As intriguing as this version is, it’s more urban myth than actual fact.ĭespite the many origin stories, one thing that most sources agree on is that they earned the name California King because they were so popular in that state and because they were associated with celebrities. So he developed a bed that accommodated his particular anatomy. In addition, this long-legged gent had very short arms, making it hard for him to reach his wife when the mood struck. Some say that a man with uncommonly long legs invented the bed in 1982. They needed a bed to match, and the California King mattress fit the bill.Īlternative History of the California King BedĪn alternative story on the development of the California King bed starts in Concord, California. In Los Angeles, people were living in larger houses and living even larger lifestyles.
Shortly after World War II, the California King, and king beds, in general, began to gain popularity. And let’s face it, Western King Bed doesn’t roll trippingly off the tongue and has less cachet than the California King moniker. According to the International Sleep Product Association, this super-sized mattress was developed for Hollywood celebrities during the 20s and 30s, which is probably why it is considered glamorous and sexy. One thing that is known for sure is that the California King has west coast roots. Here’s a look at the various myths and legends surrounding this confusingly named bed. But is this really the case? Does anybody know why a California King bed is called that?Īs with most things legendary, the origin of the California King is shrouded in mystery. In the hierarchy of mattresses, the California King has a reputation as the biggest, baddest mattress there is. Why Is the California King Bed the Only Bed with a Special Name? This information, combined with the post-war economic boom and bigger houses created conditions that were right for bigger beds to take off. But, they reported, by 1959 20% of men were over 6’ feet and women were also growing taller. There are several reasons why these bigger mattresses began to gain traction.Īccording to an article published in an October 1963 issue of Bedding magazine, in 1900 only 4% of adult men were 6’ feet tall or more. However, about midway through the decade, mattress manufacturers introduced bigger mattresses, but they were mostly ignored by the public until the 1950s. Up until the 1940s, most Americans slept on a twin or double mattress. Why Is a California King Bed Called a California King?