Is Double the Same as Full? Complete Guide
Yes, double and full are the exact same mattress size: 54 inches wide by 75 inches long (137 cm x 190 cm). The only difference is the name. "Double" is the traditional Canadian term, while "Full" is more common in American marketing. Both fit the same sheets, frames, and bedroom spaces.
Double vs Full: The Exact Dimensions
When customers walk into our Mattress Miracle showroom in Brantford, one of the most common questions we hear is about mattress sizing confusion. Let us clear this up once and for all: a double mattress and a full mattress are identical in every measurable way.
Double/Full Mattress Dimensions
- Width: 54 inches (137 cm)
- Length: 75 inches (190.5 cm)
- Surface Area: 4,050 square inches
- Recommended Room Size: Minimum 9 feet x 9.5 feet
These measurements are industry standard across all mattress manufacturers in North America. Whether the tag says "double" or "full," you're getting the exact same sleeping surface.
The Origin of Two Names for One Size
The double mattress earned its name decades ago when it was considered the step-up from a single (twin) bed for couples. A "double" bed could sleep two people, hence the name. This terminology stuck in Canada and remains the preferred term among older generations.
The term "full" emerged from the American bedding industry as a marketing alternative that sounded more substantial than "double" without being as expensive as a queen. Today, "full" dominates in U.S. advertising and e-commerce.
What the Sleep Science Says
The 54-inch width of a double/full mattress provides each person with 27 inches of personal space when shared. That's the width of a crib mattress. Sleep researchers note that couples in double beds experience more sleep disruptions from partner movement than those in queen beds. For single sleepers, a double bed offers generous space to stretch out.
Why Two Names? Canadian vs American Terminology
Canada's proximity to the United States has created a linguistic blend in mattress terminology. Understanding these regional differences helps explain the confusion many Brantford shoppers experience.
Generational Differences in Canada
In our 38 years of serving Brantford families, we've noticed clear generational patterns:
- Canadians 55 and older: Almost universally say "double bed"
- Canadians 35-54: Often use both terms interchangeably
- Canadians under 35: Increasingly say "full" due to American online retailers
A Brantford Perspective
At Mattress Miracle on West Street, we hear both terms daily. Our customer Dorothy notices that customers from older Brantford neighbourhoods like Shellard Lane typically ask for "double mattresses," while younger families request "full size." We make sure our team is fluent in both languages.
Why American Retailers Prefer "Full"
The American mattress industry shifted toward "full" in the late 1990s. Marketing research suggested "full" sounded more complete than "double," which some associated with being merely twice a twin. This coincided with the rise of bed-in-a-box companies like Casper and Purple, who built their online presence using American terminology.
Canadian Retailers Adapt
Traditional Canadian mattress retailers, including family-owned stores like Mattress Miracle, have maintained "double" in our vocabulary because that's what many customers still say. However, we've adapted by including both terms on our website so everyone can find us.
Double Beds in Brantford's Heritage Homes
Brantford boasts one of Ontario's most impressive collections of heritage homes. These century homes come with a practical consideration for mattress shopping: many have smaller bedrooms designed for double beds.
The Reality of Heritage Home Bedrooms
Walk through historic districts like Dufferin Avenue and George Street, and you'll find homes built between 1880 and 1940. The bedrooms typically measure 9 to 10 feet wide, dimensions that made perfect sense when double beds were standard for couples.
A queen mattress requires a room at least 10 feet wide for nightstands and walking space. In a 9-foot-wide heritage bedroom, a double bed at 54 inches preserves precious floor space while providing comfortable sleeping room.
Heritage Home Bedroom Tip
If you own a Brantford heritage home, measure your bedroom carefully before assuming you need a queen. Many customers at Mattress Miracle discover that a quality double mattress fits their space better, leaving room for antique dressers and character features.
The Shellard Lane and Holmedale Factor
The Shellard Lane and Holmedale neighbourhoods represent some of Brantford's most desirable heritage districts. For these homeowners, mattress selection becomes part of the conversation about respecting architectural heritage. We've delivered double mattresses to homes on Somerset Street and Maple Avenue where the bedrooms simply wouldn't accommodate larger sizes without removing built-in closets or original trim work.
Wilfrid Laurier Brantford Student Market
Wilfrid Laurier University's Brantford campus has transformed the city's downtown since 1999. With over 3,000 students calling Brantford home during the school year, the student housing market has created unique mattress needs that double/full beds fit perfectly.
Student Housing Dimensions
Student rentals in Brantford vary from converted heritage homes near campus to newer apartments on Colborne Street. What they share is compact bedroom sizing designed to maximise rental income while keeping costs affordable.
A typical student bedroom measures 8 to 10 feet wide. In these spaces, a double mattress provides the best balance of sleeping comfort and floor space for desks and storage.
Student Mattress Shopping at Mattress Miracle
Every August, we see Wilfrid Laurier students and their parents at our West Street showroom. Many are furnishing apartments for the first time and are surprised to learn that double and full are the same. Our team, including Talia who specialises in helping younger customers, walks them through their options. We're grateful to be part of so many students' first independent living experiences in Brantford.
Same-Day Delivery for Students
Our same-day delivery service means students can move into their apartments on Saturday morning and sleep on a proper mattress that night, even if they only shopped on Friday afternoon. We deliver throughout Brantford, including student housing areas near the Laurier campus.
Who Should Choose a Double/Full Mattress?
Not everyone needs a massive bed. Here's who should consider a double mattress:
Single Adults with Limited Space
A double mattress gives single sleepers 54 inches of width. That's 16 inches more than a twin and plenty of space for people who change positions during the night or read in bed.
Many single adults in Brantford's condos find that a double bed fits their lifestyle and floor plans better than a queen. The extra floor space gained by choosing double over queen can accommodate a home office setup.
Teenagers and Growing Children
The transition from twin to double marks a significant milestone for teenagers. At 54 inches wide, a double bed gives growing kids room to stretch out while fitting in bedrooms designed for children. Parents often tell us they want a bed their teenager can take to their first apartment.
Sleep Science: Space Requirements
Sleep research suggests single adults need at least 30 inches of width. A double mattress provides 54 inches total, exceeding this recommendation. For couples, 30 inches per person represents the minimum for undisturbed rest. At 27 inches each in a double bed, couples experience more sleep disruption than those in queen beds.
Guest Rooms and Multi-Use Spaces
Double beds shine in guest rooms that serve other purposes. A home office with a double bed can accommodate overnight visitors without dominating the workspace. The 54-inch width leaves more floor area for desks and storage than a queen.
Budget-Conscious Shoppers
Double mattresses cost less than queens across all quality levels, typically $100 to $300 less. For shoppers prioritising quality within a fixed budget, choosing double over queen can mean upgrading from basic to premium.
At Mattress Miracle, our factory-direct pricing makes this value proposition compelling. A Restonic ComfortCare Double at $950 with 980 coils delivers better support than many queen mattresses sold at higher prices elsewhere.
Mattress Miracle's Double Selection
Since 1987, Mattress Miracle has helped Brantford families find the right mattress. Our double mattress selection reflects our commitment to quality and value.
Restonic ComfortCare Collection
Our flagship double mattress features:
- 980 individually wrapped coils (1,222 in queen)
- Memory foam comfort layers for pressure relief
- Edge support system for full useable surface
- 10-year warranty
- Double price: $950 (Queen: $1,125)
The 980 coils in our double ComfortCare provide excellent support for sleepers up to 250 pounds.
Why Choose Mattress Miracle?
We're a family business that has served Brantford since 1987. When you buy from us, you get:
- Factory-direct pricing without middleman markups
- Same-day white glove delivery within Brantford
- Old mattress removal and recycling
- Personal service from people in your community
- The ability to try before you buy
Our Delivery Promise
We deliver double mattresses throughout Brantford and surrounding communities including Paris and St. George. Our white glove service includes setup, packaging removal, and old mattress disposal.
Complete Mattress Size Comparison
Understanding where the double/full size fits helps shoppers make informed decisions:
North American Mattress Size Chart
| Size | Width | Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38" (97 cm) | 75" (191 cm) | Children, single sleepers |
| Twin XL | 38" (97 cm) | 80" (203 cm) | Tall single sleepers, dorms |
| Double/Full | 54" (137 cm) | 75" (191 cm) | Single adults, guest rooms, couples in small spaces |
| Queen | 60" (152 cm) | 80" (203 cm) | Couples, spacious master bedrooms |
| King | 76" (193 cm) | 80" (203 cm) | Couples wanting maximum space |
Double vs Queen: The Real Difference
The jump from double to queen represents the most significant upgrade for couples. That extra six inches of width translates to three additional inches per person.
Room size requirements differ:
- Double: Minimum 9' x 9.5' room
- Queen: Minimum 10' x 10' room
Sheet Shopping Tip
Because double and full are the same size, sheets labelled "double" and "full" are interchangeable. Watch out for "full XL" sheets designed for 80-inch long mattresses. When in doubt, check for 54" x 75" dimensions.
When to Upgrade from Double to Queen
Consider upgrading from double to queen size when:
- You and your partner regularly disturb each other's sleep
- One or both of you is over 6 feet tall
- You're moving to a home with larger bedrooms
- You have pets who share the bed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a double bed the same as a full bed?
Yes, double and full beds are exactly the same size: 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. The only difference is the name. "Double" is the traditional Canadian term, while "full" is more common in American marketing.
Will full size sheets fit a double bed?
Yes, full size sheets fit double beds perfectly because the mattresses are identical dimensions. Any sheets labelled "double," "full," or "double/full" will work interchangeably.
Is a double bed big enough for two people?
A double bed can accommodate two people, but it provides only 27 inches of width per person. While many couples sleep on double beds successfully, queen size provides more comfortable space and reduces sleep disruptions.
Why is it called a double bed if it's the same as full?
The term "double" originated when this size was marketed as twice the width of a single (twin) bed. "Full" emerged later as an American marketing term. Both names refer to the same 54" x 75" mattress size.
What size room do I need for a double bed?
A double bed fits comfortably in a room measuring at least 9 feet by 9.5 feet. This allows space for the bed, two nightstands, and walking room.
Can I use a double bed frame with a full mattress?
Yes, double bed frames work with full mattresses because they are the same size. The frame supports, slats, and headboard attachments align perfectly.
Is a double bed bigger than a queen?
No, a double bed is smaller than a queen. A double measures 54" x 75", while a queen measures 60" x 80". The queen provides six more inches of width and five more inches of length.
Do you carry double mattresses at Mattress Miracle in Brantford?
Yes, we carry double mattresses at our West Street showroom, including the Restonic ComfortCare collection. Same-day delivery is available throughout Brantford.
How much should I expect to pay for a good double mattress?
Quality double mattresses typically range from $600 to $1,500. At Mattress Miracle, our Restonic ComfortCare Double starts at $950 with 980 individually wrapped coils.
Should I buy a double or queen for my guest room?
For most guest rooms, a double mattress provides the best balance of sleeping comfort and space efficiency. A double bed accommodates most visitors while leaving floor space for other furniture.
Visit Mattress Miracle in Brantford
Still have questions about double vs full mattresses? We'd love to help you find the perfect fit.
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street
Brantford, Ontario N3R 3V9
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Store Hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday to Friday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Meet Our Team:
Brad (Owner, 38+ years) | Dorothy (Sleep Specialist) | Talia (Showroom Specialist)
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Factory-direct pricing. Same-day white glove delivery in Brantford.
Sources
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- Okamoto-Mizuno K, Mizuno K. Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. J Physiol Anthropol. 2012;31(1):14. DOI: 10.1186/1880-6805-31-14
- Krauchi K. The thermophysiological cascade leading to sleep initiation in relation to phase of entrainment. Sleep Med Rev. 2007;11(6):439-451. DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2007.07.001
- Haskell EH, Palca JW, Walker JM, Berger RJ, Heller HC. The effects of high and low ambient temperatures on human sleep stages. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol. 1981;51(5):494-501.