Headboard Dimensions
A headboard is as wide as the mattress or 1–2 in wider on each side: about 40 in for a twin, 56 in for a full, 62 in for a queen and 78 in for a king. Most headboards stand 48–60 in (122–152 cm) from the floor, showing 20–30 in above the mattress. The width follows the bed; the height is up to you and the room.
Headboard size chart
| Bed | Mattress (W × L) | Headboard width | Typical height from the floor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 × 75 in (97 × 191 cm) | 39–41 in (99–104 cm) | 40–50 in (100–127 cm) |
| Twin XL | 38 × 80 in (97 × 203 cm) | 39–41 in (99–104 cm) | 40–50 in (100–127 cm) |
| Full (double) | 54 × 75 in (137 × 191 cm) | 54–56 in (137–142 cm) | 48–56 in (122–142 cm) |
| Queen | 60 × 80 in (152 × 203 cm) | 60–64 in (152–163 cm) | 48–60 in (122–152 cm) |
| King | 76 × 80 in (193 × 203 cm) | 76–80 in (193–203 cm) | 50–60 in (127–152 cm) |
| California king (cal king) | 72 × 84 in (183 × 213 cm) | 72–76 in (183–193 cm) | 50–60 in (127–152 cm) |
These are US mattress sizes. A headboard that bolts to the bed frame must match the frame width; a wall-mounted headboard can be any width you like.
How high should a headboard be?
There is no single standard headboard height, but most fall in the same range:
- Above the mattress: 20–30 in (50–75 cm) of headboard is enough to sit up and lean on with pillows.
- From the floor: 48–60 in (122–152 cm) suits most rooms. Go taller, up to 70 in or more, for a statement wall with high ceilings; keep it under a window sill if the bed stands under a window.
- Wall-mounted: hang the panel so its bottom edge sits about 4 in (100 mm) below the top of the mattress, so no gap shows between them.
- Kids' beds: 36–48 in (90–122 cm) from the floor is plenty.
Frame-mounted or wall-mounted?
A frame-mounted headboard bolts to brackets at the head of the bed frame, so it must match the frame width and the bolt holes. A wall-mounted headboard hangs on the wall on a French cleat: it never wobbles, works with platform and adjustable beds, and can be any size. It is also the easiest to build: one panel, a frame and a cleat.
Building a headboard
The same headboard dimensions apply to a DIY queen, full or king headboard. Our wood headboard plan builds a wall-mounted panel with a raised frame and a ledge on top: type the mattress width from the chart and the height you want, and every part follows. For storage behind the pillows, the bookcase headboard adds shelves and cubbies.
Frequently asked questions
What size headboard do I need for a queen bed?
60–64 in (152–163 cm) wide, as wide as the 60 in mattress or a little wider, and usually 48–60 in (122–152 cm) tall from the floor. The average queen headboard is about 62 in wide.
What are king headboard dimensions?
76–80 in (193–203 cm) wide for a standard king. A California king is narrower and longer: its headboard is 72–76 in (183–193 cm) wide.
What size is a twin headboard?
39–41 in (99–104 cm) wide; a twin XL headboard is the same width, because the mattress is only longer.
How high should a headboard be?
Most stand 48–60 in (122–152 cm) from the floor, showing 20–30 in (50–75 cm) above the mattress, enough to lean on while sitting up in bed.
Should a headboard be wider than the bed?
Slightly: 1–2 in (25–50 mm) on each side covers the bedding. Much wider headboards are a style choice and need more wall.