California King Versus Eastern King: Which One Is Right For You?

When my husband and I were shopping for a new mattress, we were faced with the decision of choosing between a California King and an Eastern King. As someone who had only ever slept on a twin or queen sized bed, I was completely lost. But after doing some research and trying them out in person, we finally made a decision. Here’s everything I learned about California King versus Eastern King mattresses.

What is a California King?

A California King mattress is longer and narrower than a traditional Eastern King mattress. It measures at 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, making it perfect for taller individuals who want more space to stretch out their legs. However, the narrower width means less space for couples to sleep side-by-side.

What is an Eastern King?

An Eastern King mattress is the standard king size and measures at 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. It provides ample space for couples to sleep side-by-side and is a great option for those who prefer a wider sleeping area.

Step-by-Step Guide on Choosing Between the Two

Determine how much space you need: If you’re a taller individual or want more legroom, a California King may be the best option. However, if you want more space to sleep side-by-side, an Eastern King is the way to go.
Measure your room: Make sure you have enough space in your room to accommodate either mattress size. California King mattresses are longer, so you’ll need more floor space to fit it.
Try them out in person: Go to a mattress store and try out both sizes. Lie down in different positions to get a feel for which one is more comfortable for you.
Consider your bedding: Keep in mind that California King bedding can be harder to find and may be more expensive than Eastern King bedding.
Think about your budget: California King mattresses are typically more expensive than Eastern Kings due to their size and rarity.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Invest in high-quality bedding: No matter which mattress size you choose, investing in high-quality bedding will make a big difference in your comfort.
Consider your sleeping habits: If you tend to move around a lot in your sleep, a wider Eastern King may be a better option.
Think about your room size: If you have a smaller bedroom, an Eastern King may not be the best choice as it takes up more floor space.
Don’t forget about your bed frame: Make sure your bed frame can accommodate the size of the mattress you choose.
Try them out in person: Don’t rely solely on online reviews or recommendations. Go to a mattress store and try them out for yourself.
Consider your height: Taller individuals may find a California King more comfortable as it provides more legroom.
Think about your partner’s sleeping habits: If your partner moves around a lot in their sleep, a wider Eastern King may be a better option to prevent disturbance.
Take your time choosing: Don’t rush into a decision. Take your time to research and try out both options before making a final decision.
Ask for recommendations: Ask friends, family, or your mattress salesperson for recommendations on which size may be best for you.
Consider the aesthetics: Think about how the mattress size will fit in with the overall aesthetic of your room.

Pros and Cons

California King Pros:

Provides more legroom for taller individuals
May be more comfortable for those who move around a lot in their sleep
Unique size adds a touch of luxury

California King Cons:

Narrower width may not be comfortable for couples
Bedding can be harder to find and more expensive
More expensive than Eastern Kings

Eastern King Pros:

Wider sleeping space for couples
More common size, making it easier to find bedding
Less expensive than California Kings

Eastern King Cons:

May not be comfortable for taller individuals who need more legroom
Takes up more floor space
May not be as comfortable for those who move around a lot in their sleep

My Personal Review and Suggestion

After trying out both sizes in person and considering our needs and budget, my husband and I ultimately decided to go with an Eastern King. We appreciated the wider sleeping space and lower cost. However, I can see how a California King would be a great option for taller individuals who need more legroom. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what works best for your sleeping habits and room size.