King Mattress vs. Queen Mattress: Which One Should I Choose in Australia?

*Collaborative Post

When it comes to upgrading your bedroom, few decisions spark as much debate as the “Great Size Dilemma.” You are standing in a showroom (or browsing online with a dozen tabs open), staring at two rectangles that look somewhat similar but carry a significant price and lifestyle difference.

In Australia, the choice almost always comes down to two contenders: the Queen and the King.

While it might seem like a simple case of “bigger is better,” the reality of Australian housing, budgets, and sleeping habits makes the decision more nuanced. Whether you are furnishing a compact inner-city apartment in Melbourne or a spacious suburban home in Brisbane, choosing the right mattress size is crucial for your sleep quality and your relationship.

Here is a comprehensive guide to help you decide between a King and a Queen mattress in the Australian market.

The Dimensions of Queen Mattress and King Mattress

Before we dive into the lifestyle factors, let’s look at the raw numbers. Australian mattress sizes differ slightly from those in the US or the UK, so it is important to know exactly what you are working with.

• The Queen Mattress: 153cm x 203cm
• The King Mattress: 183cm x 203cm

The Key Takeaway: Notice that the length (203cm) is identical. Unless you are looking at a “Super King,” upgrading from a Queen to a King won’t stop your feet from hanging off the end if you are exceptionally tall. The difference is entirely in the width. A King bed offers an extra 30cm of width—about the length of a standard ruler.

That 30cm might not sound like much, but it changes everything.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Mattress Size?

Factor 1: The Sleeping Space

Here is a startling fact for couples: If you sleep on a Queen mattress, you and your partner each have approximately 76.5cm of personal space. That is actually less width than a standard Single bed (which is usually 92cm wide) or a baby’s cot. If you are a couple that enjoys cuddling all night, a Queen is perfectly fine.

However, if one of you is a “starfish” sleeper, a hot sleeper, or a restless tosser-and-turner, a Queen can feel cramped very quickly.

A King mattress, on the other hand, gives each person roughly 91.5cm of space. This is essentially the same as pushing two Single beds together. That extra 30cm creates a “demilitarised zone” in the middle of the bed, ensuring that you aren’t woken up every time your partner shifts position.

Verdict: If you value personal space or are light sleepers, the King wins hands down.

Factor 2: Room Size and The “Walkability” Test

This is where the dream of a King bed often clashes with reality. Australian bedrooms vary wildly in size. In modern apartments and older terrace houses, bedrooms are often designed with the Queen bed as the standard maximum.

Before you buy a King, you need to measure your room—and then measure it again. A King bed frame is massive. You need to ensure you have at least 60cm to 70cm of walking space around the sides and foot of the bed. If a King bed forces you to shimmy sideways to get to the wardrobe or blocks a balcony door, it will make the room feel claustrophobic and stressful.

Furthermore, consider the logistics. Can you actually get a King mattress up the stairs or through the hallway? Many Australians living in multi-story townhouses have had the heartbreak of buying a King mattress only to realize it won’t fit up the stairwell.

Verdict: If your room is smaller than 3.5m x 3.5m, stick with the Queen. It balances comfort with spatial aesthetics.

Factor 3: The Budget (Beyond the Mattress)

When comparing prices, a King mattress is obviously more expensive than a Queen—usually by a few hundred dollars depending on the brand. However, you need to factor in the “accessory tax.”

Everything associated with a King bed costs more.

• Bed frames: More material means a higher price tag.
• Linen: King sheets and mattress protectors are more expensive.
• Doonas: If you get a King bed, you generally want a Super King doona to ensure it drapes nicely over the sides (fighting over the covers is real!).

Because the Queen is the most popular size in Australia, you will often find a wider variety of bedding designs and more frequent sales for Queen-sized accessories.

Verdict: If you are budget-conscious, the Queen is the clear winner. The long-term costs of linen and accessories are significantly lower.

Factor 4: The Co-Sleeping Factor (Pets and Kids)

Do you have a Golden Retriever who thinks he is a lap dog? Do your children have a habit of wandering into your room at 3 AM after a bad dream?

If your bed is a communal gathering spot for the family, a Queen mattress will feel like a wrestling ring. That extra 30cm provided by a King mattress is the difference between sleeping soundly and waking up with a toddler’s foot in your face or a dog pushing you off the edge.

Verdict: For families with young kids or large pets who co-sleep, a King mattress is not a luxury; it is a survival tool.

Final Conclusion: Which One is For You?

Choosing between a King and Queen is a balancing act between comfort, space, and budget.

Choose the Queen Mattress if:

• You have a smaller bedroom (roughly 3m x 3m).
• You are renting and move frequently (Queens are easier to transport).
• You are on a stricter budget for both the mattress and the linen.
• You and your partner enjoy sleeping close together.

Choose the King Mattress if:

• You have a spacious master bedroom.
• You are a light sleeper and easily disturbed by your partner’s movements.
• You have children or pets who join you in bed.
• You value luxury and personal space over floor space.

Ultimately, we spend one-third of our lives in bed. Whether you choose the cosy Queen or the expansive King, it’s important to invest in a high-quality mattress that supports your spine and suits your sleeping style. A well-chosen mattress can significantly improve your sleep quality, which in turn boosts your overall health and well-being.

If you’re in the market for a mattress that provides both comfort and support, the Newentor Hybrid Mattress is an outstanding option. Made with premium materials, it incorporates CertiPUR-US® certified foams and an OEKO-TEX® certified cover, ensuring a safe, chemical-free sleep environment.

What truly sets this mattress apart is its innovative 7-zone hybrid design, combining memory foam with individually pocketed springs. This unique construction delivers precise support for your spine and joints, making it especially beneficial for side sleepers who struggle with pressure points on their shoulders and hips.

In addition, the Newentor Hybrid Mattress offers reinforced edge support to prevent sagging, ensuring a consistent sleeping surface. This is particularly advantageous for couples or anyone who enjoys sleeping near the edge of the bed without feeling like they’re about to roll off.

It’s an excellent choice for side sleepers, those who seek a balance between comfort and support, hot sleepers, and anyone on a budget. Plus, with the 120-night free trial and 10-year warranty, you can sleep easy knowing that you have ample time to test it out and the assurance of long-term durability.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.