As one searches for beds to place in the master bedroom, guest bedroom, or kid’s rooms, they run across a myriad of different sizes to deal with. The purpose of this fact sheet is to identify to the buyer the different sizes and options available in beds manufactured in the first half of the 20th Century, such that an informed decision may be reached regarding the correct size piece desired. Somewhat surprisingly, American furniture manufacturers actually began standardizing bed sizes shortly after the Civil War, around 1870. At that time, bed and mattress manufacturers agreed upon standard sizes for a single (also referred to as a “twin”) and double (also referred to as a “full”) bed. By doing so, consumers could purchase beds and mattresses from different retailers around the country secure in the knowledge they would fit one another. This standardization replaced the previous requirement of consumers to have both beds and mattresses custom made. The difference between the standard sizes of 1870 and those of today is the invention of “box springs” in the 1910’s.
That is, prior to the development of box springs, the mattress was placed on top of something laying over the rails of the bed. Sometimes this would be rope tied from one rail to the other, while others would use slats or a sheet of wood laid across the top of the rails. With the invention of box springs, bed manufacturers had to move the distance or space between the rails and the headboard and footboard by a few inches so that the box springs could drop down inside the rails where they rest on slats. Thus, while the standardized dimensions did not change, the widths before the 1910’s were to the outer edges of the bedrails and since the 1910’s are to the insides of the bedrails. Single and double size beds were joined sometime around the 1920’s by the “3/4” size bed. Unfortunately, manufacturers on the east and west coasts would not agree upon an industry standard for the “3/4” size after they had already begun manufacturing them. Thus, they may be found in two slightly different widths.
The queen and king sizes began in the late 1950’s. The queen size bed was initially designed to be a replacement for the full or double bed – an idea which never came to fruition. The big difference in the development of queen and king size beds was the length: 80 inches. So that finally, people who were 72” or taller would no longer hit their heads against the headboard or have their feet dangling over the footboard while sleeping. [A notable difference given the ever-increasing average height of Americans.] Accordingly, manufacturers also made an 80-inch length twin bed, called by different retailers as a “king twin”, “extended twin”, “long twin”, “extra length twin”, etc. The idea was that the 80-inch twin, queen, and king would supplant the 74” twin and full as American standards. However, the American public’s demand for 74” twin and full size beds (ideal for smaller size bedrooms) did not diminish, so that all five sizes are available as an industry standard today.
Initially, kings and queens were made with a headboard only, which was fastened to a free-standing metal bed frame. But by 1970, a trend was seen towards the manufacture of both a headboard and a footboard. Any full size bed can be converted to queen, and any pair of twins can be converted to a king size bed. 80-inch conversion rails on the market with either the standard double hooks or bolt-on mounts replace the original 74” rails to make such conversions. The “secret to success” in making conversions is to find beds which can be converted without looking odd. Some full size beds are not much more than 54 inches wide, leaving a queen box spring and mattress protruding three inches on either side of the headboard and footboard. Others are as much as 58” wide, where the addition of a dust ruffle and comforter precludes the one inch extending beyond the headboard/footboard from being noticeable. And in the case of converting twins to kings, posters in the center of the headboard and footboard are obviously not the choice to make.
A discerning eye towards the existing shape of the twin beds can make a selection which will look like a king size bed, and not just two twins bolted together. Hopefully, the data contained herein provides the purchaser the ability to make an informed decision regarding the specific bed required to meet a specific need. “Furniture Facts” are printed by AMG Vintage House, to assist consumers in the selection and acquisition of antique and vintage mahogany furniture. Regardless of where you purchase your next piece, AMG Vintage House wishes you success in acquiring a good product which will provide you value, beauty, and functionality in the years to come. Well-made traditional style mahogany furniture – a Colonial American “invention” – is truly a source of joy “to hold and behold.”Comfortable, attractive, and the right size bedding is a must have for your dorm room at college or boarding school; comfortable and right sized for a good night's sleep and attractive to create an anchor for your dorm room decor.
Before moving to campus, let's make sure you are prepared to select the right size bedding.Before purchasing dorm room bedding for college or boarding school, it is important to know the size of the mattress. It is best to obtain your dorm room mattress size directly from your campus housing office to avoid costly mistakes. Most common mattress sizes found in dorm rooms:Common mattress sizes found in campus apartments, honors suites, or surrounding housing:Live Dorm Smart Tip: From researching more than 2000 housing websites each year, we have found that there is no consistency in mattress sizes from campus to campus. On some campuses, the mattress size changes between rooms and floors of the same residence hall so it is important to check directly with your campus housing office before investing in bedding..The most important measurement to know when purchasing sheets for your dorm room mattress is the fitted sheet size. When shopping for a fitted sheet, be sure to account for the combined depth of your mattress, padding, and topper.
The measurements below are for fitted sheets. These dimensions can also be used as a guide for mattress pads and covers.Live Dorm Smart Tip: Because there is 5 inches difference in length between a twin and twin XL mattress or a full and full XL mattress, the most important detail to remember is a student's fitted sheet must be made to fit the mattress in their dorm room or campus apartment. Tucking in a fitted sheet that is too long or stretching a fitted sheet that is too short will most likely leave a student sheet-less in the middle of the night. A standard twin flat sheet (typically 66 x 96 inches) or full flat sheet (typically 81 x 96 inches) will fit the coordinating extra long bed. If money is an issue, students needing a twin XL sheet set or full XL sheet set can always use their standard size flat sheet and pillowcase(s) from home then purchase the correct size XL fitted sheet (i.e. twin XL or full XL) to complete the set.Before selecting your sheets and mattress pads, it is important to know the depth of the mattress in your dorm room.
Below are common mattress depth dimensions to use as a guide.Live Dorm Smart Tip: Be sure to account for the increased depth of a foam topper. A good foam topper can create an additional two or more inches of depth to account for when purchasing a fitted sheet for your mattress. Never purchase sheets without knowing their depth (pocket size).Because many mattress pads fit onto a mattress like a fitted sheet, it is important to purchase a pad that fits the depth of your mattress as well as the length. Below are common mattress pad depths to use as a guide: Listed below are the dimensions of common comforter sizes to use as a general guideline. These are approximate sizes. Some manufacturers may run slightly smaller or produce oversized comforters to fit either a long (XL) or standard size bed.Live Dorm Smart Tip: While a twin XL comforter is preferable for 100% coverage, some students may have no alternative but to take their twin comforter or duvet from home and make it work. The best way to make a twin XL bed with a standard twin comforter is to pull the length of the comforter toward the foot of the bed to add a few inches then make a small fold at the top (like turn down service) and fill in any gaps with pillows.
Pillows are a must have to turn your dorm room bed into daytime seating. This concept can also be applied when using a standard full comforter or duvet on a full XL bed.If you plan to raise your bed with bed risers, using a full or queen size comforter or duvet to accommodate the increased height is an option (just make sure the pattern works, a solid color or a pattern that repeats versus a border pattern works best). Since most dorm room beds are against the wall, you can adjust your bedding to the desired width (side length that is showing). A queen size comforter, 90" or longer, works best on a raised twin XL bed and a full size comforter, approximately 86 or 88" long, works best on a raised twin bed. Another reason students may choose to do this is because they are planning to move into off campus housing after freshman year and do not want to invest in another comforter.Because sizes vary among bedding manufacturers, listed below are approximate dimensions for down comforters to use as a general guideline.
Live Dorm Smart Tip: Because your roommate may be allergic to down, consider purchasing a down alternative or hypoallergenic down comforter for your dorm room bed. Some manufacturers now process down to be hypoallergenic. It will feel just as good without the allergies.Blanket sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Listed below are the general dimensions; most blankets should fall close to these sizes.Duvet covers, removable comforter covers, are easier to wash at the campus laundry than a standard comforter set, protect and extend the life of a down or down alternative comforter, and can be less costly when updating your dorm room decor. When selecting a duvet cover for your comforter, choose a size that is relatively close to the comforter insert, it may vary by a few inches either way. If shopping for twin XL or full XL sizes, DormSmart recommends that students choose a duvet cover with a minimum length of 90 inches. Because duvet cover sizes do vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, the sizes listed below are approximate dimensions to use as a general guideline.
Twin extra long (commonly referred to as twin XL or TXL) bed skirts can be difficult to find but do exist. A standard twin bed skirt will leave a gap at the head of the bed but can be used. Another option would be to raise your bed with bed risers and purchase that coordinates with your bedding. It is practical, fun, and makes a statement. Also, some students choose to use a flat sheet as a bed skirt or purchase a larger size duvet/comforter (see note under Comforters).Live Dorm Smart Tip: A standard bed skirt has a drop ranging from 14 or 15 inches. Bed skirts are also available with 18" and 21" drops to accommodate the additional height of a raised dorm room bed.Dorm living requires many pillows! The right pillow provides a good night's sleep while all those extra pillows turn your bed into a piece of furniture for additional seating during the day. Remember, your dorm room is a complete living space so make use of pillows and remember to order extra pillowcases to coordinate.Live Dorm Smart Tip: If you like your pillows to look full, order queen pillows with standard pillowcases.