These are just guidelines — the specifics of what will work for you and look great with your style and space will be determined by your exact bed size, room dimensions, and design choices. And remember, if you love it, it doesn’t really matter what “the experts” say! So start with a guideline and be creative from there.
Standard headboard width is 0-3″ wider than the bedframe .
Extra wide headboards can be up to twice as wide as your bed – perhaps even wider if you are doing a full headboard wall! A good rule of thumb is to extend the headboard to take in at least the extra width of your Nightstands or bedside tables.
An extra-wide headboard can “float” above the floor at the same height as a traditional headboard, or extend to the floor for extra drama:
Annette English via Houzz
Standard headboard height ranges from 14″ above the top of the mattress (for a short, twin-sized headboard) to 29″ or more (for a tall, king- or queen-sized headboard).
Extra tall headboards can be as tall as you want, with the general rule that the headboard isn’t taller than the bed is long.
The average height of a mattress top is about 25″. This height allows most people to get in and out of the bed comfortable. Platform beds, bunk beds, or extra tall beds will vary in the mattress top height. Pillow-top mattresses and the variety of beds, box springs, and mattress toppers available will change the total height of the bed (and therefore the headboard) so for best results, measure your bed to get a good headboard fit.
