Choosing between a king vs queen bed doesn’t seem like a big decision, but it’s one that catches a lot of people out when furnishing their home. The majority of Australians sleep on a queen-size mattress, making it the most popular choice – but that doesn't mean it's right for everyone. The difference between king and queen bed sizes might seem simple on paper, but picking the wrong one can leave you cramped, over-budget, or struggling to fit it through your bedroom door.
Quick Answers
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Queen: 153cm wide x 203cm long, perfect for couples in standard bedrooms, more budget-friendly
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King: 183cm wide x 203cm long, 30cm wider than queen, ideal for couples who want space or families with kids/pets
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The verdict: Choose queen if you're space-conscious or budget-minded. Choose king if you've got the room and want maximum sleeping space
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Same length, different width – both are 203cm long, so height isn't a factor
King vs Queen Bed: The Size Difference
If you're wondering "is king or queen bed bigger?", the answer is king – but only in width. Both sizes measure 203cm in length, giving most people (under 6'7") plenty of legroom. The real difference is width: an Australian queen bed is 153cm wide, while a king stretches to 183cm. That's an extra 30cm of sleeping space, which means each person gets roughly 15cm more room to sprawl.
To put it in perspective, on a queen bed, each sleeper has about 76cm of personal space. On a king, you each get about 91cm – nearly the width of a single bed. If you or your partner are restless sleepers, toss and turn at night, or simply like your personal space, that extra width makes a genuine difference.
Room Size & Space Considerations
Before you fall in love with a king-size mattress, measure your bedroom. Queensland homes – especially apartments in Brisbane or the Gold Coast – often have bedrooms that look spacious until you try fitting a king bed. As a general rule, you want at least 60cm of walking space on each side of your bed and at the foot.
For a queen bed, your bedroom should be at least 3m x 3.4m. For a king, you're looking at a minimum of 3.4m x 3.4m – and ideally, bigger if you want breathing room for other furniture, such as a dresser or bedside tables. In smaller bedrooms or rental properties where space is tight, a queen bed often makes more sense. Check out our guide on how to make a small bedroom look bigger with furniture for layout tips.
If you're renting, also consider doorways and staircases. King mattresses can be awkward to manoeuvre, especially in older Queensland homes or units with narrow hallways. Our best furniture for renters guide covers what to think about before committing to larger pieces.
Who Should Choose Each Size?
Choose a Queen if:
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You're a couple who doesn't mind sleeping close together
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Your bedroom is under 3.5m x 3.5m
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You move house regularly (queens are easier to transport)
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You're budget-conscious – queens cost 20-30% less than kings
Choose a King if:
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You share your bed with kids or pets regularly
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You or your partner are taller than 183cm or larger-framed
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You're a back or stomach sleeper who likes space
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Your bedroom comfortably fits a king with room to spare
Couples with young children often switch to a king after a few years. There's nothing worse than getting kicked in the ribs by a toddler at 2am because there's no space. If that sounds familiar, a king bed might save your sleep quality.
Budget Considerations
Here's the reality: king beds cost more across the board. You'll pay extra for the mattress itself (usually $200-$ 500 more than a queen), plus king-size sheets, quilt covers, and mattress protectors are also pricier. If you're furnishing your entire bedroom on a budget, those costs add up quickly.
That said, at A2Z Furniture, we offer bed and mattress packages designed to make upgrading more affordable. Buying a complete set often works out cheaper than piecing items together.
Browse our range of queen mattresses for Brisbane and Gold Coast delivery, or use our virtual room redesign tool to see how different bed sizes will fit in your actual bedroom before you buy. We deliver across Queensland with fast turnaround times – because when you've made your decision, you shouldn't have to wait weeks to get a good night's sleep.