As I put together this morning’s post about headboard shapes and styles, I thought, hey, why not do another one about headboard sizes? So I put together this little infographic for y’all with some basic information, plus some more information and drool-worthy images below.
These are just guidelines — the specifics of what will work for you and look great with your style and space will be determined by your exact bed size, room dimensions, and design choices. And remember, if you love it, it doesn’t really matter what “the experts” say! So start with a guideline and be creative from there!
Feel free to pin this infographic to save and share!
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Guide to Standard Headboard Sizes
Standard headboard width is 0-3″ wider than the bedframe.
Extra wide headboards can be up to twice as wide as your bed – perhaps even wider if you are doing a full headboard wall! A good rule of thumb is to extend the headboard to take in at least the extra width of your nightstands or bedside tables.
tutorial by Home Coming on Remodelaholic.com (coming soon!)
An extra-wide headboard can “float” above the floor at the same height as a traditional headboard, or extend to the floor for extra drama:
Annette English via Houzz
Standard headboard height ranges from 14″ above the top of the mattress (for a short, twin-sized headboard) to 29″ or more (for a tall, king- or queen-sized headboard).
Extra tall headboards can be as tall as you want, with the general rule that the headboard isn’t taller than the bed is long.
- via Houzz
The average height of a mattress top is about 25″. This height allows most people to get in and out of the bed comfortably. Platform beds, bunk beds, or extra tall beds will vary in mattress top height. Pillow-top mattresses and the variety of beds, box springs, and mattress toppers available will change the total height of the bed (and therefore the headboard) so for best results, measure your bed to get a good headboard fit.
And then you can always use this awesome trick from My Clever Nest to give your headboard shape and size a test run:
Happy headboarding! Don’t forget to come link up your DIY headboards here — we are picking our favorites to feature tomorrow (Saturday)!
Great little article and handy guide to keep on hand when planning room layouts and decorating, or building a headboard. Thanks for sharing! Chloe
You’re welcome! Thanks for reading, Chloe!
So I bought a wood wall decor that I am going to use as a wall mounted headboard. My question is how many inches above the mattress do you think it should be? I do have shame pillows alone with regular pillows. I’m afraid if the bottom of the headboard is too high from the mattress it will look like an art peace just hanging on the wall instead of a headboard. If it is too close to the mattress, you won’t see much of it because of the big pillows and may also be in the way of your head while sleeping. The headboard is approx. 18″- 81″ and the queen bed is approx. 60″ wide. I am thinking about 8 inches up from the mattress but just not sure. I would so much appreciate if you could give me your advice.:))
Thanks for your help I built my daughter a bed using your information from this site thank you
You’re welcome! We’d love to see pictures if you want to share! https://www.remodelaholic.com/share-brag-post/
Thank you for this!!!!
You’re welcome!