Headboard Sizes

Should a headboard be wider than the bed?

Yes, in most cases a headboard should be wider than the bed.  Headboard designs vary slightly but the majority will extend 2” past the mattress on each side.  So, headboard sizes tend to be a total of approximately 4” wider than the bed.  This is true for both standard mattress sizes as well as oversized bed sizes.  Ultimately the exact measurement for a headboard size should factor in bed frame type and the style of headboard.  These are the main issues that influence whether or not a wider headboard size is necessary.

Headboard Widths

The width of a headboard is also dependent on if the bed uses side rails.  To accommodate the side rails on a bed frame that uses them, the headboard width should be somewhat wider.  The majority of side rails used today run about one inch wide.  This is where the two-inch headboard extension on each side of the bed is really important.  It leaves enough room to attach the rails and still provide an attractive end result.  Some headboard sizes account for this and that’s why they tend to be about 4” wider.

Headboard Size and Dimension Chart

Standard Height of a Headboard

Headboard sizes will be up to 58 inches tall.  This is the standard height of a headboard, good for traditional beds that use a headboard, footboard and side rails.  However, some bed frames may have a shorter headboard.  For instance, a platform bed used sans box foundation or with a low-profile box spring is lower.  So, a large headboard may not be ideal in this situation.  There are many types of bed frames; platform, storage, sleigh, traditional and trundle beds. The type of bed frame and whether or not a box foundation is used impacts the headboard size.

California King Headboard Size

(76” Inches Width x 58” Inches Tall)

A California King mattress is 72” wide so the headboard size should be 76” wide by 58” tall.  That is two inches wider on each side and the typical headboard height.  Though many people think of a California King as the largest bed size, the Alaskan King Mattress is actually much bigger at 108”x 108”.  Its headboard size is 112”x 58”.

King Size Headboard Size

(80” Inches Width x 58” Inches Tall)

The headboard size for a King is the same height of 58 inches.  The width of a King mattress is wider than a California King so the headboard is as well.  At 80” wide it is one of the widest standard headboard sizes.

 Queen Size Headboard Size

(64” Inches Width x 58” Inches Tall)

As one of the most common size beds used in America, the Queen size mattress measures 60”x 80”.  Headboard sizes for traditional bed frames in a Queen are 58” in height.  Factor in the four-inch rule and the width should be about 64 inches.

Full XL Headboard Size

(58” Inches Width x 58” Inches Tall)

The Full XL headboard size is 58 inches wide and 58” high to fit many Full XL mattress types and brands.  This size, like the others, can be used on both motionless bed frames as well as those with added adjustability.

Full Size Headboard Size

(58” Inches Width x 58” Inches Tall)

Full size and Full XL beds are both 54 inches wide.  The length is the only difference between these two sizes of mattress.  So, it makes sense that the headboards for both will be the same size.  Therefore, the Full-size headboard will measure 58”x 58” also.

Twin Size Headboard Size

(42” Inches Width x 58” Inches Tall)

One of the smaller classic mattress sizes is the Twin.  For a properly fitted headboard size, choose one that is 42” wide.  For most bed frames the regular 58 -inch height will do quite well.

Types of Headboards  

Wood: Wood headboards come in a variety of styles.  Distressed wood headboards can complement shabby chic décor or contribute to a farmhouse look.  A dark wooden headboard can add elegance and class for a high-end look.  Some headboards only look wood but are actually constructed using MDF material (fiberboard).  Though these headboards resemble wood, a real wood headboard will hold up much better over time.  Real wood is also stronger and more natural looking.

Upholstered: There are many styles and colors of upholstered headboards.  Some are tufted, creating decorative dips in the fabric.  This softens up the look while still maintaining clean lines.  Some upholstered headboards are made from leather or alternative materials that mimic the appearance of leather.  The textile used can feature decorative designs.  However, a single solid color tends to be a better value.  It is more versatile over time as the décor goes through changes.

Metal: Metal headboards are often made from steel.  Metal headboards can be simple or complex in design.  These can be made in warm colors of gold, copper or brass.  They can consist of cool colors of silver or aluminum.  They can also be made to impersonate the look of iron.  Though most cast-iron headboards today are machine made using carbon steel for a lighter weight.  Finishes include antiqued, brushed, hammered, polished, and satin.

Universal Headboard Brackets

Headboards are not only available for stationary beds, you can also use a headboard for adjustable beds.  Presently, most adjustable beds are made compatible with standard headboards.  If they are, the base will either come with universal headboard brackets or these can be purchased separately.  Some headboards are made specifically for an adjustable bed.  They come in colors to match the bed base and bring the bed all together.  For example, the Hedley Headboard is manufactured by Glideaway so it works especially well with that brand’s adjustable bases.   Attaching the headboard to an adjustable bed is fairly easy.

Conclusion

Dimensions for headboard sizes include width and height.  The height is based mainly on bed frame type, with many measuring a standard 58 inches.  Width in headboard sizes is based around the width of the mattress.  Adding four inches to the mattress width is the general rule of thumb.  At times, bed frame style and headboard design can produce the need to re-consider this guideline.  Ultimately, the headboard should almost always be wider than the bed.  Headboards can be used on many types of bed frames, including adjustable beds.