Why a Standard Headboard Completes Your Bedroom
A bed may be perfectly functional without a headboard, but it can often make the room feel unfinished. The right headboard frames the bed, connects your bedding with the surrounding décor, and creates a more polished focal point.
A headboard also offers practical benefits. It gives you a comfortable surface to lean against while reading or watching television and helps protect the wall from marks caused by pillows and everyday movement.
At Halo Beds, our standard headboard collection includes a wide choice of fabrics, colours, sizes, and designs to suit both modern and traditional bedrooms. Adding a new headboard is an easy way to refresh your space without replacing the complete bed.
Understanding Standard Headboard Sizes
Choosing the correct width is essential when buying a headboard. A design that is too narrow may look out of proportion, while one that is too wide can overpower the bed or take up unnecessary space.
In the UK, headboards are generally designed to correspond with standard mattress and bed sizes. Exact measurements may vary slightly depending on the design and manufacturer.
Typical UK headboard widths include:
- Single: Approximately 90–91 cm
- Small Double: Approximately 120–122 cm
- Double: Approximately 135–137 cm
- King: Approximately 150–152 cm
- Super King: Approximately 180–183 cm
These dimensions are intended to sit neatly in line with the matching bed size and create a balanced appearance.
Before ordering, measure the width of your bed frame or divan base. This is particularly important when purchasing a headboard separately, as small differences in dimensions or fixing positions may affect the fit.
Choosing the Right Headboard Height
Headboard height can significantly influence the overall feel of a bedroom. Standard headboards may range from compact, low-profile designs to taller styles that create a stronger visual statement.
The best height depends on your room, bed, mattress depth, and personal preference.
Consider the Ceiling Height
In a room with a lower ceiling, a very tall headboard may make the space feel smaller. A shorter design can help maintain a more open and balanced appearance.
For bedrooms with higher ceilings, a taller headboard can fill the vertical space and give the bed greater presence.
Think About Comfort
A taller upholstered headboard is often more comfortable for people who regularly sit upright in bed. It provides better support for reading, relaxing, or watching television.
A lower headboard offers a cleaner and more minimal appearance but may provide less support above the mattress.
Match the Bedroom Style
Simple, low-profile headboards work well in modern and Scandinavian-inspired interiors. Taller panelled, winged, or buttoned designs are ideal for creating a more luxurious or traditional bedroom look.
Strut-Fixed and Floor-Standing Headboards
Standard headboards are commonly available in either strut-fixed or floor-standing designs.
Strut-Fixed Headboards
A strut-fixed headboard is attached to the bed using wooden or metal supports fitted to the back of the headboard. These struts connect to the fixing points on a compatible divan base or bed frame.
Many struts are adjustable, allowing you to raise or lower the headboard according to the mattress depth and your preferred position.
Strut-fixed headboards are practical, versatile, and suitable for many standard UK beds.
Floor-Standing Headboards
Floor-standing headboards extend down to the floor and are usually secured to the bed near the base. Their full-height construction gives them a more substantial and premium appearance.
These designs are ideal for customers who want the headboard to become a major feature within the room. They also provide a stable fit without relying on long adjustable struts.
Choosing the Right Fabric
The fabric affects the comfort, appearance, and maintenance of your headboard. Halo Beds offers a broad selection of upholstery options to coordinate with different bedroom styles.
Velvet and Plush Fabrics
Velvet and plush finishes feel soft and luxurious. They add warmth and depth to the room and look particularly striking in rich shades such as burgundy, navy, emerald, and charcoal.
Linen-Style Fabrics
Linen-effect upholstery offers a relaxed and textured appearance. It works well in contemporary, neutral, and naturally styled bedrooms.
Faux Leather
Faux leather provides a smooth, practical surface that can be wiped clean easily. It is a useful option for guest rooms, children’s bedrooms, and low-maintenance interiors.
Woven Fabrics
Plain woven fabrics offer a durable and versatile finish. Their understated appearance makes them easy to pair with different bedding, furniture, and colour schemes.
Selecting the Best Headboard Colour
Your chosen colour can either blend with the room or create a bold contrast.
Neutral shades such as cream, beige, light grey, and stone are flexible choices that work with changing bedding and décor. They can also help smaller rooms feel brighter and more open.
Darker shades, including navy, charcoal, and burgundy, create a stronger focal point and bring a more dramatic, luxurious feel to the bedroom.
For a coordinated look, match the headboard with your bed base or nearby furniture. For greater contrast, choose a shade that stands out against the wall behind the bed.
Explore the Halo Beds Headboard Collection
Browse the Halo Beds standard headboard collection to find upholstered designs in a wide range of colours, fabrics, sizes, and styles.
Our headboards are available for popular UK bed sizes, including single, small double, double, king, and super king. Whether you prefer a simple contemporary design or a taller statement headboard, the collection offers options for different bedroom layouts and interiors.
Halo Beds provides UK delivery, and our customer service team is available to assist with sizing, colour selection, and fitting compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a standard headboard height in the UK?
Standard headboard heights vary according to the design. Many compact headboards measure approximately 60–75 cm above the fixing point, while taller statement designs may reach 100–120 cm or more.
How do I measure for a headboard?
Measure the full width of your bed frame or divan base and choose the corresponding headboard size. You should also measure upwards from the top of the mattress to decide how much of the headboard you want to remain visible.
Can a standard headboard fit any bed?
Many standard headboards use strut fittings that work with compatible UK divan bases and bed frames. However, fixing systems can vary, so check the attachment points and measurements before purchasing.
Which headboard colour is best for a small bedroom?
Light and neutral colours such as cream, beige, soft grey, and pale pastels can help a compact bedroom feel brighter and more spacious.
Are headboard fittings included?
Fittings depend on the individual product. Please check the product information before ordering to confirm whether struts, bolts, or other required components are included.