When it comes to choosing a bed, size matters. If you’re someone who loves having plenty of space while you sleep, you may have heard of two of the largest bed sizes out there: the California King and the Alaskan King. These are not your typical mattresses, and they offer some serious room to stretch out. But which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the California King vs Alaskan King, helping you make the best choice for your bedroom.
What is a California King Bed?
The California King is one of the most popular large bed sizes in the U.S. It’s a bit longer than a standard king bed but slightly narrower. This bed is known for its spacious feel, making it a great choice for tall individuals. If you’ve ever felt cramped in a regular bed or found your feet hanging off the edge, the California King might be the perfect fit for you.
- Dimensions: 72 inches wide by 84 inches long.
- Best for: Tall people, couples who like extra legroom, or anyone who wants a longer bed.
While the California King bed offers plenty of length, it doesn’t sacrifice too much width. Couples will still have enough room to spread out comfortably. It’s a favorite for bedrooms that aren’t necessarily huge but can still accommodate a large bed.
What is an Alaskan King Bed?
Now, the Alaskan King bed is in a league of its own. This is one of the largest beds you can find, making it perfect for families who like to co-sleep or for anyone who just wants an incredibly spacious bed. The Alaskan King is both wider and longer than the California King, so it truly offers unmatched space.
- Dimensions: 108 inches wide by 108 inches long.
- Best for: Families who co-sleep, people who want a huge sleeping space, or very large bedrooms.
An Alaskan King bed can feel like sleeping on a cloud, with enough room for you, your partner, and even your kids or pets to pile in. It’s not just a bed; it’s a sleep experience that allows you to relax without bumping into anyone during the night.
Key Differences Between California King and Alaskan King
While both of these beds are much larger than standard sizes, they have some important differences that will help you choose the right one.
1. Size
The most obvious difference between the California King vs Alaskan King is the size. The California King is smaller, with dimensions of 72 x 84 inches, while the Alaskan King is a whopping 108 x 108 inches. That’s 36 inches wider and 24 inches longer than a California King!
If space in your bedroom is an issue, the California King is the better option. However, if you have a huge master bedroom or a custom sleeping area, the Alaskan King is perfect for creating a luxurious sleep environment.
2. Room Space
Another factor to consider is how much space you have in your bedroom. While the California King fits comfortably in most large bedrooms, the Alaskan King is so big that it requires a massive amount of room.
For a California King, you’ll want at least a room that measures around 12 x 12 feet to allow for extra furniture and space to move around. But for an Alaskan King, your room should be at least 16 x 16 feet to accommodate the size of the bed and give you space to breathe.
3. Comfort
When comparing the comfort levels of the California King vs Alaskan King, it comes down to your sleeping preferences. If you just need extra length for your legs, the California King offers more than enough room. But if you want the ultimate space to move freely without disturbing your partner (or even sleep with multiple people or pets), the Alaskan King is unbeatable.
The comfort of these beds also depends on your mattress. Both sizes allow for luxurious, high-quality mattresses that provide excellent support for your body. But keep in mind that Alaskan King mattresses can be harder to find and more expensive due to their massive size.
Who Should Choose a California King?
A California King bed is perfect for:
- Tall individuals: With its extra length, it provides plenty of legroom for anyone over 6 feet tall.
- Couples: While it’s slightly narrower than a standard king bed, it still offers plenty of space for two people to sleep comfortably.
- People with medium to large bedrooms: A California King bed fits well in rooms that aren’t enormous but can still accommodate a larger mattress.
If you love the idea of a spacious bed but don’t need an enormous sleeping area, the California King is a great choice. It offers enough length for taller individuals and is wide enough for couples to sleep soundly without feeling cramped.
Who Should Choose an Alaskan King?
An Alaskan King bed is ideal for:
- Families who co-sleep: With its massive size, this bed can easily accommodate parents and children without anyone feeling crowded.
- Pet owners: If you like sharing your bed with your pets, the Alaskan King gives everyone their own space.
- People with large bedrooms: The Alaskan King is so big that it requires a large room to fit comfortably.
If you have a huge bedroom and want the ultimate luxury in sleeping space, the Alaskan King is a dream come true. It offers more than enough room for everyone and allows you to spread out without bumping into anyone else in bed.
Price Comparison: California King vs Alaskan King
One of the most significant differences when comparing the California King vs Alaskan King is the price. As you might expect, the larger the bed, the higher the cost. While both of these bed sizes are more expensive than standard sizes, the Alaskan King takes the cake for the most luxurious and costly option.
- California King: Prices typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the brand and quality of the mattress.
- Alaskan King: Prices can start around $2,500 and go up to $6,000 or more, especially for custom-made mattresses and bed frames.
The Alaskan King is a specialty item, and since it’s not as common as the California King, you may need to have one custom-made. This can drive the cost up significantly, especially if you want a high-end mattress or a fancy bed frame to go with it.
Bedding for California King and Alaskan King
Finding the right bedding for these beds can also be a challenge, especially for the Alaskan King. While California King bedding is widely available, the same can’t be said for the Alaskan King.
California King Bedding
Since the California King is a more common size, you’ll find plenty of options for sheets, comforters, and other bedding accessories. You can shop for California King bedding in most major stores or online, making it easy to find exactly what you need.
Alaskan King Bedding
On the other hand, finding bedding for an Alaskan King can be tricky. Most likely, you’ll need to have your sheets and comforters custom-made, which can be both time-consuming and expensive. However, some specialty stores do offer Alaskan King bedding, so it’s worth doing a little research before committing to the larger bed size.
Moving and Setting Up the Bed
Another important consideration when choosing between a California King vs Alaskan King is how easy (or difficult) it will be to move and set up the bed. Larger beds can be more challenging to maneuver, especially if you have narrow doorways or stairs in your home.
California King Setup
Moving and setting up a California King is relatively easy compared to an Alaskan King. Many mattress companies offer delivery and setup services, and since the California King isn’t excessively large, it can usually fit through doorways and around corners without too much trouble.
Alaskan King Setup
On the flip side, moving an Alaskan King bed can be a bit of a project. The mattress is enormous, and you may need to hire professional movers to get it into your home. Additionally, finding a frame and base to support such a large mattress may require some custom work. If you’re planning to move often or live in a multi-story house with narrow staircases, an Alaskan King might not be the most practical option.
Final Thoughts on California King vs Alaskan King
Choosing between a California King vs Alaskan King comes down to your personal preferences, bedroom space, and budget. The California King offers extra legroom for tall sleepers without taking up too much space in your room. On the other hand, the Alaskan King provides a sleeping experience unlike any other, with enough room for your entire family to sleep comfortably.
While the California King is more common and easier to find, the Alaskan King is a luxury choice for those who want the ultimate in spacious comfort. Both beds have their benefits, but it all depends on how much room you need and how much you’re willing to spend.
Whether you’re a tall sleeper looking for more legroom or someone who loves having a massive bed, both of these options can offer you the comfort and space you’re after. Take your time to consider the pros and cons of each, and you’re sure to find the perfect bed to suit your needs!