Headboards serve an aesthetic and functional purpose: they provide back support when you are sitting up in bed and they can help complete the look of your bedroom. Headboards are included with some, but not all bed frames. When buying a headboard, consider your mattress size and the available space in your bedroom.
In our guide, we explain how to choose a headboard by looking at headboard dimensions. We’ll also go over the different types of headboards available today.
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Typically, headboards are as wide as their compatible mattress sizes or around 2 to 4 inches wider. You may need 2 inches of space on either side of the bed to fit a headboard. When buying a new headboard, factor in this extra space so you can buy your other furniture accordingly and avoid overcrowding your room.
Since headboard sizes align with standard mattress sizes, in this table, we provide the approximate headboard widths with their compatible mattress dimensions and the recommended room sizes.
| Bed Size | Headboard Widths | Mattress Dimensions | Recommended Room Size (IN) | Recommended Room Size (CM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 41 inches | 38 inches by 74 inches | 7 feet by 10 feet | 213.36 cm by 304.8 cm |
| Full | 56 inches | 54 inches by 75 inches | 10 feet by 10 feet | 304.8 cm by 304.8 cm |
| Queen | 62 inches | 60 inches by 80 inches | 10 feet by 10 feet | 304.8 cm by 304.8 cm |
| King | 80 inches | 76 inches by 80 inches | 12 feet by 12 feet | 365.76 cm by 365.76 cm |
| California king | 74 inches | 72 inches by 84 inches | 12 feet by 12 feet | 365.76 cm by 365.76 cm |
A standard queen headboard will suit a queen bed frame in a 10 by 10 foot room, but the same room may look overcrowded if you choose an extra-wide headboard. Extra-wide headboards may be 25 to 30 inches wider than the bed, often extending beyond the bedside tables. The added headboard width makes a bold statement in large rooms, but in small rooms, the extra width clutters the space.
Most extra-wide headboards are wall-mounted, meaning they are attached to the wall and not the bed frame. The bed frames are just placed against the headboard, so you don’t have to worry about size compatibility.
For example, an extra-wide, wall-mounted king size headboard may work with a queen or a California king bed as well as a king size bed. Frame-mounted headboards have to be size compatible because the mounting holes on either side must line up for them to be attached.
Headboard Heights
The effective height of a headboard is what you see above the mattress and not the overall height from the floor. There are no specific standards for headboard heights, though the general rule is to ensure the headboard is shorter than the length of your bed. Most twin, full, queen, king, and Cal king headboards are designed with this in mind.
Generally, twin headboards are 14 inches above the top of the mattress, while full and queen headboards are 28 inches, and king and Cal king headboards are 58 inches.
Tall Headboards
Tall headboards are commonly used with king or California king mattresses. They look best in rooms with high ceilings because they fill the vertical space, completing the elegance of a king or California king size bed.
A tall headboard also keeps your head from leaning against the wall when you are sitting up in bed. For this reason, you may want to look at upholstered headboards that offer a little padding for more comfort. Tall headboards may be 65 to 70 inches tall, covering almost the entire length of the wall.
Short or Low Headboards
Short or low headboards can make your room look spacious. They are often used with smaller beds in guest rooms. For example, a low headboard for a twin size mattress can be 10 to 12 inches above the top of the mattress. They are a perfect option when you want to hang a painting, photo, or wall decor above your bed.
Adjustable Headboards
Adjustable headboards usually include metallic legs that can be moved up or down to adjust the height. An adjustable headboard is an excellent option when you are unsure which headboard height is most suitable for your room.
If you have a big bed in a small room, adjust the headboard height to a shorter level so the room appears spacious. Adjustable headboards also come in handy if you change your mattress to a thicker or thinner one. That way, you don’t have to buy a new headboard to fit your new mattress.
Different Types of Headboards
The thickness of your headboard depends on the type. Fancy headboards with shelves and drawers are thicker than the plain wooden or metal headboards. These simple headboards may be 2 to 3 inches thick, while headboards with built-in storage can be 7 to 10 inches thick.
When it comes to headboard type, you’ll also have to think about the materials and if they mesh with your other bedroom decor. Platform beds or panel beds both mesh well with different types of headboards, depending on whether they have a classic or modern look.
Wood Headboard
Wood is one of the most popular furniture building materials. People prefer wooden headboards because they suit both classic and contemporary decor. Wooden headboards can be made up of one solid wooden panel, 3 to 4 panels joined together, or plain wooden spindles.
Pine, oak, and maple are some of the common types of wood used to make headboards. Plywood is a comparatively budget-friendly option, but it’s not as durable as pine, oak, or maple.
Wooden headboards flaunt a natural wood finish, or they are painted in earthen shades like brown, black, or grey.
Wood headboards are common with platform, sleigh, four-poster, and bunk beds as well. Families with more than one child prefer bunk beds because they optimize space, increasing play areas for children.
Four-poster and sleigh beds are often found in queen or king sizes because these regal styles are suitable for large rooms. The outward curve of the headboard in a sleigh needs more space, while the posters on all four corners of a bed can crowd your room. Platform beds don’t take up as much space and are suitable for all room sizes.
Metal Headboard
Metal headboards can offer a modern, industrial, minimalist, or a vintage look, depending on their design. They are an affordable option compared to pine, oak, or maple wood. Metal headboards can be made of wrought iron, brass, brushed aluminum, or stainless steel. They are found in various colors such as silver, nickel, gold, black, brown, and white.
Metal headboards are common with platform and bunk beds, in all standard sizes. Sometimes, they are also used with four-poster bed frames.
Upholstered Headboard
Upholstered headboards are the most comfortable because the soft padding provides a plush backrest when you are sitting up in bed. They are also a good option for active sleepers, protecting them from getting hurt even if they bump their head on the headboard.
The padding in upholstered headboards can include cotton, linen, leather, or polyester. The price of the headboard depends on the quality of materials used in the padding. They are available in a wide variety of colors, making them popular even in kids’ bedrooms.
An upholstered headboard may be solid-colored, printed, or tufted. Upholstered headboards can be used with any type of bed frame, and are usually thicker than simple wood or metal headboards.
Storage Headboard
Storage headboards are usually made of wood, providing you enough space to keep your books, alarm clock, or other bedroom essentials in them. They are commonly used with platform and bunk beds.
Storage headboards are the thickest of all types, so you need a large bedroom to accommodate them. If you don’t have room for one but still want a nice way to store things near the bed, you might want to go with a classic nightstand or look at some underbed storage options. A set of rattan drawers with bed risers can be a classy way to store some items.
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FAQs
What size should a headboard be?
The headboard size should be compatible with your mattress size for the perfect fit. Most twin, full, queen, king, and Cal king headboards are as wide as their compatible mattresses or 2 to 4 inches wider. The standard height varies between 14 to 58 inches, depending on the size of the bed.
For example, a twin size headboard dimensions can be 41 inches wide and 14 inches tall, while a king size headboard dimensions can be 80 inches wide and 58 inches tall. A headboard can be 2 to 10 inches thick, depending on its design.
What are the dimensions of a queen size headboard?
Queen headboards range from 60 to 64 inches wide by 28 to 48 inches tall. The thickness depends on your preference for the type of headboard. Simple headboards are 2 to 4 inches thick, while headboards with storage are 7 to 10 inches thick. Choose one depending on the space in your room and your stylistic preferences.
What is the best height for a headboard?
There is no best height for a headboard, but the general rule is to keep them shorter than the length of the bed. Taller headboards often look good in large rooms with high ceilings, while shorter headboards can make a small room look more spacious. Generally, the standard height of a twin headboard is 14 inches, full and the queen is 28 inches, and a king is 58 inches.
Can a full size headboard fit a queen?
A full mattress is 6 inches narrower than a queen mattress so a full size headboard will not fit a queen size bed frame. The mounting holes on a full headboard will not line up with those on the queen bed frame, which is necessary to join them together. Typically full headboards are 56 inches, while queen headboards are 62 inches wide.
How do you fix a gap between a mattress and a headboard?
To fix the gap between a mattress and a headboard, use an upholstered headboard, as the thick padding helps to cover the gap. If the gap is more than 1.5 inches, use mattress wedges as a filler. These triangular foam products extend along the entire width of the mattress, filling the gap between the bed and the headboard. You will find mattress wedges in most home improvement and online stores.
Conclusion
Headboards were originally designed to serve as an added layer of insulation; they protected sleepers from feeling cold when the bed was placed against the wall which radiated the chill of the outside environment. In modern-day homes, these headboards serve more of an aesthetic purpose. They can redefine the look of your bedroom, making it classy, elegant, vintage, or contemporary.
As a reminder, their dimensions may vary widely. A queen size headboard dimensions may be 62 inches and roughly just as tall, or it can be far shorter. It may jut out 2 inches or it may be about a foot thick with shelves. You’ll want to measure your mattress and bed frame when considering if a particular headboard is right for you.
If you want to revamp your bedroom, consider changing the headboard for a brand new look. Headboards can serve a functional purpose as well, like protecting you from bumping your head or providing extra storage space.
FAQs
How do I know if a headboard will fit my bed? ›
To see if your bed frame is compatible, examine near the head of the bed for headboard brackets. Most bed frames have four horizontally oblong bolt holes or slots arranged one above the other. These pre drilled holes accommodate multiple types of headboard designs and allow you to adjust the height of the headboard.
How much wider Should a headboard be than the bed? ›Headboard Width
The width of a standard headboard is 2 to 4 inches wider than the size of your bed frame. In most cases, you need two inches of space on the sides of your bed to properly attach a headboard, so, you'll want to consider your room size before making your purchase.
The gap between a mattress and a headboard is not always a design flaw, as a small gap makes it easier for you to change their sheets. While this gap is an intentional part of bed design, it can be really annoying if you sleep close to the headboard and lose your pillows to the gap.
What size headboard is 60 inches? ›Queen headboards range from 60 inches wide to 63 inches wide on average and have an average height of 48 inches. The size of the queen headboard one chooses often depends more on your stylistic preferences than room or sleep space considerations.
Can a queen size headboard fit a full size mattress? ›The short answer is yes. However, you'll have to tap into your creative side to make up for the slight bed size difference between your full size mattress and your queen headboard.
Are queen and full size headboards the same? ›As mentioned above a queen size bed is six inches wider than a full-size bed frame. This means that a queen-size headboard will also be six inches wider (three inches on both sides) than your full-size mattress.
Can you use a queen size headboard with a full size mattress? ›In order to use a headboard properly, the mattress must first fit the bed frame that supports the headboard. Sadly, a full mattress won't fit a queen bed frame, as it will be too small. Your options are to find the same headboard in a full size or buy a queen mattress and bed frame to fit the queen-size headboard.
Do headboards take up space? ›A bulky bed head can take up much-needed floor space in your bedroom and make it feel claustrophobic. A slimline bed head is a solution to this problem. As well as floor space, headboards can take up wall space that you could use for shelves, lighting, or artwork.
Does a headboard make a room look smaller? ›Make the room look bigger
But because the headboard is typically against a wall, it doesn't add bulk to the look. Instead, it can create the illusion that the walls stretch further away from the bed, especially if the floors around the bed are kept cleared of clutter.
As the name suggests, a floor standing headboard is a separate headboard unit that stands directly on the floor behind the bed frame. They are independent of the bed but can also be attached to the divan base like strutted headboards, using the same fixtures.
Should headboard be higher than lamp? ›
“Too low and you'll be falling out of bed to read, too high and you'll get glare from the light source.” The trick, she says, is for the shade to be roughly shoulder height when you're in bed; this should throw out optimum light for reading.
Does a tall headboard make the room look bigger? ›A tall headboard in a small bedroom will instantly draw your eye upwards, thus making the room appear bigger. If you are not keen on a headboard that is too tall, you can always add a piece of artwork above it as it will achieve the same eye-drawing effect, perhaps even more so!
Should a headboard touch the floor? ›No, a headboard should not touch the floor. If it does, it will be difficult to clean and may damage the floor over time. In addition, a headboard that is too low will not offer the right level of support. Make sure to measure the height of your bed frame before you purchase a headboard.
What should be the distance of the pillow from headboard to the bed fold? ›The distance of the pillow from the Headboard to the fold of the bed is approximately 20”. Arrange pillow cushions/bed runners on the bed.
What is the maximum safe gap between the bed rail and headboard? ›Entrapment can happen between the end of the bed rail and the headboard if the gap is inappropriate. Avoid gaps over 60 mm which could be enough to cause neck entrapment.
Should your headboard be against the wall? ›'Generally speaking the best position for a headboard is against a solid wall, and the worst is probably when in line with the door. Also, placing a headboard against the same wall that contains the bedroom door usually causes arguments, as the supportive influences of the headboard is disturbed.
What size bed is 60 by 80 by 12? ›A queen size mattress is 60” by 80”, and is the most common size of the mattress. It will comfortably fit couples or individuals and the reasonable size fits in almost all bedrooms.
What size bed is 60x80? ›| Mattress Size | Dimensions in Inches | Dimensions in Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Queen | 60" X 80" | 152.5cm X 203.5cm |
| Full | 54" X 75" | 134.5cm X 190.5cm |
| Twin XL | 39" X 80" | 96.5cm X 203.5cm |
| Twin | 39" X 75" | 96.5cm X 190.5cm |
Queen Mattress
It is pretty large compared to a double bed and is perfect for tall couples who enjoy enough leg room while sleeping. Generally, the mattress measures 60 inches wide and 72 inches long.
Full- and queen-size mattresses are two of the most commonly bought mattress sizes on the market. A full-size mattress is smaller than a queen, measuring 54 inches wide and 76 inches long. A queen-size mattress adds an extra 6 inches to the width making it 60 inches wide and 80 inches long.
Can a headboard fit on any bed? ›
Can a headboard be attached to any bed frame? Yes, a headboard can be attached to any bed frame provided they are size compatible. For example, a twin headboard can be attached to a twin platform bed, bunk bed, or four-poster bed, but a twin headboard cannot be attached to a full size bed frame.
What to do if your bed frame is bigger than your mattress? ›- Get a higher-profile foundation. Stop pillows from falling behind in the bed once and for all. ...
- Lower the headboard. Some headboards come with adjustable heights, making closing the gap a cinch. ...
- Use decorative pillows. ...
- Buy a gap filler.
Double bed headboards are at least 4ft 6in (137cm) wide to match the dimensions of a double mattress. However, there's no standard height for a double sized headboard, so you can choose the style that you like the most.
Can you use a king size headboard with a queen size bed? ›The king headboard is considerably wider than a queen size mattress and bed frame which measures a significant 16 inches narrower. By using a king headboard with a queen mattress and bed frame it would leave 8 inches of king size headboard exposed on each side of the mattress and would be very unattractive.
What can be used instead of a headboard? ›Some popular headboard alternatives include hanging a large tapestry or piece of art on the wall behind the bed. Another option is to use a screen or set of curtains. And if you're short on space, you can even opt for a headboard-less bed. So, whether you choose to go with a headboard or not is entirely up to you.
Are headboards outdated? ›Short answer is: no, headboards are far from outdated. They've got a long lifespan and will have a place in our homes for years to come. From a stylistic perspective, it all comes down to the look and feel you want to have in your room and choosing a headboard that compliments your vision.
What type of headboard is best for a small room? ›Solid, wooden headboards and footboards take up valuable space in a small room. Eliminate a footboard and choose a headboard that doesn't take up much physical or visual space, such as a metal headboard with open scrolling or a wooden headboard with open slats.
What colors make a room look bigger and brighter? ›Lighter paint colors like off-whites, light neutrals, pales, and pastels give the illusion of larger, brighter rooms.
What is a floating headboard? ›A floating headboard, also known as a hanger headboard, is a headboard that is mounted on the wall at the head of your mattress instead of being attached to your bed frame. They add no stability to the bed itself, but create a beautiful accent with little to no hassle.
What do you call a bed with no headboard? ›Platform Beds (No Headboard) : Beds
with our bed buying guide.
Can you have a headboard without a bed frame? ›
Yes, a headboard needs a frame. However, you can have a frame without a headboard if you choose. The way you attach a headboard to your frame completely depends on the headboard in question. It's important to ensure your headboard is compatible with your bed frame and vice versa.
How many inches above a headboard should you hang a picture? ›Pictures should be hung at eye level. Hanging pictures too high is a mistake that many people make. A good rule of thumb is to hang the picture 5” - 9” above the headboard. If you don't have a headboard, don't be afraid to go large.
Are tall headboards in Style 2022? ›"We are seeing more and more clients opting for headboards with taller, curved silhouettes pairing them with rich patterns and colours to anchor their interior design scheme around." "Organic shapes such as curved and rounded silhouettes and scalloped designs are definitely going to prove popular as we go into 2023.
What makes a bedroom look bigger? ›- 1) Paint your walls light colors. ...
- 2) Monochromatic paint. ...
- 3) Paint the trim a slightly lighter color. ...
- 4) Paint the ceilings darker or with a bold pattern. ...
- 5) Use space-saving furniture. ...
- 6) Avoid excessive furniture. ...
- 8) Keep low to the ground. ...
- 9) Transparent furniture.
- Scale it down. ...
- Keep a low profile. ...
- Show a little leg with lithe furniture. ...
- Mirror, mirror on the wall… ...
- Ditch the drapes (and rugs). ...
- White it out. ...
- Emphasize the vertical. ...
- Emphasize the horizontal.
The main reason is stability. By fixing directly to the divan base, standing headboards increase the structural integrity of the bed. This means that a new floor standing headboard is sturdier than a strutted headboard and can give new life to an older divan bed.
Can any headboard fit on any bed? ›Yes, a headboard can be attached to any bed frame provided they are size compatible. For example, a twin headboard can be attached to a twin platform bed, bunk bed, or four-poster bed, but a twin headboard cannot be attached to a full size bed frame.
Is a 5ft headboard a king size? ›King-Size 5 foot bed headboards size calculator
This is the 5ft king size section. Click on our headboard to bed size calculator below and choose your bed size.
- Attach the legs to the headboard. ...
- Find the holes already drilled into the bed base. ...
- Pierce the bed base fabric. ...
- Screw the bolt into the hole. ...
- Slide the headboard onto the bolt screws. ...
- Adjust the headboard to the correct height.
Yes, a headboard needs a frame. However, you can have a frame without a headboard if you choose. The way you attach a headboard to your frame completely depends on the headboard in question. It's important to ensure your headboard is compatible with your bed frame and vice versa.
What is a free standing headboard? ›
As the name suggests, a floor standing headboard is a separate headboard unit that stands directly on the floor behind the bed frame. They are independent of the bed but can also be attached to the divan base like strutted headboards, using the same fixtures.
Is it OK not to have a headboard? ›Is It OK to Not Have a Headboard? A headboard is an optional part of your bed, so it's completely fine to go without. Most people today consider headboards a decorative piece of furniture, even though there are other uses for them.
What is a 5ft wide bed called? ›King Size Bed
Known as a standard 5ft bed or 150cm wide by 200cm in length.
What size is a three quarter headboard? Three quarter beds are 120 cm (4'0”) wide and 190 cm (6'3”) long; three quarter headboards are designed to fit this size.
How wide are most King headboards? ›What are the dimensions of a king headboard? While standard king-size headboards measure approximately 79-81 inches wide, non-standard king-size headboards can be much wider. In terms of height, king-size headboards range from 48 inches to 64 inches high.
Can you use a full size headboard with a queen mattress? ›Yes, You CAN Fit a Full Size Headboard on a Queen Size Bed.
Does a large headboard make a room look smaller? ›Rather than making a bedroom look smaller, oversized headboards create a multifunctional area and can even give you more room to work with. We discovered 5 reasons oversized headboards are a design necessity for small spaces.
How do you support a freestanding headboard? ›Freestanding headboards can be supported by attaching them to the bed frame or by attaching them to the wall. Some headboards can stand alone without any support between the wall and the bed, but they need to have a depth to them that will allow them to stand without tipping.
How do you fit a floor standing headboard? ›- Find the fixing points in the bed. If you can't locate them, feel for them through the fabric. Basically New beds may have stickers that indicate the location of the fixing points.
- Screw the bolts through the slots on the headboard and into the bed.
- Tighten the bolts.