Double Bed vs Full-Size Bed: How Are They Different?

Jan 20, 2022

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If you’ve ever gone mattress shopping, you may have wondered what’s the difference between a double bed vs a full-size bed?

Double Bed vs Full-Size Bed | Your Shopping Guide

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What Is a Double Bed?

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A double bed is the second smallest among standard mattress sizes, with dimensions 137x190cm. It is a bit wider than a single bed (91x190cm) by 46cm.

In the 1940s, you only had a choice between a single or double bed. But in the 1950s, the growing sizes of Americans spurred the demand for equally larger beds.

With the advent of queen size beds and king-size beds, more and more people started buying queen beds. Today, the queen bed is the most popular mattress size. It’s perfect for couples or single individuals that put a premium on leg space.

That said, is it still worth considering getting a double bed?

Who Should Get a Double Bed?

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A double bed is ideal for single sleepers that want the biggest possible bed that fits well in smaller rooms.

Double beds are popular for studio units, smaller apartments, or dormitories. They’re spacious enough for one person and allow you to maximize your room’s real estate. They don’t take up too much space and are plenty comfortable.

If you have a sleeping partner and are on a budget, you may be better off investing in a queen bed. Although double beds were originally intended to cradle double the people, they would be too cramped for two sleepers.

Each person would only have approximately 65cm to move around in, and tossing and turning might leave you waking up on the floor.

Also, consider your sleeping positions. While you may sleep like a corpse, lying completely still throughout the night, your partner might sleep like a starfish with all arms and legs stretched out.

Unless your sleeping partner has four legs and a tail, make the upgrade to a queen bed.

Because Serta is best poised to meet your needs, we offer two double bed sizes.

Philippine semi-double (122x190cm)
Philippine full double (137x190cm)

The Philippine full double is your standard double or full-size bed. We crafted the Philippine semi-double because we know it is hard to find exactly what you need, and we’re dedicated to meeting your most particular preferences.

What Is a Full-Size Bed?

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A full-size bed and a double bed are synonymous. These are used interchangeably, so don’t get confused when shopping for mattresses. Some brands call them double beds, while others call them full-size beds.

They are one and the same, and some brands go as far as crafting variations to give you a more personal sleeping experience.

Serta provides two variations of full-size beds—the Philippine semi-double (122x190cm) and the Philippine full double (137cmx190cm).

The Philippine full double gives you plenty of wiggle room. On the other hand, the Philippine semi-double is ideal for people that prioritize maximizing space more than wiggle room. Both are more spacious than single (or twin) beds. But people love them because they don’t take up too much room.

Who Should Get a Full-Size Bed?

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Opt for a full-size bed if you’ll be using the bed alone for a long time. If you’re considering moving in with a partner (human or four-legged), invest in a queen bed.

People with slender silhouettes will find full-size beds comfortable. However, if you’re on the larger side you might struggle to move around on a full-size bed.

How Do I Decide on a Mattress Size?

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1. Room Size

The general rule of thumb is to allow two feet or around 60cm of space between your bed and wall. This allows you to move around freely and makes sure your bed isn’t the only thing that your bedroom can hold.

This is one of the primary advantages of purchasing a double bed. Because it’s spacious yet compact, you can enjoy both restful sleep and plenty of real estate.

2. Cost

Bigger isn’t always better—not when it means a bigger price tag.

Mattresses can be pricey. And while you can justify its price with a 10-year lifespan, you don’t want to lose sleep over a mattress.

Also, consider how long you’ll be using this mattress. Are you buying a mattress for a rental apartment? Is this mattress for a short-term lease? If you won’t be using this for long, you may be better off choosing a size that fits your budget and won’t hurt your financial situation.

It might be tempting to buy a queen bed. But if you’ll be moving in a few months to an apartment whose bedroom size is still a mystery, you might want to err on the side of caution.

3. Number of Sleeping Partners

When choosing a mattress, think about who will be using your bed throughout its entire life span.

Do you have a partner that you think will sleep over once in a while? Are you thinking of asking your partner to move in with you? Or do you dream of sharing your bed with a pet?

Future-proof your bed and make sure it will be useful for its entire lifetime.

4. Height

Check out the bed sizes below:

Single (91x190cm)
Super Single (106x190cm)
Philippine Semi-double (122x190cm)
Philippine full double (137x190cm)
Queen (152x190cm)
US Queen (152x198cm)
King (183x190cm)
Philippine King (183x198cm)
Super King (200x200cm)
Philippine Super King (198x203cm)

Compare these against your height and make sure your mattress cradles you from head to toe. Your bed might be wide enough for your wingspan. But if you’re taller than your bed, then your bed is still too small for you.

5. Sleeping Position

If you’re a back or stomach sleeper and don’t move too much in your sleep, then you might find a single or double bed comfortable. However, if you’re a side sleeper or like to sleep in a starfish position, go with a double bed or queen bed.

Also, take into consideration your sleeping partner’s sleeping position. If you’re both very tall (over six feet), you might enjoy a Super King or Philippine Super King.

6. Door Size

This is a problem most people encounter only when the mattress is being delivered.

Before you swipe your card, make sure your new mattress will fit your door.

Shop smart and know your mattresses. When deciding between a double bed vs full bed, do your research and consider your future needs.

Better yet, choose a brand that has done all the thinking for you.

Trust only in a brand that is endorsed by the US National Sleep Foundation and is trusted by premier hotel chains around the world.

Whether you choose a double bed or queen bed, your sleeping experience will be a luxurious one.

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What else do you need to know to complete your mattress shopping guide? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below! We’d love to hear from you.