Confused between twin vs twin XL size beds? You have come to the right place. We are going to see the comparisons between twin and twin XL mattresses below. There are several factors to consider, such as the dimensions, room size, comfort, and price. Continue reading below!
Dimensions
Obviously, the most fundamental difference between twin vs twin XL size is the dimensions. However, unlike what some people expect, the twin XL size is not any wider than the twin size. The widths are exactly the same. So, the difference? The twin XL size is about 5 inches longer than the twin size.
Well, let’s first take a look at the twin mattress size. It measures 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. Because of the dimensions, the twin mattress size is usually preferred for kids and children. It is a great space-saving solution, and it will allow you to furnish the room with a lot more accessories.
On the other hand, the twin XL mattress size is longer, but the width remains the same. It measures 38 inches wide and 80 inches long. The dimensions are still ideal for kids and children, but the increased length has also made it quite popular for college dorms and guest rooms. The reason is very obvious; it is still able to save some space, but it is also able to accommodate a taller user. Note that the increased size also increases the weight a little.
Comfort
In terms of comfort, the twin vs twin XL size mattresses perform quite similarly for their intended purposes. However, more sleeping surface always means better comfort, so you can say that the twin XL size is relatively more comfortable than the twin size.
A twin size bed is ideal for a kid until he or she outgrows the length of the mattress. This usually happens when he or she reaches the high school. If you need a mattress for your young child, a twin size bed makes a decent investment; it will last until the high school, which is just about the time to replace the mattress anyway. The width is just enough for a single user. However, an adult user will not feel very comfortable using a twin size bed because there isn’t enough space for the feet.
The extra 5 inches of the twin XL size bed may seem trivial, but it is actually very significant. The width remains the same, so it is still only suitable for a single user. The increased length creates more space for the feet, and this is very useful for a taller sleeper. The mattress will accommodate someone over 6 feet tall without making their feet hanging in the air. Hence, the twin XL size is ideal not only for children but also teenagers and adults.
Recommended Room Size
When choosing a mattress for a particular room, this is a factor that you should not neglect to consider. You have to take into account the size of the room. If the room is tight or narrow, you may need to make sure that you will still have enough space to move around and reach stuffs.
The minimum room size for a twin size bed is 7 feet x 10 feet. In such room size, putting a twin size bed will still leave you enough room to move around. If you are planning to put two twin size beds in the room, the recommended room size is 10 feet x 10 feet.
Well, a twin XL bed can still fit in a room measuring 7 feet x 10 feet, but you are going to jeopardize the length a bit. Make sure that there is still enough space for the frame of the bed. Two twin XL beds can also fit well in a room measuring 10 feet x 10 feet, but, again, you will jeopardize the length a bit. You will need to plan carefully where you are going to place the other accessories, such as the cupboard. Make sure that the cupboard’s doors will not hit the beds when opened.
Suitable Users
A twin size bed is ideal for a child. You can say that a twin size bed is the next step-up from a crib mattress. It is an ideal investment for a young child’s room, as it will last for several years until he or she hits the high school – which is just about the time to replace the mattress anyway.
On the other hand, a twin XL bed is a great choice for kids, teenagers, and single adults. The extra length is needed for a taller sleeper. If you are ready to spend some extra bucks, you may consider getting a durable good-quality twin XL bed for your young child so that it can last for a little while longer. It is ideal for college dorms, guest rooms, and hostels. Note that the limited width gives no room for a couple to sleep together.
Price
Of course, there is some price difference between twin vs twin XL size mattresses. The twin size is obviously more affordable, but the price difference is not very large.
Then again, although the price difference is not very large, the total expense can go up quickly once you factor in the frame, sheets, and duvet cover. So, if you don’t need the extra length offered by the twin XL size, you may want to just go with the twin size to save some bucks.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a bed for adults, twin XL mattresses make very interesting ways to go. You can put two twin XL mattresses directly side by side to create a King size bed. In some cases, such configuration is cheaper than buying a real King size bed.
| Twin Size | Twin XL Size |
|---|---|
| - 38 inches x 75 inches | - 38 inches x 80 inches |
| - Suitable for children until they reach the high school | - Suitable for taller sleepers such as teenagers and single adults |
| - Ideal for a child’s room | - Ideal for a college dorm room, guest room, single adult |
| - More affordable | - Slightly more expensive |
Conclusion
The only difference between twin and twin XL size beds is the length. The twin size is only 75 inches long, whereas the twin XL size is 80 inches long. However, the length difference brings a lot more things to consider. The twin size is only suitable for children, as it won’t provide enough room for the feet of a taller user. It is ideal for a child’s room. On the other hand, the twin XL size is suitable for children, teenagers, and adults. The extra length will accommodate the feet of a taller user. The twin XL size is especially ideal for college dorms, guest rooms, and single adults.