A headboard frames your bed, protects your wall and gives you something comfortable to lean against while you read. To fit well, a headboard should match your mattress width or be just slightly wider. A queen headboard is typically about 60 to 65 inches wide, a king headboard about 76 to 80 inches wide, and a twin headboard about 39 to 41 inches wide. Most headboards stand roughly 48 to 60 inches tall from the floor.
Use the chart below to find the right size, then read on for tips on height, mounting and keeping an upholstered headboard clean.
Headboard Size Chart by Bed Size
| Bed size | Mattress width | Typical headboard width |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 in. | About 39–41 in. |
| Twin XL | 38 in. | About 39–41 in. (same width as twin) |
| Full (double) | 54 in. | About 54–57 in. |
| Queen | 60 in. | About 60–65 in. |
| King (Eastern king) | 76 in. | About 76–80 in. |
| California king | 72 in. | About 72–76 in. |
Exact dimensions vary by design. Upholstered wingback and sleigh headboards are often a few inches wider than the mattress, while simple panel headboards usually match the frame closely. Always check the product's listed width before you buy.
For full mattress dimensions, see our mattress size chart and bed dimensions guide.
What Size Headboard Do You Need for a Queen Bed?
A queen mattress is 60 inches wide, so choose a queen headboard that is about 60 to 65 inches wide. Queen headboards are usually 48 to 60 inches tall when measured from the floor. Many shoppers choose a height of 50 to 56 inches, which leaves roughly 20 to 30 inches of headboard visible above a standard mattress.
Some headboards are labeled "full/queen." These have mounting holes for both bed sizes. They work on either frame, but the headboard will extend a few inches past the mattress on each side of a full bed.
What Size Headboard Do You Need for a King or California King?
King and California king beds look similar, but they need different headboards.
- King (also called Eastern king): The mattress is 76 inches wide, so choose a headboard about 76 to 80 inches wide.
- California king: The mattress is 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, so choose a headboard about 72 to 76 inches wide.
A king headboard on a California king frame will overhang the mattress, and a California king headboard on a king frame will look too narrow. Our California king vs. king guide explains the differences.
How Tall Should a Headboard Be?
Height is a style choice, but a few guidelines help:
- Account for mattress height. A thick mattress on a foundation can hide 20 inches or more of a headboard. Measure your mattress and foundation together.
- Plan for comfort. If you read or watch TV in bed, choose a headboard tall enough to support your back and head when you sit up.
- Consider ceiling height. Tall statement headboards of 60 to 70 inches or more look dramatic in rooms with high ceilings. Lower headboards suit rooms with standard ceilings or windows above the bed.
- Coordinate with nightstands. A headboard that rises well above the nightstands and lamps creates a balanced look. Our nightstand size guide can help.
Trinell Panel Headboard — a classic wood panel headboard that suits rustic and traditional bedrooms.
How Do Headboards Attach?
Bolt-on Headboards
Most headboards bolt to the bed frame through pre-drilled holes or brackets. Before you buy, confirm that your frame has headboard brackets and that the bolt spacing matches.
Wall-Mounted Headboards
Wall-mounted headboards hang on hardware such as a French cleat. They work well with platform frames and adjustable bases because the bed can move without bumping the headboard.
Freestanding Headboards
Freestanding headboards have their own legs and sit behind the bed. They are easy to move but should be placed firmly against the wall.
Headboards and Adjustable Bases
Many adjustable bases include headboard brackets, but compatibility varies. Check the base's specifications or ask our team before ordering.
Types of Headboards
- Panel: flat wood or upholstered panels. Clean, versatile and often the most affordable.
- Upholstered: padded fabric, velvet or faux leather, often tufted. Comfortable for sitting up in bed.
- Sleigh: curved, scroll-like tops for a traditional look.
- Wingback: side panels that wrap slightly forward for a cozy, hotel-style feel.
- Bookcase: built-in shelves for books, chargers and alarm clocks. Great for kids' and teen rooms.
How to Clean a Linen or Upholstered Headboard
Upholstered headboards collect dust, hair oils and the occasional spill. To clean one safely:
- Check the cleaning code. Look for a tag or product care information. "W" means water-based cleaners are safe, "S" means solvent-based cleaners only, "W/S" means either, and "X" means vacuum only.
- Vacuum first. Use the upholstery brush attachment and work from the top down, including seams and tufting.
- Spot-test. Try any cleaner on a hidden area and let it dry before treating a visible spot.
- Spot clean gently. For W or W/S fabrics, mix a few drops of mild dish soap in cool water. Dab with a white microfiber cloth. Do not scrub, which can fuzz linen fibers.
- Rinse and blot. Dab with a cloth dampened in plain water, then blot with a dry cloth.
- Avoid soaking. Too much water can leave rings on linen. Dry the area with a fan.
- Freshen odors. Sprinkle baking soda lightly, wait about 20 minutes, then vacuum.
Use pillow shams or a decorative pillow against the headboard to reduce wear. For velvet, silk or heavily soiled pieces, call a professional upholstery cleaner. Our complete upholstery and leather care guide has more tips.
Where to Buy a Headboard
The best place to buy a headboard lets you confirm the exact width, height and mounting style, and see the material in person. At Bel Furniture, you can shop headboards online, browse kids' and teen headboards, or compare complete beds that include a matching headboard, footboard and rails.
Frequently Asked Questions About Headboard Sizes
What size headboard do I need for a queen bed?
Choose a queen headboard that is about 60 to 65 inches wide to match a 60-inch-wide queen mattress. Most queen headboards are about 48 to 60 inches tall from the floor.
What are the dimensions of a queen headboard?
A typical queen headboard is about 60 to 65 inches wide and 48 to 60 inches tall. Upholstered and wingback designs may be slightly wider than the mattress.
How wide is a king headboard?
A standard (Eastern) king headboard is about 76 to 80 inches wide. A California king headboard is narrower, about 72 to 76 inches wide, because the California king mattress is 72 inches wide.
What size headboard fits a twin or twin XL bed?
Twin and twin XL mattresses are both 38 inches wide, so they use the same headboard width of about 39 to 41 inches.
Can a queen headboard fit a full bed?
Only if it is labeled full/queen or has mounting holes for both sizes. A full/queen headboard will extend a few inches past each side of a 54-inch full mattress.
How tall should a headboard be?
Most headboards are 48 to 60 inches tall from the floor, which leaves about 20 to 30 inches visible above a standard mattress. Choose a taller headboard if you sit up in bed often or have high ceilings.
How do you clean a linen headboard?
Check the cleaning code, vacuum with an upholstery brush, spot-test, then dab stains with a few drops of mild dish soap in cool water for W or W/S fabrics. Blot with a damp cloth and then a dry one, avoid soaking the linen, and dry it with a fan.
Can you attach a headboard to an adjustable base?
Many adjustable bases include headboard brackets, but compatibility varies by model. Check the base's specifications or consider a wall-mounted headboard.
Why Shop for Headboards and Beds at Bel Furniture?
The right headboard pulls a bedroom together. Here is why Texas families shop for beds and headboards at Bel Furniture:
- Factory-direct pricing: We buy directly from manufacturers whenever possible, so you are not paying for extra middleman markups.
- Texas's largest family-owned furniture retailer: Bel Furniture is Texas-grown and family-owned, and we are recognized among the Top 100 furniture retailers in the United States.
- 16+ showrooms across Texas: See, sit and compare in person in Greater Houston, San Antonio, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Del Rio, Victoria and Lake Jackson.
- Free delivery and setup on qualifying purchases: Our team brings qualifying orders into your home and sets them up. Ask your showroom what qualifies for your order and ZIP code.
- A wide range of styles, materials and brands: From budget-friendly starter pieces to solid wood, leather and power-reclining furniture, you can compare it all in one place.
- Flexible ways to pay: Special financing for up to 60 months on qualifying purchases with approved credit, plus a no-credit-needed lease-to-own option through Progressive Leasing.*
- Purchase protection: Our 180-Day Price Guarantee and 3-Day Satisfaction Guarantee give you extra confidence. Terms and exclusions apply.
Shop headboards and beds, or find a Bel Furniture showroom near you to compare sizes and materials in person.
*Lease-to-own is provided by Prog Leasing, LLC or its affiliates. Acquiring ownership by leasing costs more than the retailer's cash price. Not all applicants are approved. Not available in MN, NJ, VT, WI or WY. Special financing is subject to credit approval and promotional terms.
