A King bed is significantly larger than a Queen bed in South Africa. A standard Queen bed measures 152 cm wide, while a King bed measures 183 cm wide, giving you an extra 31 cm of sleeping space. Both sizes are typically 188 cm long and are also available in extra length (200 cm).

King vs Queen Bed: The 31 cm Difference That Matters

When choosing between a King and Queen bed, the real difference comes down to space and comfort.

While both beds share the same length, the King bed provides 31 cm more width, which can make a noticeable difference—especially for couples who share a bed every night.

In Johannesburg homes, where bedroom sizes can vary from compact apartments to larger suburban houses, this decision often comes down to balancing available space with sleep quality.

King vs Queen Bed Comparison

Feature	Queen Bed	King Bed
Width	152 cm	183 cm
Length (Standard)	188 cm	188 cm
Length (Extra Length)	200 cm	200 cm
Sleeping Space per Person	76 cm	91.5 cm
Ideal Room Size	3.3 m × 3.5 m	3.6 m × 3.8 m
Best For	Couples, medium rooms	Couples wanting maximum space

When a Queen Bed Is the Right Choice

The Queen bed is the most popular size for couples in South Africa—and for good reason.

Ideal for Medium-Sized Bedrooms

If your bedroom is around 3.3 m wide, a Queen bed allows comfortable movement while still fitting bedside tables and other furniture.

Perfect for Apartments and Townhouses

In many Johannesburg apartments and townhouses, space is limited. A Queen bed provides enough sleeping space without overwhelming the room.

Balanced Comfort and Value

A Queen bed offers a strong balance between comfort, size, and affordability, making it a practical long-term choice.

👉 Browse our Queen beds available in Johannesburg to see current options.

When It’s Worth Upgrading to a King Bed

The King bed is designed for maximum comfort.

More Personal Space for Couples

Each person gets 91.5 cm of space, compared to 76 cm on a Queen bed. This makes a big difference for restless sleepers.

Ideal for Larger Bedrooms

If your bedroom is 3.6 m or wider, a King bed can fit comfortably without making the room feel cramped.

Better Sleep Quality

More space often leads to less disturbance during the night, especially if one partner moves a lot.

👉 Explore our range of King size beds in Johannesburg for premium comfort options.

Is a King Bed Worth the Upgrade?

Many buyers assume a King bed is significantly more expensive than a Queen.

However, because The Bed Guy sources directly from manufacturers and operates online without showroom overheads, the price difference is often smaller than expected.

For many couples, that extra 31 cm of space is a worthwhile upgrade for long-term comfort.

Room Planning: Will a King Bed Fit?

Before choosing a King bed, it’s important to measure your room carefully.

For a comfortable layout, allow:

At least 60–70 cm of walking space around the bed
Space for bedside tables
Clearance for cupboards and doors

In Johannesburg homes, a Queen bed is often the better fit for compact rooms, while a King bed works best in larger main bedrooms.

Queen vs King: Which Should You Choose?

Choose a Queen Bed if:

Your room is under 3.5 m wide
You live in an apartment or townhouse
You want a balance between price and space

Choose a King Bed if:

You have a larger main bedroom
You want maximum sleeping space
You or your partner move a lot during sleep

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a King bed bigger than a Queen bed?

Yes. A King bed is 31 cm wider than a Queen bed in South Africa. A Queen measures 152 cm wide, while a King measures 183 cm wide, providing significantly more space for couples.

Can two adults sleep in a Queen bed?

Yes, a Queen bed is designed for two adults and is the most common choice for couples. However, each person only gets about 76 cm of space, which can feel slightly cramped for restless sleepers.

Can 3 people sleep in a King size bed?

A King bed can accommodate three people for short periods, such as a couple with a child. However, for regular use, it is designed to comfortably sleep two adults with extra personal space.

What are the disadvantages of a King-size bed?

While a King bed offers more space, there are a few considerations:

Requires a larger bedroom (at least 3.6 m wide)
Takes up more floor space, limiting furniture placement
Slightly higher cost than a Queen bed

For smaller rooms, a Queen bed is often the more practical choice.

Find the Right Bed for Your Space

Whether you choose a Queen or upgrade to a King, the most important factor is comfort and fit for your room.

At The Bed Guy, we specialise in high-quality, factory-direct beds in Johannesburg, helping you get better value without the retail markup.

Browse our Queen and King beds to find the perfect fit for your home.