What Is an Eastern King? Eastern King Size Bed vs. Other King Sizes

Key Takeaways

• An Eastern king mattress is another name for a standard king, making it wider but shorter than a California king.
• Standard kings measure 76 inches wide by 80 inches long.
• Choosing a standard or Eastern king bed offers significant width, making it a great option for couples who like to spread out.

Navigating bed frame sizes can be confusing, especially when trying to figure out how an Eastern king differs from a standard king. The good news is that your standard king bedding will fit an Eastern king bed because they are two names for the same size bed. 

But the term "king" encompasses more than one size, so how does this size compare to other kings? Keep reading to understand the key differences.

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What Is an Eastern King Bed?

Dimensions:  76-by-80 inches

An Eastern king bed is another name for the standard king bed. It has the same measurements as a traditional king bed, which is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, offering 6,080 square inches of sleeping space.

When you buy a mattress online, you'll often see "standard king" and "Eastern king" used to describe the same dimensions. Eastern king mattresses are roomy, so they're popular for couples who co-sleep and share a bed with a child or pet. 

Pros

• Generous width: An Eastern king size bed has all the room a couple needs to stretch out during sleep. There's even enough room to share the bed with a pet or child without the risk of them rolling off the mattress or being cramped.
• Wide availability: King size mattresses and sheets are easy to find, as the king is one of the largest mattress options from most mattress manufacturers.
• Versatile for sleep positions: A king size mattress's ample space accommodates various sleeping positions, including those that allow one to stretch out. 

Cons

• May require a larger room: Bed manufacturers recommend that master bedrooms measure at least 12 feet by 12 feet to fit a king bed. While you can squeeze a king into a slightly smaller space, this may make it difficult to walk or fit nightstands and dressers in your bedroom.
• Difficult to move: Eastern king size beds are bulky and large, so they're difficult to move between rooms. This extra heft also makes them harder to rotate and clean.
• Higher cost: Mattresses, bed frames, and bedding for an Eastern king size can be more expensive than smaller sizes.

Eastern King vs. King

An Eastern king and a standard "king" are the same size and have the same dimensions. Let's clarify what it means for you when you're looking to buy a mattress or understand king bed frame dimensions. 

Size

There is no size difference between king size mattresses and Eastern king mattresses; Both mattresses are 76 inches wide and 80 inches long.

Lying Down

Lying down on an Eastern king mattress feels exactly the same as resting on a traditional king mattress because they are the same size. An active single sleeper will enjoy abundant space for stretching out and changing sleeping positions. Couples and those who co-sleep with a child or pet will enjoy plenty of personal space.

Availability

When shopping for a mattress, you'll generally find that searching for "eastern king mattress," “standard king mattress,” or simply "king mattress" will yield similar results and a wide array of options, although “king mattress” is more commonly used.

Cost

To understand how much to spend on a mattress of this size, you can expect king size mattresses to be priced higher than their smaller counterparts, like queen or full beds. Purple king size mattresses range from $1,599 for a PurpleFlex™ and $9,499 for a RejuvenateUltimate®, though sale prices may be lower throughout the year.

Accessories

You’ll find a vast selection of bed sheets, pillowcases, bed frames, and bases for king beds. For optimal support and a stylish foundation for your mattress, explore Purple's range of king bed frames engineered for durability and aesthetic appeal.

What Is a California King Bed?

Dimensions: 72-by-84 inches

A California king mattress, also known as a Western king, is 72 inches wide and 84 inches long. This long, large bed is four inches narrower than a standard king bed, but its additional four inches of length has made it a popular choice for tall sleepers.

Pros

• Plenty of room for co-sleeping: Couples who find queen size mattresses just a little too cramped will prefer a California king bed's extra length and width. This additional room is a must if one or both co-sleepers toss and turn in their sleep, as it will keep them from accidentally waking the other person up. It also offers plenty of space for pets to sleep at the foot of the bed. 
• Ideal for tall sleepers: Many taller sleepers (6’4” or taller) find that they'll have to curl up on a traditional king bed so their feet won't dangle over the mattress edge while they sleep. A California king is longer than a king or queen bed, making it more suitable for tall sleepers.
• Good for narrower rooms: The longer, narrower shape of a California king can fit better in some elongated bedroom layouts. 

Cons

• Difficult to move: The extra length can make maneuvering the mattress around tight corners more challenging.
• Limited availability: Not all mattress manufacturers offer California king mattresses. They're less common than a standard king size mattress, narrowing your range of choices in this size.

Eastern King vs. California King

When deciding between oversized mattresses, the primary choice is the Eastern king vs. California king. While both offer more sleeping space than a queen, their dimensions cater to distinct needs and room layouts.

Size

The main difference between a California king and standard king is their dimensions. A standard king is four inches wider, measuring 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. The California king is narrower but four inches longer, measuring 72 inches wide and 84 inches long. 

Lying Down

Lying down on a standard king bed is a comfortable, roomy experience for couples and co-sleeping singles. A California king has less space for moving side to side, but there's more room for stretching your legs out with ease. Either option could make the best bed size for couples, but the standard king is slightly roomier. 

Availability

In general, both California kings and standard kings are widely available across most major retailers. However, due to being the “standard” king size, you might find a slightly broader selection of Eastern king beds. 

Cost

The cost of a king or California king mattress is similar. While slight variations might depend on the brand, materials, and specific features, you shouldn't expect a significant price difference. Purple California king size mattresses range from $1,999 for a Purple Mattress® and $9,499 for a RejuvenateUltimate®, though sale prices may be lower throughout the year.

Accessories

Sheets, comforters, and fitted sheets aren’t interchangeable between the two sizes. However, some accessories, like standard pillows, certain throw blankets, or universal duvets, might be usable across both. 

Explore Purple's California king bed frames specifically engineered to provide optimal support for your mattress.

What Is a European King Bed?

Dimensions: 63-by-79 inches

A European king bed measures approximately 63 inches in width and 79 inches in length. This makes a European king bed wider and slightly shorter than a U.S. standard queen size bed. Note that this is not the same as the standard U.S. king size bed, so U.S. king size sheets will not fit on a European king mattress and vice versa.

Pros

• Ample sleeping space: A European king bed is only an inch shorter than a queen size bed. Because it's three inches wider, it's a spacious choice for active single sleepers, couples, and those who co-sleep with a child or pet.
• Reduced sleep disruption: Because of the extra room, your tossing and turning is less likely to disturb your slumbering co-sleeper.
• Space-saving option: A European king offers a larger feel than a queen bed and can fit in rooms where a king size bed might feel too large.  

Cons

• Requires custom frame and bedding: Because European king size bed frames and bedding are not typically stocked by U.S. manufacturers, you'll have to spend extra for custom sheets and frames that fit well.
• Limited decorating choices: A European king's dimensions fall somewhere between a U.S. queen and a U.S. king. U.S. queen sheets won't cover a European king mattress at all, while using U.S. king sheets will leave some extra fabric. If you like changing your bedroom interiors, you'll have difficulty finding bedding for this mattress size.
• Potentially higher accessory costs: Due to lower demand, custom bedding and frames might come at a premium for this bed size. 

Eastern King vs. European King

While both offer more space than smaller beds, the size difference between an Eastern king and a European king ranges from size to available accessories: 

Size

When considering an Eastern king vs. a European king bed, note that a standard king is much larger than a European king bed. The standard king is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, while a European king mattress is 63 inches wide and 79 inches long, making it 13 inches narrower and 1 inch shorter than an Eastern king bed.

Lying Down

Lying down on a king bed is a more luxurious experience than lying down on a European king bed simply because of their size difference. While snuggly couples can cozily sleep together on a European king bed, those who want more personal space might not enjoy sharing this bed size.

Availability

European king mattresses have a more limited presence than the readily available king beds in the United States. While some specialty retailers might offer them, finding a wide selection of European king mattresses and bedding can be more challenging. 

Cost

The upfront cost of a European king mattress might be similar to an Eastern king, but the total expense can be higher in the U.S. due to limited availability. Significant shipping fees may also apply when purchasing from specialized or international sellers, making a European king bed a potentially more expensive option. 

Accessories

Due to the different bed frame sizes, accessories for a European king bed are not interchangeable with those designed for a standard king bed. You'll need to source specific European king sized sheets, comforters, and bed frames, which can be difficult. 

While you can use standard pillows for both sizes, the drape of a universal duvet might vary significantly on a European king compared to a wider king size bed.

How To Choose Between Eastern King Size Beds and Other Common Kings

Eastern king size mattresses can make sleepers feel like royalty on their large surfaces. But taller sleepers may find that sharing a traditional king size bed gets cramped over time. Couples with smaller bedrooms may also find their bed choices limited by their floor space.

Not sure which mattress size is best for you? Here's a quick guide to the factors you should keep in mind before choosing between different king size beds.

Room Size

After considering furniture, mattress companies recommend that bedrooms have at least 30 inches of free space around a bed's perimeter to walk around. Bedrooms should measure at least 12 feet by 12 feet to comfortably accommodate a king or split king.

Note that while a California king bed may fit in a narrower bedroom, it still needs a minimum room size of 11 feet by 13 feet. If you want to leave room for additional furniture like floor lamps or nightstands, you'll need an even larger room.

Bed Size

When deciding what size bed you should get, know that both kings and California kings are incredibly spacious, even if co-sleepers shift sleep positions throughout the night. A California king will be a slightly tighter fit for couples because it's narrower than a standard king. 

If neither of you are taller than 6-foot, your choice depends on whether you prefer to cuddle up or sleep with extra leg room.

Your Height

Tall people may prefer sleeping on a California king vs. a queen or king size mattress. While a California king is narrower than a regular king mattress, it's also longer. This extra length helps people who are 6 feet 4 inches in height, or taller, sleep more comfortably.

A regular king size mattress may have more wiggle room if you need to move side to side, but it won't keep taller sleepers' feet from dangling off the edge of the bed. If you're under 6’4” tall, a standard king should provide ample room for stretching out.

Who’s Going To Use It

Co-sleepers who want plenty of space while they sleep will have plenty of extra space on standard or California king mattresses. There's even enough room on both mattress sizes to comfortably accommodate a child or a pet!

However, if one or both co-sleepers are tall, they should spring for the longer California king beds. This will help them stretch their legs comfortably at night without going over the mattress edge.

Price

The standard king mattress is a popular choice for couples who want a lot of space without breaking the bank. Because it's a standard mattress size for most manufacturers, bedding and other accessories for it are also easy to find at reasonable price points.

California king and standard king beds, sheets, and other accessories are typically around the same price point. Comparatively, split kings and oversized options like the Texas king or Wyoming king may limit your interior decorating choices and cost you more money.

Should You Get an Eastern King Size Bed?

An Eastern king’s generous width makes it an excellent choice for couples who value personal sleeping space and don't want to feel cramped. Since standard kings and California kings are fairly common, finding the right bed sheet sizes and other bedding is fairly easy.

Both beds are a great option if you simply enjoy having a lot of room to stretch out. To complete your sleep setup with your new king mattress, consider Purple’s extra-soft bedding to enhance your comfort and relaxation.

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