Spacious Luxury: The Origins and Benefits of Alaskan King Beds

The Origins of the Alaskan King Bed

The Alaskan King bed, also known as the Alaska King bed or the Texas King bed, is a massive bed size that was originally created to accommodate the room sizes of homesteads in Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush era. Homesteaders needed beds that could utilize the spacious rooms in Alaskan frontier homes, thus giving rise to oversized "Alaskan King" beds that could comfortably sleep entire families.

Dimensions of Alaskan King Beds

Standard Alaskan King size beds measure 108" x 108", making them 12" wider in both directions than a standard King size bed. This makes an Alaska King over 30% larger than a standard King mattress. The expanded width and length allow these jumbo beds to sleep up to four adults comfortably.

Features of Alaskan King Mattresses

Alaskan King mattresses share similar features and construction methods with standard size mattresses, just supersized to fit the larger bed frame dimensions. Features buyers can expect include:

• Thick, layered foam or hybrid spring/foam constructions
• Plush, pillowtop surfaces for comfort
• Strong edges to support sleepers sitting on the side of the bed
• High profile box springs or platforms
• Durable construction to withstand heavyweight loads

Benefits of Choosing an Alaskan King Bed

Why choose such an oversize mattress over popular Queen or standard King sizes? Here are some of the key benefits offered by Alaskan King beds:

Spacious Single Sleep Surface

The ultra wide single mattress surface gives couples used to a Queen more wiggle room and reduces disruptions from a partner's tossing and turning.

Accommodates Families and Groups

The 160" x 108" size provides enough space for parents to co-sleep comfortably with small children and infants without feeling crowded or needing sidecars or separate beds.

Luxurious Size for Master Bedrooms

For homeowners with expansive master bedrooms, an Alaskan King bed and surrounding bedroom furniture fills the large space while providing hotel suite luxury.

Space Saving Layouts

Alaskan King beds allow more floor space for other furniture compared to using two twin or full beds side-by-side, making them perfect for multifunctional spaces and studios.

Shopping for Alaskan King Size Mattresses

Finding bedding to fit Alaskan King mattress dimensions takes some searching compared to common mattress sizes. Here are some tips for buying an Alaskan King mattress and bedding:

Check Mattress Thickness

Look for a mattress between 12"-18" thick to ensure adequate cushioning for extremely large bed frames.

Choose Custom Sizes

Most manufacturers offer custom Alaskan King mattress sizes. Order well in advance to accommodate manufacturing and shipping times.

Search for Specialty Bedding Brands

Smaller specialty manufacturers of oversized and custom mattresses offer the best selection of Alaskan King sizes.

Buy Matching Foundation/Box Spring

Be sure to order a matching 108" x 108" box spring or mattress foundation to properly support an Alaska King mattress.

Invest in Quality Bed Frame

Choose an oversized solid wood or metal bed frame specifically designed for Alaskan King size mattresses to handle the weight and span.

Custom Order Bedding

To complete the Alaska King bedroom suite, custom order 108" x 120" sheet sets, blankets, duvets, and king size pillows from specialty linens websites and manufacturers.

Oversized Alaskan King beds overflow with comfort and space to create a uniquely luxurious master or guest suite. By selecting a top quality Alaskan King size mattress and bedding scaled to fit the mammoth 108" x 108” dimensions, home decorators can fulfill dreams of expansive, hotel-style luxury right at home.

FAQs

How big is an Alaskan King size bed?

An Alaskan King size bed measures 108" x 108", making it 12" wider than a standard King size mattress in both directions.

How much bigger is an Alaskan King than a California King?

An Alaskan King mattress is 12" wider and 12" longer than a California King mattress, making it over 30% larger overall.

Is an Alaskan King bed bigger than two Twin XL beds?

Yes, an Alaskan King provides a single large mattress surface that is bigger than combining two Twin XL mattresses side-by-side.

What size sheets fit Alaskan King mattresses?

It's best to custom order 108" x 120" sheet sets designed specifically to fit the unique Alaskan King mattress dimensions.

Where can you buy Alaskan King size mattresses?

Specialty manufacturers of oversize and custom mattresses offer the best selection of mattresses in Alaskan King sizes.