Bed Dimensions Guide: Everything You Need to Know

When shopping for a new bed or custom headboard, knowing the right bed dimensions is essential. Whether you’re upgrading your master bedroom, furnishing a guest room, or creating a custom piece for your space, understanding standard mattress and headboard sizes ensures a perfect fit and polished look.

At BedBoards Design Co., we’ve put together this complete bed dimensions guide to help you choose the right size for comfort, style, and functionality.

Standard U.S. Bed Dimensions

Here’s a quick reference chart for the most common mattress sizes:

Pro Tip: Mattress thickness varies from 8–16 inches (or more for luxury models), so keep that in mind when planning headboard height and bedding choices.

Headboard Dimensions

While mattress size determines the width of your headboard, height is where you can customize for style and presence.

Standard Headboard Widths

• Twin: 41"
  
  

• Twin XL: 41"
  
  

• Full: 56"
  
  

• Queen: 62"
  
  

• King: 78"
  
  

• California King: 74"
  
  

(Widths typically extend 1–3 inches beyond the mattress on each side for a balanced look.)

Best Headboard Height

For a timeless, proportional look, we recommend 55 inches from the floor to the top of the headboard. This height allows for:

• Comfortable support for sitting up in bed
  
  

• A visually balanced appearance behind pillows
  
  

• Compatibility with a variety of mattress and box spring heights

BedBoards can customize the height and width of any headboard. Simply let us know your preferred dimensions and we can make it happen.

Choosing the Right Bed & Headboard Size

When selecting your bed and headboard, consider:

1. Room Size – Ensure there’s enough space for nightstands and walking clearance (ideally 24–36 inches on each side).
   
   

2. Ceiling Height – Taller ceilings can handle more dramatic, high-profile headboards.
   
   

3. Bed Frame Type – Platform beds vs. traditional frames can affect headboard installation height.
   
   

4. Style Preference – From minimalist upholstered panels to statement tufted designs, scale plays a big role in overall bedroom aesthetics.
   
   

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do headboards need to match the bed size exactly?
Not exactly. Headboards are usually 1–3 inches wider than the mattress for visual appeal.

2. Can I use a full-size headboard with a queen mattress?
It’s not recommended—the width difference will look off and may not align properly with your frame.

3. What’s the tallest I can make my headboard?
It’s up to your style and ceiling height. For dramatic statement pieces, 65–70 inches works well in larger rooms, but we don’t recommend going any higher. You want to have the right balance of headboard that shows - too large can make the bed look smaller. Make sure you have a taller bed if you want a taller headboard. 

4. Do your headboards come with pre-drilled holes in the legs?
No, we do not pre-drill holes in the legs. Although it’s a good idea to attach the headboard to the bed frame, it is not always necessary. Also, every bed is different so if we pre-drill a hole in the legs, it’s not certain that it will line up with your bed. Our custom headboards are sturdy enough that some customers simply put them between the wall and bed and it works - or they will attach the headboard to the wall. However, you can read our instructions on how to attach a headboard to the bed frame. 

At BedBoards Design Co., we craft custom headboards designed to perfectly fit your mattress size and your unique style—whether you want a sleek, modern look or a bold, statement piece.

📞 Ready to design your perfect headboard? Contact us today to start your custom order!