Twin vs. Twin XL Mattresses
Differences Between Twin XL and Twin Mattress Sizes
Finding the perfect mattress can be a challenge. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choices online and in stores. Thankfully, understanding the difference between twin and twin XL mattresses is easy. While both mattresses are the same width, twin XL size mattresses are a few inches longer.
This increased length means that a twin XL mattress is about as long as a queen size mattress, making it an appealing option for taller people. However, both twin and twin XL mattresses have plenty to offer when it comes to bedroom layouts. While any mattress size carries its own unique pros and cons, both twin and twin XL mattresses make decorating small bedrooms a breeze.
Overview
This post will provide suggestions and tips about:
- Twin & twin XL mattress sizes
- Twin & twin XL mattress types
- How and where to use a twin or twin XL mattress
- Additional pieces ideal for twin & twin XL bedrooms
Twin vs. Twin XL Dimensions
The standard twin mattress size is 38 inches by 75 inches. These slender beds are a popular choice for kids’ rooms or compact studio apartments. Twin XL mattress dimensions include an additional five inches of length, making them 80 inches long with the same 38-inch width as a regular twin. The XL’s extra-long shape makes it ideal for single adults in guest rooms and college dorm rooms.
Choosing the right mattress involves balancing your preferences in terms of size, materials and comfort level. Determining which mattress size is the right choice also requires evaluating your space, furniture, storage needs and sleep style.
Twin & Twin XL Mattress Types
The size of your mattress is an important consideration, but comfort is also crucial. You’ll want to choose a mattress set that allows you to fully rest and recharge. Doing a little research on materials and designs can help you determine what kind of mattress works best for your unique needs.
Plush twin mattresses provide a pillowy soft sleeping surface that hugs your body as your sleep. Meanwhile, firm mattresses offer critical support to the body’s pressure points, which can be helpful for those with joint or back pain. Materials like memory foam and gel foam often have features like heat regulation and breathability, as well as support similar to traditional innerspring coils.
Using a Twin Mattress
Small spaces are the best place to take advantage of slim twin bed dimensions. Whether you need a compact sleep solution for your child’s room or a low-profile bed for your studio apartment, twin XL or twin bed size mattresses with coordinating frames are the perfect fit.
- Kids’ rooms: Twin mattresses are the ideal choice for your child’s bedroom. Twin mattress dimensions scale perfectly with kid-friendly furnishings and give your child a bed that they can grow into over the years. Additionally, kids’ twin daybeds or twin beds with storage or bookcases help children keep their bedrooms neat and organized.
- Bunk beds: A twin bunk bed is a practical space-saving solution for shared rooms and frequent sleepovers. A bunk bed’s vertical structure takes up less square footage than two separate beds. You can also find twin over twin bunk beds with dressers, storage drawers, and desks built into the frame to conserve even more space.
- Apartments: Whether you’re moving into your first apartment or simply downsizing for a more minimalist look, dealing with a heavy bed and large mattress can bring added strain to moving day. A twin or twin XL mattress-in-a-box is lighter and easier to handle, so you can skip the heavy lifting.
Using a Twin XL Mattress
Twin XL mattresses may conjure up images of crowded college dormitory bedrooms, but these slim, extra-long mattresses are useful in various spaces. A low-profile twin XL bed’s dimensions are narrow while providing enough room for a sleeping adult, making them ideal for small bedrooms and tiny apartments.
- Dorm rooms: Many college dorms have twin XL beds, which accommodate most students while saving room for desks, dressers and other dorm room essentials. These purpose-built beds are usually on the firmer side, so you may want to purchase a twin XL mattress topper or twin XL sheets to add some extra softness and support.
- Studios: A twin XL mattress is perfect for efficiency or studio apartments. In open layouts, you’ll want furniture that provides comfort without overcrowding the space. For additional texture and visual flair, consider cozy teen bedding sets with a duvet, quilt or comforter. Twin XL mattresses can be just as comfortable as larger beds with the right bedding.
- Guest rooms: Depending on the size of your guest bedroom, you may find yourself having to choose between a twin XL or a full bed. Larger mattresses suit couples as well as single sleepers, but if your space is tiny, a twin XL bed set may be all you need.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve selected the right mattress for your room, complete your layout by adding an appropriate bed frame, bedding and accents to the mix. Practicality and style are equally important in this step, as you’ll want a bed that’s visually appealing yet cozy and comfortable at the end of the day.
- Convenient Bed Frames: Bed frames come in several shapes and sizes. Depending on the layout of your bedroom, you may want to consider trundle beds, loft beds or storage beds. Look for unique bed frames that enhance your space while offering practical features that make organizing and enjoying your room a little easier.
- Decorative Style: Twin bed frames come in an array of styles, ranging from elegant modern beds to sleek contemporary designs. Whether you prefer a chic upholstered look or the rustic charm of light or dark wood frames, the right bed sets the tone for your entire layout.
- Twin XL and Twin Bedding Sizes: Lastly, cozy pillows, quilts and sheets make all the difference for a good night’s sleep. Most twin-size bedding sets and comforter sets for twin XL beds come in a range of hues and patterns to suit your style and color palette. Other options, like twin mattress toppers, make your bed even more comfy and inviting.
