A Queen Size Mattress on a Full Size Box Spring: Can It Be Done?
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Have you recently moved into an apartment or maybe just thinking of getting a new bed? If so, you might have already found the perfect mattress. The only problem is that you bought a queen-sized mattress but only have a full-size box spring. So you ask yourself, can a full-size box spring support a queen-sized mattress?
Yes, a queen-sized mattress may fit a full-size box spring. However, it is important to check the dimensions of both the mattress and the box spring first as most have different standard sizes. You should also check the type of frame your box spring has.
Some types of frames will easily allow you to adjust the box spring frame to the mattress’ dimensions.
Take a look at these three popular Amazon products that are excellent for getting a good night’s sleep.
| Sweetnight Queen Mattress in a Box (view on Amazon) |
Sleep Master Smart Box Spring, Full (view on Amazon) |
Classic Brands Gel Memory Foam (view on Amazon) |
| The Sweetnight Queen Mattress provides great comfort due to its motion isolating coils. Enjoy a comfortable, undisturbed sleep. | The Sleep Master Smart Box Spring comes with a metal frame that will help prevent your queen mattress from sinking in the middle. | Classic Brands provides pressure-relieving memory foam that will keep you cool and comfortable, and provide excellent support. |
Mattress Dimensions
| Bed Size | Mattress Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Twin | 39 inches x 75 inches |
| Full | 54 inches x 75 inches |
| Queen | 60 inches x 80 inches |
| King | 78 inches x 80 inches |
A full-sized mattress and a queen-sized mattress have a width difference of about six inches. So if you are okay with a three-inch overhang, then you are good to go. If you have a box spring that has an adjustable metal frame, then you can easily loosen its fasteners to the dimensions of your queen-sized bed. Again, this would depend upon the type of frame your box spring has.
However, you should remember that there are queen-sized beds that are longer than the usual. So, it would be best to get one that has the same size as your bed. Having an overhung mattress will not only make you feel uncomfortable, but it will also wear easily because of the lack of proper support. Queen mattresses like the Sweetnight Queen Mattress (view on Amazon) can provide great comfort because of its motion isolating coils. However, with having a 12-inch thickness, it will need steady support. You will have to consider if you are willing to risk shortening your mattress’s lifespan because of not having the right foundation it needs.
How do I determine if the queen-sized mattress can fit onto full-sized box spring?
If you are determined to use your full-sized box spring to support your queen-sized mattress, here are some things that you should do.
Determine the type of box spring you have
There are generally two types of box springs. The standard box spring is what you often see on the market. It is a whole piece that can’t be adjusted. One of the best examples of a quality standard box spring is the Zinus Armita box spring (view on Amazon). It has a metal frame that will help prevent your queen mattress from sinking at the center because of its metal frame.
The second type is called split box spring, which can be divided into two sections to fit narrow hallways or spaces. Assuming that you have a queen-sized bed, you will certainly need to have a split type box spring.
It will also need support at the center, so be sure that your bed frame can do this.
Make use of bed frames
If you’re firm on your decision to make use of your full-sized box spring, one way to give your mattress some extra support is to make use of a bed frame that’s deep enough to accommodate your box spring. The basic idea is to use the frame to extend the size of the box spring. This will allow you to lessen or avoid the 3-inch overhang. It is a box spring within a bed frame. You should also avoid a metal bed frame since this will create deformities on your box spring.
Use Boards
Using boards is one inexpensive way to still use your full-sized box spring. You will need two medium-density fiberboards that are 5 to 8 inches thick. You can even have the store where you bought the boards to cut them to size. Place one of the boards under the box spring and the other at the top. This will give your mattress the foundation it needs.
Another thing you can do is to convert your box spring into a platform bed. Not only will you be able to reuse your old full-size box spring, but you will also give your mattress a stable foundation to lie on.
How do I convert my full box spring into a bed frame for my queen-sized mattress?
If you are eager on using your full-size box spring for your queen-sized mattress, then you should be prepared in doing a lot of work as well as spending a little bit more. Remember that the goal is to reuse as much of the original material as much as possible. Here is how you do it.
What you will need:
- Box spring
- A heavy-duty staple gun (Tacker)
- Drill
- Fabric that is enough to cover the whole box spring
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Six Furniture Leg Mounting Plates
- Six Furniture Legs
- Four 3 to 4-inch Medium Density Fiber Board with the dimensions of your box spring
- Thin foam (optional)
Step 1: Attach the boards
Attach the MDF boards onto your box spring’s sides. Drill a small hole at the top and bottom of each edge of the box spring. Make sure that you have drilled it on its frame so that you can secure it with a screw.
Step 2: Get the dimensions and cut
Now that you have attached the boards, the next step is to measure the fabric using a measuring tape. Cut the fabric while making sure that it is long and wide enough to cover the whole box spring. You should also remember to add at least a six-inch allowance so that you can neatly tuck in the fabric.
Step 3: Cover it
It’s finally time to do the fun part. The first thing that you should do is to lay the fabric flat on the box spring and secure it using pins. To make upholstering it easier for you, prop the box spring onto the side and fold just about half an inch from the edge and stick it in under the wooden base of the box spring using a tucker. Do the same step for all of the sides.
However, if the fabric moves around too much, you can use double-sided tape to keep it in place. If you want to make the sides feel softer, you can add a thin sheet of foam to each side and staple it to the boards before you start covering the whole thing with fabric.
Step 4: Add legs
If you are not into platform beds, you have the option to add legs to your box spring. Turn your upholstered box spring up. Furniture legs are a great alternative. They are especially sturdy and can easily hold the weight of the mattress and box spring. They also look quite aesthetic as well.
Drill holes on to each corner and fasten a leg holder and plates. Follow the same step when adding the center legs. Once you have done this, attach the furniture legs. Make sure that they are securely screwed in and then flip it over. It should look like this:
Voila, you now have your modified full-size box spring that can be used for your queen-sized mattress. You can even add a trim of your choice if you want.
Conclusion – Can You Put a Queen Size Mattress on a Full-Size Box Spring?
A queen-sized mattress can go on a full-size box spring, however, make sure to check the dimensions, since standard sizes can vary. Also, determine the type of box spring you have, whether it is a standard box spring or split box spring. This will make it easier to determine whether it will fit or not.
Related Questions
Should I get a queen or a full-sized bed?
It certainly depends on your personal preference. A full-sized bed will need two standard pillows while a queen bed will need queen sized cushions as well. People commonly use full beds in guest rooms or children’s rooms, while queen-sized beds are mainly used in the master’s bedroom. For couples who love a little more room, queen-sized beds are the best bet, but for those who’d enjoy a bit more intimacy, a full-sized one is always the choice.
Can you put a queen-sized mattress on a full platform bed?
If you are okay with a three-inch overhung, then it’s okay to put a queen mattress onto a full platform bed. The platform also provides excellent support to the mattress, so you will not have to worry about it sagging. Plus, many of the full platform beds can easily accommodate a standard queen size bed box, which is great!
Can you put a full mattress on a twin-sized frame?
You may but take note that you will need to do a lot of work. The difference in the dimensions is quite huge as well, with a sixteen-inch difference at most. If you want to use it, then you can purchase the headboard and the footboard with queen-sized dimensions. You will also need to purchase a converter frame.
