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When upgrading your bed size, you might come across two luxurious options: the California King and Texas King. But what exactly sets them apart? Many people assume the Texas King is just a bigger California King, but there are key differences in dimensions, comfort, and suitability for different spaces.
Quick Answer:
A California King bed measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, making it ideal for taller individuals who need extra legroom. A Texas King, on the other hand, is larger at 80 inches wide by 98 inches long, offering more overall sleeping space, making it a better choice for couples, families, or those who prefer extra room.
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks for Best King-Size Beds
If you’re looking for a high-quality king-size bed, here are three top recommendations:
Saatva Classic Mattress
This luxury hybrid mattress combines memory foam and innerspring support, perfect for those seeking durability and comfort.
Helix Midnight Luxe
Designed for side sleepers, it offers excellent pressure relief and cooling technology, ensuring a restful sleep.
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt
Known for its adaptive memory foam, it provides personalized comfort and motion isolation, great for couples.
Size and Dimensions
One of the most significant differences between the California King and Texas King is their size.
- California King: Measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, making it narrower and longer than a standard king-size bed. It is ideal for taller individuals who need extra legroom.
- Texas King: Measures 80 inches wide by 98 inches long, making it wider and much longer than a California King. It offers more sleeping space and is perfect for couples or families.
Which One Is Best for Your Space?
- If you have a narrower bedroom, a California King is a better fit as it doesn’t take up as much width.
- If you have a large master bedroom, a Texas King provides maximum comfort and ample space for co-sleeping with children or pets.
Summary of Dimensions
| Bed Type | Width | Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| California King | 72″ | 84″ | Taller individuals, narrow rooms |
| Texas King | 80″ | 98″ | Couples, families, large rooms |
Comfort and Sleeping Experience
Comfort is a crucial factor when choosing between a California King and a Texas King. While both offer a luxurious sleep experience, their dimensions affect how comfortable they feel depending on your needs.
California King: Designed for Height and Support
- The extra length (84 inches) makes it ideal for tall sleepers who often struggle with their feet hanging off the bed.
- Slightly narrower (72 inches wide) means it offers less width per sleeper compared to a Texas King, making it better for single sleepers or couples who don’t require excessive space.
- Works well with a variety of mattress types, from memory foam to hybrid, offering a plush yet supportive sleep.
Texas King: Ultimate Spaciousness
- With 98 inches in length, it’s one of the longest bed sizes available, giving maximum legroom and body space.
- The extra width (80 inches) provides more room for couples, co-sleeping families, or pet owners who want their furry friends to sleep beside them.
- Offers a luxurious, sprawling sleep experience, especially for those who prefer not to feel crowded in bed.
Which One Feels More Comfortable?
- If you value width and extra space for movement, the Texas King is superior.
- If you need length but want a more compact width, the California King is the better option.
Suitability for Different Room Sizes
Choosing the right bed size isn’t just about comfort—it’s also about how well it fits in your bedroom space. The California King and Texas King have different space requirements, so it’s important to consider the size of your room before purchasing.
Minimum Room Size Requirements
A general rule for a comfortable bedroom layout is to leave at least 24-36 inches of walking space around the bed.
| Bed Type | Recommended Minimum Room Size |
|---|---|
| California King | 12 ft x 12 ft |
| Texas King | 14 ft x 14 ft or larger |
California King: Best for Medium-to-Large Bedrooms
- Since it is narrower (72 inches wide), it fits well in medium-sized master bedrooms.
- Works well in rectangular rooms, allowing for more furniture placement and better room flow.
- A great option for modern apartments or homes with limited bedroom space.
Texas King: Best for Extra-Large Bedrooms
- Requires a very spacious bedroom (at least 14 ft x 14 ft) to ensure there’s enough room to move around.
- Works best in luxury master suites or large open spaces where size isn’t a constraint.
- If your room is too small, a Texas King can make the space feel cramped and overcrowded.
Which One Should You Choose?
- If you have a moderately large bedroom, go for a California King.
- If you have a sprawling master suite, the Texas King is an excellent choice.
Price and Availability
When investing in a California King or Texas King bed, it’s important to consider the cost and availability of both the bed frame and accessories like mattresses, bed sheets, and comforters.
Cost Comparison
| Bed Type | Average Mattress Price | Bed Frame & Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| California King | $1,200 – $3,500 | Widely available & affordable |
| Texas King | $2,000 – $5,000 | Harder to find & more expensive |
California King: More Budget-Friendly & Easier to Find
- The California King is a standard size, meaning mattresses, bed frames, and bedding are readily available at most furniture and mattress stores.
- Prices are more affordable since manufacturers produce California King beds in bulk.
- You can find a variety of budget-friendly, mid-range, and luxury options.
Texas King: A Luxury Investment
- Since it’s a custom, oversized bed, Texas King mattresses and accessories are harder to find and often need to be special-ordered.
- The cost of a Texas King mattress starts higher due to its extra materials and limited production.
- Bedding, such as sheets, comforters, and frames, is also more expensive and may require custom sizing.
Which One Offers Better Value?
- If you want a luxurious yet cost-effective bed, the California King is the smarter choice.
- If space and exclusivity are more important than price, a Texas King delivers unmatched comfort.
Pros and Cons of Each Bed
To help you make a final decision, here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of the California King and Texas King beds.
California King: Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Extra length (84 inches) is perfect for tall sleepers.
- Easier to find mattresses, bed frames, and accessories.
- More affordable than a Texas King.
- Fits well in standard master bedrooms (12 ft x 12 ft).
❌ Cons:
- Narrower (72 inches wide) means less space for couples who like to spread out.
- Not ideal for families or co-sleeping with kids and pets.
Texas King: Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Extremely spacious—great for couples, families, and co-sleeping.
- Wider and longer (80” x 98”), providing maximum comfort.
- Adds a luxurious and grand feel to large master suites.
❌ Cons:
- Expensive—mattresses and bedding cost more.
- Difficult to find—limited availability in retail stores.
- Requires a larger room (14 ft x 14 ft or more), making it unsuitable for smaller spaces.
Which One Is Right for You?
- If you’re tall and need extra legroom, go for the California King.
- If you want maximum sleeping space and have a large bedroom, the Texas King is worth the investment.
Conclusion
Choosing between a California King and Texas King ultimately depends on your space, budget, and sleeping needs.
- The California King is ideal for taller individuals and fits well in medium-to-large bedrooms. It’s more affordable, and finding mattresses, bed frames, and bedding is much easier.
- The Texas King is a luxury oversized bed designed for couples, families, or anyone who loves extra space. However, it’s more expensive, harder to find, and requires a large bedroom.
If you want a budget-friendly option with good availability, the California King is the better choice. If you have the space and budget for ultimate comfort, the Texas King offers an unmatched sleep experience.
Ready to Buy? Here Is a Budget-Friendly Recommendation for You!
If you’ve decided on the perfect king-size bed, here are three affordable yet high-quality options to consider:
1. Zinus 14-Inch SmartBase Bed Frame
✅ Affordable and durable metal platform bed frame with no box spring required.
✅ Supports up to 3,500 lbs and offers ample under-bed storage.
✅ Easy assembly with a noise-free design.
2. Linenspa 12-Inch Hybrid Mattress
✅ Budget-friendly hybrid mattress with memory foam and innerspring support.
✅ Medium-firm feel, perfect for all sleeping positions.
✅ CertiPUR-US certified for safety and durability.
3. Utopia Bedding California King Sheet Set
✅ High-quality microfiber sheets that are soft, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant.
✅ Deep pockets for a secure fit on thick mattresses.
✅ Available in multiple colors to match any bedroom decor.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about the California King and Texas King beds:
Which is bigger, a California King or a Texas King?
A Texas King is significantly larger than a California King. The California King measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, while the Texas King measures 80 inches wide by 98 inches long.
Will a California King mattress fit on a Texas King bed frame?
No, a California King mattress is smaller than a Texas King bed frame. A Texas King frame requires a specifically sized Texas King mattress.
Is a Texas King worth the extra cost?
It depends on your needs. If you want maximum space for couples, families, or pets, and have a large bedroom, a Texas King is a great investment. However, if you’re looking for better availability and affordability, a California King is the better option.
Can I use regular King-size bedding on a California or Texas King?
- California King bedding is different from Standard King bedding due to its longer size. Look for sheets labeled “California King” specifically.
- Texas King bedding is not standard and must often be custom-made or specially ordered.
What is the best mattress type for a Texas King or California King bed?
Both memory foam and hybrid mattresses work well for these bed sizes. Consider:
- Memory foam for motion isolation and contouring comfort.
- Hybrid mattresses for a mix of support and breathability.
Where can I buy a Texas King bed?
Texas King beds are not as widely available as California Kings. They are usually sold by specialty mattress retailers or online stores like Mattress Insider, Big Mattress Co., and Sleep Artisan.
Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
