The choice of a twin vs Twin XL mattress and bed comes down to one simple question: what's the mattress and bed for? Is it to furnish a guest room or a child's' room? The choice of any bed comes down what use you will be making of it! Why you want it! So that we understand the two sizes involved, here are the dimensions of each:
- Twin mattress: 38" x 75"
- Twin XL Mattress: 39" x 80"
So the difference between the two is in length only. So what are the relative benefits of each size of the bed?
Twin Mattress Pros and Cons
Twin XL Mattress Pros and Cons
Difference Between a Single and a Twin
In the US, a single bed is the same size as a twin: 38" x 75". Twins were designed as a set of two single beds for guest or hotel/motel rooms. Some believe that a twin bed is suitable for two people (the 'twin' nomenclature) but it is not. It was designed for just one person to be twinned with another bed of the same size in the same room with nightstands between them.
If you have a room big enough, two twin beds might be a good solution for two visitors who may have to stay overnight. Other than that, a twin is simply another name for a single. As stated above, the only difference between a twin standard and a twin XL is the extra 5 inches of length. Many people may appreciate that extra five inches in their bed. It would prevent their feet from hanging over the end of the mattress.
Difference Between a Twin and a Twin XL
Length, obviously. Where length matters, you should go for the XL. If you want to use the same bed for a child as he or she grows, then the Twin XL is the best choice. If you want a single bed in a guest room for adults then the twin XL is the only choice.
There is not much of a price difference between a twin and twin XL mattress and bed, so if your room can accommodate it appear that the twin XL is the more flexible option of the two. It should be stressed that neither a twin nor a twin XL is the ideal choice for a guest room. It is way too narrow for a couple, but the twin XL would be OK as a spare single bed in a small room.
Mattress and Bed Sizes: Think of the Future
If you have a young child of below high school age then you may think that a twin is sufficient. You would likely be correct - but think of the future! Children grow, and as they get taller the twin will ultimately become too short for them.
If your room's dimensions are less than 10 ft long or less than 10 ft wide, then you have no option but to go for the straight twin. Otherwise, it might be wise to spend just a little extra on the twin XL. What this 'little extra' depends on the seller. However, it will work out significantly less expensive than having to purchase a new bed and mattress once your child grows out of his or her basic twin bed.
The choice between a twin or twin XL mattress and bed is not always as simple as you may imagine it to be. You may have to look to the future if you have a young family. The twin may be good now, but when he or she reaches high school age it will likely be too small.
Twin Vs Twin XL Mattress and Bed: Summary
When choosing between a twin or twin XL mattress and bed, you must first consider why you want either size of the bed. Is it for a guest room? If so, then the twin XL is best because it suits adults better - it has the length to prevent their feet dangling over the end. In fact, you might need two twin beds, because that was the original intention of 'twin beds.' Two single beds that twin each other in a hotel or motel room.
If you are looking for a single bed for a child, then the twin will be sufficient until they reach their teens, or even until before then in many cases. That is when they will need a longer mattress to sleep on. You may decide to wait until that time comes but might also consider the economics. Purchase the twin XL now and you will have no need to buy a new bed 10 years into the future.
It's your choice. Fundamentally, the choice of a twin or twin XL mattress and bed is one of length. If your room is at least 10 ft x 10 ft in dimensions, then perhaps twin XL may be the better choice for you. Then anybody can use it: children or adults. The price difference between the two is not always very great.
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