Have you ever given your headboards a second thought? They are wonderful. They protect your walls, support your head, keep your pillows in place and enhance the look of your room!
Headboards were originally designed to act as an insulating layer. The wall would radiate the cold of the outside environment, and the headboard would keep you warm. However, these days they have taken a decorative role. A headboard of your choice can define the appearance of your bedroom and make it look classy or modern.
Today, you will stumble upon various headboards that come in several designs and sizes. And you must choose the right size to match your mattress and your room. Our headboard sizes chart will help you make an informed decision while buying your bedding. That’s not all. This blog will also take you through the different types of headboards, helping you understand which is the perfect fit for you.
Headboard Sizes Chart
If you want to know how to choose a headboard, check out the headboard sizes chart first to achieve a sense of clarity and to check which headboard fits your frame.
| Bed Size | Headboard width | Mattress dimensions | Recommended Room Size ( in ft) | Recommended Room Size (in inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 41 inches approximately | 38 by 74 inches | 7 feet by 10 feet | 84 inches by 120 inches |
| Full | 56 inches approximately | 54 by 75 inches | 10 feet by 10 feet | 120 inches by 120 inches |
| Queen | 62 inches approximately | 60 by 80 inches | 10 feet by 10 feet | 120 inches by 120 inches |
| King | 80 inches approximately | 76 by 80 inches | 10 feet by 12 feet | 144 inches by 144 inches |
| California King | 74 inches approximately | 72 by 84 inches | 12 feet by 12 feet | 144 inches by 144 inches |
If you are confused about the size of the mattress to buy, check out our mattress size chart .
Headboard Heights
The height of a headboard starts from 14 inches above your mattress. And king headboards can go as high as 56 inches.
When it comes to measuring the headboard height; you don’t measure it from the ground. Instead, it is measured from the level of your mattress.
Your headboard looks more in sync with the mattress when its height is less than the length of your bed. If it is higher, it can overwhelm your room. However, tall headboards look good in large and spacious bedrooms.
Headboard Widths
The simple rule of headboards is that the headboard's width should be compatible with your mattress size. The table above lists the standard mattress sizes and the headboard dimensions suitable for each.
You can buy a headboard that is slightly wider than the mattress. Leaving a space of two inches on each side as this trick is known to make your bed look better. Keep this extra space in mind so that you don’t end up cluttering your room.
Extra-wide headboards might look magnificent in a large bedroom. However, they will only add to the congestion in small spaces. So, make sure you consider your room size while buying a headboard. Take a look at the different types of headboards below;
Twin Size Headboard Dimensions
The standard twin headboard dimensions are 41 inches or 104 cm wide. If purchasing a headboard, it is essential to consider the width and dimensions of both your mattress and the room so that it smoothly fits while enhancing the aesthetics of the bedroom environment. And since both twin and twin XL mattresses share the same width, a twin headboard will easily fit them both. Generally, twin headboards are not significantly oversized, so they don’t overshadow the bed. The ideal room size for a twin is 10 by 10 ft.
Full-Size Headboard Dimensions
Generally, a full headboard measures 56 inches or 142 cm. They are usually shorter in size so that the whole look complements your bed and the room. At the same time, a larger headboard can overpower the room's balance. The suggested room size for a full-size headboard is 10 by 10 ft.
Queen Size Headboard Dimensions
A standard queen headboard size is 62 inches or 157 cm, and the suggested room size is 10 by 10 ft. If you already own a full headboard, the good news is that you can use the same thing for your queen bed. You will just have about six inches of extra headboard space, which won’t be noticeable after setting your bed with pillows and sheets.
King Size Headboard Dimensions
A king-size headboard should be about 80 inches or 203 cm, and the recommended room size is 12 by 12 ft. A king mattress and a headboard are always suitable in a master bedroom due to the ample space. Otherwise, your room will look overcrowded.
California King Size Headboard Dimensions
You will need the largest headboard size for a Cal king mattress, and it approximately measures 74 inches or 188 cm. Therefore, you must also check if you have the necessary wall space available before purchasing a cal king headboard. The suggested room size for these extra-wide headboards is 12 by 12 ft.
Tall Headboards
A tall headboard can be as high as 56 inches. It goes well with a king or Californian king bed and looks best in a room with high ceilings. A tall headboard might not fit in a room with a low ceiling. It might also look out of place.
Tall headboards add to your bed height and prevent your head from banging against the wall. So, there’s nothing to worry about if you doze off while reading your favorite book on the bed because your headboard will offer all the protection you need.
Short or Low Headboards
Low headboards are short in height, ranging from 10 to 12 inches above your bed. They are best for children’s beds. You can also use them with twin and full-sized beds.
Most modern-day apartments have tiny rooms, and a large headboard might clutter your space. Low-profile headboards can make your bedroom look spacious.
Headboards should, however, match the size of your bed. Make sure it doesn’t look too small for your bed.
Adjustable Headboards
Adjustable headboards are a great option if you are unsure about headboard dimensions. They come with metallic legs that you can pull up or down, allowing you to adjust the headboard height.
Suppose you are buying a new mattress or bed frame. Will you buy a new headboard? Having an adjustable headboard will save you precious money. You only need to increase or decrease its height to match your new bed. It will also come in handy when you shift to a new house. That’s because you can increase its height if your new room is more spacious.
Sadly, not all headboards are adjustable. But you can increase or decrease the height of your headboard even if it is non-adjustable. How? You can make your mattress thinner to make the headboard look taller. Alternatively, you can lift your headboard from the floor and pin it at a higher level to increase its height.
Go through our guide to know the ideal bed height for you.
Types of Headboards
Headboards are made of different materials like wood and metal. Their thickness varies depending on the material. When you buy a headboard for your bed, you must make sure it matches the size of your bed. Moreover, it should go well with your room decor and not appear odd.
Wooden Headboard
Wooden headboards are the most popular because of their classy and majestic look. They can be a perfect fit in any room, whether it has traditional or modern decor.
You can get wooden boards made of pine, oak, or maple. Plywood boards are cheaper but not durable. Wooden headboards are polished to give them a shiny look. At times, they are also painted in shades of black or grey for a simple and low-profile appearance.
You can use them with all bed types. However, they are most appropriate for poster bed frames for their regal looks.
Upholstered Headboards
If you are looking for a package of comfort and style, upholstered headboards are the best option. They are made of soft and cozy fabrics like velvet or linen to let you rest your head while sitting up in bed.
You will get spoiled with choice as they come in several eye-catching and attractive colors and designs. Some might have beads and buttons engraved on them to give a more cheerful look. While others come in simple printed designs. The price of upholstered headboards depends on the materials used in the fabric.
If you are someone who works from the comfort of your bed, this is the perfect headboard for you because of the support it provides. Upholstered come in a variety of headboard types.
- Free Standing - These headboards are standalone, and you can attach them to the wall or bed frame. The thickness of your headboard here is also decent.
- Straight - Straight headboards come in a rectangular shape. They might have different floral patterns printed on the fabric covering them.
- Tufted - If you buy a tufted headboard for the bed, it will have beads and buttons sewn on the upholstery. That gives it an elegant look.
- Wood-framed - These upholstered headboards have a fabric in between and a wooden border on the perimeter. It adds a decorative touch.
Upholstered headboards are also suitable for children’s bedrooms due to their bright colors and eye-catching designs.
Metal Headboard
Metal headboards are made of brass, aluminum, stainless steel, or wrought iron. They are pretty popular these days for their simple design. Moreover, they are rust-free and durable.
You cannot have too many decorations on them as it would lead to chipping. Metal headboards are perfect for small bedrooms due to their minimalistic look. You can also opt for them if you want your room to be sweet and simple.
Storage Headboard
Storage headboards come with shelves and drawers to accommodate your essentials like clocks, books, etc. You can also keep decorative items on the shelves.
Made of wood, these are oversized headboards. So, you need a spacious room to accommodate them. A storage headboard will look out of place in small bedrooms and give a cluttered look to your room.
Final Word
If you are confused with the different headboard styles, you can bring home the bed frame with a built-in headboard from Nectar Sleep. That will save you time, money, and effort as you will not have to buy a headboard separately, and it is a perfect match for your mattress. You can check out our bed frame buying guide to buy the ideal bed frame for your room.
