Why Does The California King Mattress Exist?

We don’t really know. End of blog article. Kidding.

But let’s talk about the California King and tell you what we do know. It’s definitely a different mattress when compared to your standard line of twin, full, queen, and king mattresses. Usual king mattresses are 76” by 80”, but the California King is 72” by 84”, which makes a usual king slightly larger than the California King.

So, what’s the deal with them? We did some research and have a few theories.

The California King first came on the scene in the mid-twentieth century in… wait for it… California. There’s a number of theories as to why it was made in the first place. Some people believe it was created for taller celebrities who needed a longer bed to accommodate their stature (or ego). 

According to other lore, a mattress manufacturer decided that, after World War II, people in California now owned large enough houses and had big enough lifestyles to have a ‘larger’ bed in their master bedroom. Hence, he created a larger-looking mattress that could look more impressive and called it the California King.

Others believe that it was one singularly tall man who needed a custom mattress made for him, and all of a sudden, they were a huge hit.

Regardless, they became very popular and are still found to this day. Sometimes bedrooms aren’t sized perfectly to fit a traditional king. This is where a California king (or other custom-sized mattress) can come in. And that’s where we come in. 

We understand that not every size is perfect for everyone. That’s why we make all of our mattresses custom-made to your exact specifications. You want a 10 foot by 10 foot bed? You’ve got it. A giant round circular mattress – also covered. Want a small mattress for your dog? Done.

Check out the possibilities of our custom mattresses or contact us to learn more, including other mattress myths & trivia.