Headboard Sizes and Dimensions Guide

You may have never thought about headboard sizes since headboards often come as part of a prefabbed bed frame. However, if you’re building your own headboard or constructing a custom bed frame, you need to think about it a lot.

Usually, headboards are around the same width as your bed frame, which is typically 2 to 5 inches larger than your mattress, but they can get a lot wider than that. Below, we’ll talk about the range of headboard sizes and how they can impact the look of your bed.

Standard Headboard Dimensions by Bed Size

Most headboards are designed to fit standard bed frame sizes and mattress sizes. The average headboard is anywhere from the exact same width as the bed frame to around 3 inches wider, and it’s usually anywhere from 14 to 33 inches higher than the top of the mattress.

Since mattresses are on average around 16 to 25 inches high, that means the top of a standard headboard can be anywhere from 30 to 58 inches off the floor.

The overall height of the headboard also depends on the size of the bed. The longer and wider the bed, the higher the headboard is going to need to be to appear proportionate. For instance, a twin bed’s headboard might only be 20 inches higher than the mattress and still be fine, but a 20-inch headboard on a king may look way too short because the bed is twice as wide and 5 inches longer.

Twin & Twin XL

The twin and twin XL bed sizes are different lengths but equal widths, so their headboards should have similar dimensions. A twin/twin XL mattress is 38 inches wide, so its bed frame will be anywhere from 40 to 43 inches in width. That means the headboard can be around 40 to 46 inches wide.

Keep in mind the twin XL mattresses are 5 inches longer than twin mattresses (they’re 80 and 75 inches respectively), so your twin XL headboard might need to be a little higher to appear proportionate.

Full (Double)

The full size mattresses are 54 inches wide, meaning a standard full size headboard will come in around 56 to 62 inches in width.

Queen

A queen mattress is 60 inches wide, so your standard headboard’s width will come in anywhere from 62 to 68 inches.

King

The standard king mattress, also called an Eastern king, is the widest bed at 76 inches. That means its corresponding headboard will be anywhere from 78 to 84 inches wide.

California King

California king mattresses are 4 inches narrower than a standard king, so a standard headboard for a Cali king will come in between 74 to 80 inches in width. Since a California king is also the longest standard bed size at 84 inches long, you might want to consider a taller headboard to ensure the headboard height looks proportionate to the bed length.

Oversized Headboard Dimensions

While standard headboards normally stay in keeping with the width of the bed frame, oversized ones can be a lot wider or taller.

Extra-Wide Headboards

These headboards are meant to encompass the width of your bed as well as the end tables on either side. They’re usually 25 or 30 inches wider than the bed frame, but if you have larger night tables, you can make them even wider.

If you’re measuring for a custom extra-wide headboard, make sure to take into account the width of your bed frame as well as the combined width of your bedside tables. Also, keep in mind an extra-wide headboard—unlike a lot of standard headboards—will start at the floor rather than the bottom of the bed frame.

Extra-Tall Headboards

If you want to make a fashion statement, extra tall headboards might be up your alley. These headboards are normally standard width, but much higher than the average range of 14 to 33 inches. They can be as high as you want them, although a good rule of thumb is they shouldn’t be higher than the bed is long.

Adjustable Headboards

If you’re not sure what height you need, an adjustable headboard might be a good idea. These headboards come with metallic legs that allow you to change their height. These headboards are also great if you want your bed frame to last through several mattresses, as they allow you to change your mattress depth without worrying about whether it will look bad with your headboard height.

Headboard Styles

There are tons of different headboard styles for you to choose from, and it all just depends on your personal preference.

Metal Headboards

For those who want an antique or industrial look to their bed, a metal bed frame and headboard might be the right choice. Usually, metal headboards are made of anything from aluminum to wrought iron to brass to stainless steel. There are several advantages to metal bed frames and headboards.

They’re often cheaper than wood. They’re usually a lot more durable. And some types of metal are much lighter than wood and/or can be disassembled with comparative ease, making them a lot easier to relocate.

Storage Headboards

These headboards are as practical as they are aesthetic. They’re normally made of wood, and they can come with anything from drawers to shelving to cubbies. A lot of storage headboards also include shelves that you can set your phone, lamp, and alarm clock on, thus eliminating the need for night tables.

Keep in mind, these are the thickest headboards out there, so you’ll need to take the extra depth into account when you’re measuring your bedroom.

Wood Headboards

Wood is probably the most common bed frame and headboard material nowadays, and it comes in an endless array of shapes and styles from classic to contemporary.

Wooden headboards can also come in natural finishes or painted just about any color you can think of, and you can get them in tons of different solid hardwood varieties like oak, pine, maple, and walnut. Really, the only limit to the look of your wood headboard is your imagination.

Upholstered Headboards

If you like to sit up in bed a lot while you’re reading or watching your tablet, you may like an upholstered headboard. These headboards function almost like the back of the couch, providing a cushioned, fabric support for you to lean back on.

You could even slant your upholstered headboard slightly backward for extra comfort. These headboards also offer a more funky look, coming in lots of fun colors and bold patterns.

FAQs

How do I attach my headboard to my bed frame?

Attaching a headboard to an existing bed frame is pretty simple. If you don’t have any pilot holes (starter holes for your screws), drill them as close to the center of the piece of wood you’re attaching to as possible. If the size will allow it, do at least two pilot holes at two different heights on each side of your headboard to prevent it from twisting around.

Next, drive long wood screws through the headboard and at least an inch or two into the bed frame. Avoid using screws that are too thick so they don’t crack the wood of your bed frame or headboard—but don’t use screws that are too thin either, or they might not be able to withstand the weight of the headboard/rails.

Can I use a standard king headboard for a California king?

King and California king beds are slightly different. A California king is narrower than a standard king, an eastern king headboard on the narrower end of the width range might be compatible with a Cali king bed frame. Just be sure to carefully measure your bed frame to ensure there’s a fit before you purchase.

How do I mount my headboard to the wall?

The first thing you need to mount your headboard is a stud finder, as the headboard is too heavy to just screw into the drywall. (It will rip the screws out of the wall.)

After you locate your studs, measure the height, and then mark where you need to drill. After that, you’re ready to attach the mounting hardware. We recommend French cleats or Z-clips because they’re designed to hold heavy furniture. Drill pilot holes in your studs and then use the accompanying screws (or compatible screws) to affix the hardware to the wall. Then, lift the headboard and mount it on these fixtures.

What’s the ideal headboard height?

There really isn’t an ideal headboard height. The height of your headboard just depends on your room size and preferences. If you have a larger bedroom or one with higher ceilings, a taller headboard might be best. By contrast, a low headboard can help make your bed look less cramped if you have a smaller bedroom.

How can I get rid of the gap between the mattress and headboard?

There’s not really any way to totally eliminate the gap, but there are some things you can do to cover it up. Sliding your mattress to the top of your bed frame can reduce the width of the gap. Upholstered headboards can help cover the gap by filling it in with thick padding. You can also cover it with decorative pillows.

Bottom Line

Headboards come in a huge range of sizes, materials, and styles, which can give you a ton of freedom to choose the look of your bed. Just make sure to measure your bed frame before building or buying a custom headboard so you can know exactly how everything will look when you put it all together.