How to Measure for a Headboard

Our guide on how to measure for a headboard will ensure you choose the perfect size bedhead, whatever your bed size. Then it's the fun part begins; picking the fabric, shape and finishing touches...

Measuring Your Headboard:

Standard bed size terms like 'single' and 'double' aren't always as precise as you'd think. And it is for this reason that we recommend measuring for yourself, so that you choose the right size of headboard for your base.

Top Tip: using a metal tapemeasure will make taking accurate measurements far easier. If you have any questions, our made to measure team are here to help so please don't hesitate to contact us.

The width of the bed base will give you the width of the headboard. We always advise on measuring the bed base, rather than the mattress, as this will give you the most accurate measures.

The headboard height should be decided based on the style of headboard you prefer. A tall headboard makes a statement piece within a bedroom. Alternatively, you may want a more traditional, modest look.

As a guide, the standard height sizes are:

• singe bed is 67cms in height
• double or king size headboard is 75cms - 100cms.

When taking your measurments, ensure you measure from the top of the mattress, upward, to the height you want. At this point, also measure the depth of your mattress as this will inform later stylistic options.

The final measurement you will need to take is from the floor to the base of the bed. Now you are ready to request a headboard quote!

A wall mounted headboard is particularly recommended for larger pieces, 180 cms works well. These are secured with wall fixings to lie directly on the wall.

Top Tip: be advised that headboard needs to fit into your home, this includes through the front door, the bedroom doorway, and around any corners. There's also a guide on how to measure for furniture delivery if you're in any doubt.

Be aware that extra fixings or lighter weight materials may be required for plasterboard walls. This, however, does not need to diminish from the quality of your finished headboard. Simply, inform your headboard maker before you purchase and later, your installer.

A bed mounted headboard uses struts to support it. These struts line-up with the bolts on the back of your bed, as they are standard sized in the UK.  Struts are adequate for most headboards, but can be unstable for larger sizes. Our team will help to advise which fixing option is most suitable for your design.

Headboard Shapes:

Then you can consider the headboard shape that will best suit your bedroom. These include square corners, rounded corners, arc, cut away corners, serpentine or shaped.

There's also a bespoke option. You might consider a tiled headboard over a solid one. Likewise, you may want it to be winged or have a larger pillow stop. All you need do is ask. There is a section for these specifications on the quote form.