A headboard protects your wall, supports your head, and keeps your pillows from falling. Plus, it adds an aesthetic touch to bring your bedroom together. But before you fall in love with the perfectly styled headboard, make sure you’re looking for the right size.
Sometimes headboards are included when you buy a bed frame, but not always. So if you’re buying one separately, how do you choose one that’s sure to fit your mattress size?
In this guide to all things headboards, we’ll help you find the right one for you. To get started, “head” over to the headboard sizes chart below.
| Mattress Size | Headboard Width (in) | Headboard Width (cm) | Mattress Dimensions | Recommended Room Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin & Twin XL | 41 | 104 | 38” x 75” 96.5 x 190.5 cm |
7 x 10 ft 2.13 x 3.05 m |
| Full | 56 | 142 | 53” x 75” 134.5 x 190.5 cm |
10 x 10 ft 3.05 x 3.05 m |
| Queen | 62 | 157 | 60” x 80” 152.5 x 203 cm |
10 x 10 ft 3.05 x 3.05 m |
| King | 80 | 203 | 76” x 80” 193 x 203 cm |
12 x 12 ft 3.65 x 3.65 m |
| California King | 74 | 188 | 72” x 84” 183 x 213 cm |
12 x 12 ft 3.65 x 3.65 m |
It’s important to make sure you pick the right headboard width so that your headboard properly attaches to your bed frame. It’s also important to think about your room size and the space occupied by nightstands, dressers, and other furniture. Read through the specific widths for each bed size below.
The standard size of a headboard for a twin mattress is around 41 in or 104 cm wide. Since a twin and twin XL are the same widths, a twin headboard should fit both. A twin headboard is often shorter to save space and not look too big compared to the twin bed.
For a full size mattress, the width of a headboard should be around 56 in or 142 cm. Full size headboards are also often shorter to complement the look of the full size bed and not overwhelm the room.
A headboard should have a width of around 62 in or 157 cm to fit a queen mattress. A full size mattress can also fit a queen headboard—you’ll just have six extra inches of headboard, which isn’t that noticeable once sheets and pillows are added.
To fit a king size mattress, a headboard should have a width of 80 in or 203 cm. You’ll want to make sure you have a room with adequate square footage, at least 12 by 12 ft or 3.65 by 3.65 m, to make room for your king size headboard plus nightstands.
A headboard will fit a California king bed if it is around 74 in or 188 cm wide. This is one of the largest headboard sizes, so you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of wall space to accommodate it. If you want something even bigger, you can seek out an extra-wide headboard that covers nearly the full length of the wall.
Next up is headboard heights. Standard headboards are 14 inches off the top of the mattress for twin beds, 28 inches for queen beds, and 58 inches for king and California king beds. However, there are short, tall, and adjustable headboards that fall outside of this range.
Here’s a quick summary of the standard headboard height for each bed size:
Next, we’ll go through short, tall, and adjustable headboards.
A short headboard is around 10 to 12 inches above the top of the bed. They’re usually paired with twin, twin XL, and full beds in childrens’ rooms and guest bedrooms. Since they don’t take up a lot of wall space, short headboards can make a small room look more spacious.
Tall headboards rise 65 to 70 inches above the top of the bed, covering a large portion of the wall. They are often used with California king, king, and queen beds. Tall headboards support your head completely when you sit up in bed. They look best in large rooms with tall ceilings.
Adjustable headboards are the perfect option if you’re a little indecisive about the height you want. They have adjustable legs that attach to your bed frame and let you choose your own ideal headboard height.
When using an adjustable headboard, you should keep the headboard height shorter than the length of the bed to ensure that your bed looks balanced and isn’t too top-heavy.
The dimensions aren’t the only things to consider when shopping for a headboard. Different materials will drastically change the look of a headboard. The thickness will also vary by material:
Here’s a quick overview of all the different types.
Upholstered headboards are covered in a material such as fabric, leather, velvet, or suede over a soft layer of padding. The padding makes these headboards extra plush and a little thicker than other headboards. They come in endless colors and patterns, sometimes including details like buttons and welding.
Looking for a cloud-like headboard to soften your snooze? The Casper Haven® Bed Frame is wrapped in premium Felted Wool and includes a comfortably slanted headboard for an elevated, cloud-like look that’s soft to the touch.
Wood headboards come in many colors and finishes and are perfect for a traditional or modern room. Wood is a popular choice that can create a timeless or rustic look.
Choose a natural finish in pine, oak, or maple, or pick a painted wood headboard to match your accent colors. Platform beds, sleigh beds, and four-poster beds all commonly come with wood headboards.
Can’t decide between an upholstered or wood bed? Get the best of both worlds with the Casper Repose® Bed Frame, made of sustainably sourced oak with softened edges to give your bedroom a warm look. You can choose between a wood or pillow headboard to give your room just the right upgrade.
Metal headboards look sleek and come in materials including wrought iron, brass, and stainless steel. They can be more affordable than some higher-quality wood or upholstered headboards.
Metal headboards come in various colors and are common with platform beds, bunk beds, and four-poster beds. A metal headboard can create an industrial look and will fit right in with minimalist interior decor.
Storage headboards, which include built-in drawers or shelves, can provide great space for books, lamps, and knickknacks. They are sometimes attached to bunk beds or platform bed frames. Storage headboards take up the most space out of all headboard types, so it’s best to place them in a spacious room.
Now that we’ve covered headboard types and sizes, we’ll answer some commonly asked questions about headboards below.
A standard headboard can be zero to three inches wider than the bed. However, there are also extra-wide headboards that are longer to extend past the nightstands.
Headboard width is measured straight across, while headboard height is measured from the top of the mattress upward.
It is not necessary to have a headboard on your bed. In fact, some people choose not to forgo buying one in order to save space. However, when deciding if you need a headboard, consider that this addition to your bed can complete the look of your bedroom, support your neck and back, and protect the wall behind your bed.
Yes. There are special, free-standing headboards that are designed to rest between the bed and the wall. There are also headboards that you can mount to the wall behind your bed instead of attaching them to the bed frame.
If you notice a gap between your mattress and headboard, try the following fixes:
-Get an upholstered headboard, which may be thicker and more padded.
-Readjust your mattress and bed frame’s connection to the headboard.
-Use foam mattress wedges, found at most home improvement stores, to fill a gap that is 1.5 inches or larger.
Because they come in such varied styles, materials, and sizes, headboard costs tend to range from $150 to upwards of $1,000. There are lots of affordable options out there, but it all depends on the complexity of the design and cost of materials. Luxury and custom headboards that include lighting features, for example, will be far pricier.
Picking a headboard that fits your bed size will save you time and money in the long run. Your new headboard should also enhance your bedroom decor and make bedtime all the more cozy.
At Casper, we have multiple bed frames with attached headboards for the ultimate combination of style and comfort. For an easy fit, the Casper Platform Bed is a clean, modern bed frame for stylish support. Our matching headboard attaches to the Casper Platform bed frame for a complete look.
For even more size guides, check out our bed sheet size guide and pillow size guide.
