Not everyone knows about the Alaskan King bed, possibly because not everyone has the space for it at home. This bed is massive enough to double up as a bed and a couch.
In this post, we'll dive into its history, features, why it's the ideal family bed, and what makes it perfect for pet owners and anyone looking for a luxurious futon alternative.
The History of the Alaskan King Bed
Full and twin beds have been the staple in American bedrooms for decades. It was in the 1940s that most households began using the modern king-sized bed.
Since then, the king mattress has been popular until the California King came to the scene in the 1960s. The California King's popularity spread not just in the United States but globally. It became the standard unit for big beds.
But the California King only triggered our appetite for massive beds, resulting in the birth of 'state' beds, such as the Alaskan King.
Unlike the California King, which was named for its area of origin, the Alaskan King reflects its size. Alaska is the largest state in the United States, so Alaska King is a massive bed whose mattress measures 9 ft by 9ft.
The Ideal Family Bed
It has a gigantic mattress that can make up for up to four adults or two adults, a few pets, and children. Its massive size is what makes it known as a family bed. However, individuals who prefer extra sleeping space can still get one.
Younger children scared of the dark can climb into bed and enjoy their parents' protection. Plus, the need for comfort is no longer a concern for parents as a child will fit between them without anyone sacrificing their space.
Besides, those who co-sleep won't worry about a restless sleeper disturbing them at night, as there's plenty of room for turning and tossing.
Big Enough for Pets
Do you find it difficult to let your furry family members sleep in a separate room? The Alaskan King bed is dog-friendly; it offers ample room for your pets to spread out without sleeping in odd positions, such as curling their bodies or bending their knees.
Taller People
This bed is nine feet long, making it ideal for taller persons who may struggle to sleep in a standard-sized bed.
You no longer have to worry about your feet hanging on the bed's edge. The mattress can support your entire body, letting you find more supportive and comfortable sleeping positions.
Adjustable Base Magic
The beauty of the Alaskan King doesn't end at its size. It has an adjustable base that enhances its functionality.
Picture a base that's always flat; it changes according to your needs. You can adjust the bed's foot or head sections at the touch of a button to create a customized lounging or sleeping position.
Here are some adjustments you can make with this bed:
- The default flat: If you prefer a traditional sleeping experience, you can adjust the base to a flat position, creating a firm and supportive surface for a good night's sleep.
- Head in the clouds: If you enjoy reading in bed or suffer from heartburn, you can raise the head section, creating a comfortable incline that enhances circulation and a more relaxed posture.
Bed as a Couch
Imagine those movie nights with the entire family or friends without sacrificing the living space.
The Alaskan King is the ideal bed for living room. You should adjust the bed's base for a supportive and spacious seating arrangement, perfect for reading a book, watching TV, enjoying coffee, or lounging with friends.
With the adjustable feature, you can find the ideal angle for maximum comfort, whether reclining or sitting upright.
The Best Futon Alternative
A futon is a sofa bed that you can turn into a bed by unfolding the backrest. It has a thinner mattress (three to nine inches thick) and is easy to fold up for storage. Thus, you can go for a futon if you have a small space and are willing to sacrifice comfort for affordability and versatility.
But if you want a bigger sleeping space and maximum comfort, the Alaskan King would do. Its luxurious mattress merged with the adjustable base enhances a beautiful lounging experience, ideal for long evenings and suitable for unwinding and socializing.
Unlike the visually unappealing futon, Alaskan King's stylish design elevates the living room's décor. Further, since futon mattresses are foldable and pliable, they are relatively thin, making them uncomfortable to sleep on for extended periods.
On the other hand, the Alaskan King mattress is typically big and comfortable to sleep on for longer periods.
Beyond the Hide-a-Bed
A hide-a-bed acts as both a bed and a sofa. It has a mattress hidden within the couch that you can unfold to create a sleeping surface. However, the sleeping surface is small.
Sure, a hide-a-bed is a space-saving option, but it comes at the expense of your comfort.
The Alaskan Bed is better than a hide-a-bed because of its bigger sleeping area that couples, children, and pets can share.
Besides, the Alaskan King bed's mattresses are made of high-quality materials that surpass the hide-a-bed's comfort level.
Considerations to Make When Choosing an Alaskan King Bed
Before getting this bed into your home, you should consider:
Room size
For a bed of this (9 by 9 feet) size, you need a room whose size is at least 16 by 16 feet. So, if your room is smaller than that, consider a smaller bed instead.
Aesthetics
The Alaskan King contains various materials and styles to enhance your existing décor. So, consider your home’s overall aesthetic and get the best living room bed that integrates with it.
Mattress type
There are several mattress types out there; start by selecting your favorite. Opt for an organic mattress containing pure wool or cotton to avoid allergens. On the other hand, if you have a back issue, a hybrid mattress could do your body wonders.
Cost
While the Alaskan King's cost is worth considering, you must also consider other expenses, such as sheets, covers, frames, and box springs. These items are rare finds, meaning you may get them customized or ship them from another state.
The Alaskan King with an adjustable base is a transformative furniture piece for everyone looking for versatility and comfort. Whether you seek a luxurious sleep haven or a functional living room experience, this bed redefines how you use your space.
