My Personal Experience With Headboard Heights

When I first moved into my new apartment, I was thrilled to finally have a bedroom big enough to fit a real bed frame with a headboard. However, when it came time to set everything up, I quickly realized I had no idea how high the headboard should be above the mattress. I did some research, asked friends for advice, and eventually figured out what worked best for me. Here’s what I learned:

How High Should A Headboard Be Above The Mattress?

Step-by-Step Guide

The current trend is for headboards to be taller than they used to be, often reaching up to 54 inches above the mattress. However, there is no hard and fast rule for how high a headboard should be. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the size of your mattress and bed frame.

Here are some steps to help you determine the best headboard height:

Measure the height of your mattress from the floor to the top of the mattress
Add 2-4 inches to that measurement to get the ideal height for your headboard. This allows for some space between the top of the mattress and the bottom of the headboard.
Consider the overall size of your bed frame and room. A larger bed frame may require a taller headboard to maintain balance and proportion. A smaller room may benefit from a shorter headboard to create a sense of space.
Try out different heights before committing to one. Prop up some pillows or cushions behind your mattress to simulate a headboard and see how different heights feel.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some additional tips and ideas to help you choose the perfect headboard height:

Consider the style of your headboard. Some styles, like upholstered headboards, may look better at certain heights.
Think about your sleeping habits. If you sit up in bed to read or watch TV, you may want a taller headboard to provide support.
Look at the overall design of your room. A taller headboard can make a bold statement, while a shorter headboard can blend in and create a more understated look.
Consider the height of your ceilings. If you have high ceilings, a taller headboard can help fill the space.
Think about your budget. Taller headboards can be more expensive, so consider what works best for your wallet.
Look at the materials and colors of your bedding and decor. A taller headboard can create a nice backdrop for patterns and colors.
Consider any existing wall decor or shelving. A taller headboard may interfere with these items, so take that into account.
Think about any pets or children who may jump on the bed. A taller headboard may provide more protection and safety.
Look at the height of your nightstands. A taller headboard may require taller nightstands to maintain balance and proportion.
Consider the size of your pillows. A taller headboard can accommodate larger pillows, while a shorter headboard may require smaller ones.

Pros and Cons

Like anything, there are pros and cons to different headboard heights:

Pros:

A taller headboard can create a sense of grandeur and luxury.
A taller headboard can provide more support and comfort for sitting up in bed.
A taller headboard can make a bold statement and be a focal point in the room.

Cons:

A taller headboard can be more expensive.
A taller headboard can make a smaller room feel cluttered and cramped.
A taller headboard may require larger pillows and bedding, which can also be more expensive.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

After trying out different heights, I ultimately went with a headboard that was about 36 inches tall. It provided enough support for sitting up in bed, but didn’t overwhelm the room or my budget. I also appreciated the added space it gave me for wall decor and shelving above the headboard.