The headboard for your bed is probably something you haven’t thought about, until it’s time to buy or make one. When discussing bed or mattress sizes, headboards are often absent from the discussion.
However, it is important to know headboard sizes. The most obvious reason is so that your headboard will fit your bed frame. A headboard that is too big or small may be modified to fit, but it will look disproportionate. If you have a smaller room or a large bed, its also important to be sure it will fit into your room.
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Sizes of Headboard
We’ll take a look at headboard sizes, from twin to king. You’ll learn the size of the bed, the headboard, and the ideal room size to accommodate the bed and headboard. Then, you can choose the right headboard for your situation easily.
Twin
Twin Headboard Size: 41 inches
Recommended room size: 7 ft x 10 ft
The smallest bed size, excluding cribs and toddler beds, is the twin. A twin bed will accommodate one person, and can be too short for taller individuals.
A twin bed is ideal for children and small bedrooms. Most adults find a twin bed too small to be comfortable. However, it is suitable for some situations, like a guest bed.
The headboard should be about 41 inches wide. The mattress should be 35 inches wide, and 75 inches long.
A twin xl mattress will be 35 inches wide, and 80 inches long. Sicne they are the same width, a twin headboard will fit either a twin or twin xl bed.
Full
Headboard size: 56 inches
Recommended room size: 10 ft x 10 ft
The headboard for a full size bed should be 56 inches wide. A full size bed is 54 inches wide, and 75 inches long.
Ornate headboards can be wider than 56 inches, but they don’t stray far from this dimension. A wide headboard can make the mattress look smaller.
However, a queen size headboard can also fit a full size bed. Again, this can make the bed appear smaller.
A full size bed is considered comfortable for one adult. It can accommodate two adults, but it won’t be particularly comfortable.
Just like the twin bed, the full size bed comes in an xl size as well. A full size xl mattress is 54 in x 80 in., so a full size headboard will work for either.
Queen
Headboard size: 62 inches
Recommended room size: 10 ft x 10 ft
A queen size headboard is typically 62 inches wide. A queen mattress is 60 inches wide, and 80 inches long. A queen bed is ideal for couples, and provides plenty of room.
Queen sized beds are the most popular size, with 47% of Americans choosing a queen size bed.
In addition to the standard queen, there’s also a California queen. A California queen mattress is the same width as a standard queen, but it’s 4 inches longer. The dimensions for a California queen mattress are 60 inches wide, and 84 inches long. You can use a standard queen headboard, because it’s the same width.
Olympia Queen
Headboard size: 68 inches
Recommended room size: 14 ft x 10 ft
The olympia queen is also known as the expanded queen. It is 6 inches wider than the standard queen, at 66 inches wide, and 80 inches tall. The headboard will need to be at least 68 inches wide.
If you can’t find a headboard specifically for an Olympia queen, a king or California king headboard will work well.
King
Headboard size: 80 inches
Recommended room size: 12 in x 12 in
A king size headboard is 80 inches wide. The mattress is 76 inches wide, and 80 inches long. The headboard should be 80 inches wide.
The bed offers plenty of space for two sleepers. If you have kids, or even dogs, who like to sneak into your bed, a king size bed is a necessity.
The king size bed has the largest width of any standard size bed. It’s commonly thought that two twin beds will make a king bed. However, this isn’t exactly the case.
Two twin beds will make a bed that is 70 inches wide, and 75 inches long. Two twin xl beds will be a bit closer, at 70 inches wide and 80 inches long.
It’s important to note that king size headboards can vary greatly from the standard of 79-81 inches. The larger size of the bed means that a larger headboard will look proportional. Some people even opt for a very wide headboard, that covers nearly the entire wall.
California King
Headboard size: 74 inches
Recommended room size: 12 ft x 12 ft
A California king is 4 inches narrower and 4 inches longer than a standard king. This makes the dimensions 72 inches wide and 84 inches long.
The headboard should be at least 74 inches long. However, you can also use a standard-sized king headboard for a California king bed. The extra width of the headboard can actually look better, given the large size of the bed.
You can even choose an oversized king headboard if desired. However, you will be sacrificing room or wall space.
Choosing the Right Headboard Size
Choosing the right headboard can be as complex as choosing a bed. After all, this is the part of your bed that everyone will see. It’s often the focal point of the bedroom.
Designers usually recommend that you base the size of the headboard on the size of your room, and the size of the bed itself.
Larger beds look great with oversized headboards. However, a large headboard can dwarf a small bed, making it appear much smaller than it is.
A good rule of thumb is that the larger the bed, the wider and taller the headboard can be.
However, your room is another consideration. If you have a smaller room, choose a smaller headboard. If you choose a king size bed for a smaller room, a smaller headboard is a good idea.
It won’t give you extra floor space, but it will make the bed look more proportional.
If you need a headboard that varies from the standard size, you may be able to purchase a headboard designed for a different size bed. This works well if you need a larger than average headboard.
For example, if you have a full size bed and want a large headboard, you can purchase a queen size headboard.
However, you may need to drill holes in the headboard to attach it to the frame, depending on the design. It’s unwise to purchase a different size headboard if you are uncomfortable with this modification.
Some people with a flair for diy will even buy an oversized headboard and cut it to their desired width. This can be a great way to get exactly the size you want, without the high price tag of a custom headboard.
Types of Headboard
In addition to the size of the headboard, there are a few types you should know about. The typical headboard attaches to the bed frame, and doesn’t reach the floor.
This is known as a strutted headboard, because struts are used to attach it to the bed frame. This type of headboard can be adjusted up or down, to make it appear taller or shorter.
The other type of headboard is a floor standing headboard. Instead of being supported by struts that attach to the bed, this type of headboard rests on the floor.
At first glance, it may seem that this would take away stability. However, this headboard is attached to the bed frame in the same way as a strutted headboard.
It has the added stability of being on the ground, as well as more weight. This provides more overall stability.
Floor standing headboards are heavier, which makes them a bit more difficult to install. You won’t be able to adjust the height on this type of headboard. They are also more expensive than strutted headboards.
However, they provide a unique attractive look many people enjoy, in addition to added stability.
How wide is a queen headboard? King? Double? Twin? FAQs
Should a headboard be wider than the bed?
The headboard is usually wider than the bed. At the minimum, the headboard should be at least the width of the bed itself. Headboards are usually at least 2 inches wider than the bed.
Are headboards standard sizes?
Most headboards for the same size bed will be around the same width and height, but it can vary greatly. This is based on the size of the bed, as well as personal preference. If you prefer a minimalist appearance, a narrow and shorter headboard is ideal. If you want to make a design statement, you may opt for an oversized headboard.
Do all bed frames have holes for a headboard?
Even if your bed doesn’t come with a headboard, it should have holes or brackets that allow you to attach the headboard to the frame.
