels, and top brands to cater to your unique preferences and needs. Plus, we have free delivery and setup*, a 180-day price and comfort warranty, and frequent sales and promotions.
Reasons to Buy California King Beds and Mattresses at Bel Furniture
1. Variety of styles:
At Bel Furniture, we offer more than just beds or mattresses; we provide completed bedroom styles and collections to meet your needs. You can explore furniture pieces like chests, nightstands, dressers, and mirrors that match the style or material of your bed. Or you can choose a complete bedroom set that includes a bed, dresser, mirror, and nightstand, all aligned with your preferred style. Whether you favor rustic, modern, traditional, or contemporary designs, our diverse range ensures you'll find the perfect fit to enhance the look of your bedroom.
Explore our California King bedroom sets.
Shop our California King mattresses
2. Comfort Choices:
Your comfort matters to us. Bel Furniture's California king mattresses are available in plush, medium, firm, and extra firm options, ensuring you find the ideal level of support and softness for a restful night's sleep.
3. Top Brands:
Bel Furniture proudly features mattress brands such as Sealy, Restonic, Kingsdown, Spring Air, and Bel-Opedic. These brands are synonymous with quality, durability, and exceptional sleep experiences.
4. Free Delivery and Set up*:
Purchasing substantial furniture items such as a King or California King mattress can pose challenges if you're unable to transport it yourself or if renting a truck becomes costly. Recognizing this, Bel Furniture is offering free delivery and set up* for orders totaling a minimum of $799.
5. 180-Day Price & Comfort Warranty:
Bel Furniture prioritizes your well-being, ensuring you enjoy nights of deep, restorative sleep. Our California king beds and mattresses are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, promoting proper spinal alignment and minimizing sleep disturbances.
6. Sales and Promotions:
Bel Furniture regularly hosts special promotions and sales, providing substantial discounts and savings on your California king bed or mattress acquisition. During these exclusive events, we offer remarkable sales and discounts, with savings of up to 55% off or even up to 80% off on clearance items for king and California king mattresses.
Conclusion
Your height and room dimensions are key factors to consider between King and California King beds and mattresses. Once you've figured out the best size for you, the next decision is where to shop. It's not just the bed; you might also need a mattress, foundation, bedding accessories, or even a complete bedroom set that matches your chosen bed size. That's why it's a smart idea to look for a retailer with a variety of options. This way, you can conveniently discover everything you need for your bedroom in one place. Additionally, be on the lookout for plus benefits such as free delivery, financing options, or exclusive discounts.
Bel Furniture stands out as the go-to destination for California king beds and mattresses. Our wide selection, superior comfort, competitive pricing, and trusted reputation make us the ideal choice for your next bedroom upgrade.
Visit Us Today
As the largest in-stock furniture retailer in Texas, Bel Furniture offers a vast selection of California king beds and mattresses to cater to your specific needs. Visit our stores or explore our website at belfurniture.com to find the perfect California king bed for your bedroom. Whether you're browsing our website or visiting our stores in Houston, Victoria, Katy, San Antonio, Champion, or Beaumont, you'll always find the latest deals that fit your budget.