How to choose a high headboard bed UK

Short on time? Start here.

• A high headboard makes your bed the star of the room.

• Measure first. Match height, width, and room size.

• Choose a fabric that fits your everyday life cleaning routine.

• At FamayaLuxuryBeds, we help you choose with confidence.

What counts as high

A headboard feels "high" when it creates a clear focal point. It rises well above your pillows in most UK homes and still looks balanced with the ceiling height.

Typical heights

In simple terms:

1.    Standard: up to ~110 cm

2.    Tall: ~120–150 cm

3.    Extra tall: 150 cm+

Tall vs extra tall

Tall works in most rooms. Extra tall brings a boutique-hotel feel and loves high ceilings.

Visible height above mattress

Aim for a High headboard bed 60–90 cm above the top of your mattress. It looks intentional, not crowded.

Quick reference

Mattress height	Visible headboard sweet spot	Look & feel
20–25 cm	70–90 cm	Bold, dramatic
26–30 cm	60–80 cm	Balanced
31–35 cm	60–70 cm	Softer, cozy

Pros and cons

Why go tall

1.    Instant luxury feel

2.    Better back support for reading

3.    Defines the bed wall

Potential drawbacks

1.    Can overpower small rooms

2.    Needs careful socket and window planning

3.    Often heavier and harder to move

Who it suits

1.    Style lovers who want a statement

2.    Tall sleepers who sit up in High headboard bed

3.    Homes with 2.4 m+ ceilings (or great lighting)

Styles at a glance

Wingback elegance

Curved wings give a cosy, cocooned feel and hide pillows at the sides.

Panel and fluted

Clean lines. Vertical or ribbed panels make ceilings feel taller.

Tufted and Chesterfield

Buttoned detail. Plush and timeless with a classic hotel vibe.

Materials and finishes

Velvet and bouclé

Soft touch. Deep colour. Great for warmth and drama.

Linen and cotton

Light, breathable, and relaxed. Easy to style with most bedding.

Leather and faux leather

Wipe-clean and sleek. Modern edge with low-maintenance care.

UK sizes and fit

Single to super king

Pick a headboard that aligns with your High headboard bed size for a neat look.

Small double specifics

A 4'0" (120 cm) bed benefits from slim wings or vertical lines to save space.

Ottoman and divan match

Ottoman bed and divan bed bases love High headboard bed. Just check the lift clearance and fixings.

Size and room guide

Bed size	Bed width	Headboard width rule	Room size tip
Single 3'0"	~90 cm	Bed width or +2–4 cm	Works in box rooms
Small Double 4'0"	~120 cm	Bed width clean edge	Keep wings slim
Double 4'6"	~135 cm	Bed width or +2–6 cm	Leave walking space
King 5'0"	~150 cm	Bed width or +4–8 cm	Best in 3 m+ wide rooms
Super King 6'0"	~180 cm	Bed width or +6–10 cm	Loves large bedrooms

Measure before you buy

Bed width vs headboard width

Flush looks modern. Slight overhang adds drama. Avoid blocking bedside drawers.

Ceiling height check

Leave at least 30–40 cm from the top of the headboard to the ceiling for breathing room.

Skirting and sockets clearance

Mark skirting, sockets, switches, and radiators. Plan cable routes for lamps and chargers..

Proportion rules

Headboard to wall ratio

Aim for 65–75% of wall height as a guide for a bold, balanced look.

Bed to room ratio

Keep a 60–90 cm walkway on at least one side. Two sides are better.

Pillow and bedding depth

High loft duvets raise visual height. Check if it still shows enough headboard.

Mounting options

Wall mounted

Great for tight spaces and odd walls. Solid and still when you sit up.

Floor standing

Fast to fit and very stable. Ideal for ottoman and divan bases.

Struts and pillow stop

Struts are light and budget-friendly. A pillow stop keeps pillows from slipping behind.

Fixing comparison

Mount	Stability	Best for	Note
Wall mounted	High	Narrow rooms	Needs correct wall anchors
Floor standing	Very high	Heavy headboards	Check base compatibility
Struts	Medium	Budget, lighter boards	Can flex slightly

Comfort features

Padding thickness

Thicker padding = softer support for reading and scrolling.

Wing depth and wrap

Slim wings save space. Deeper wings feel snug and frame the High headboard bed.

Sit-up support angle

A slight tilt softens pressure on your neck and shoulders.

Storage bed compatibility

Lift clearance

Leave space for ottoman lids to rise without hitting the headboard or wall art.

Drawer access

Avoid extra-wide wings that block drawer openings.

Gas lift strength

Heavier headboards add load. Ensure your gas struts are up to the job.

Style your statement

Colour blocking

Paint the High headboard bed wall in a tone that complements the fabric—instant cohesion.

Texture layering

Mix crisp sheets, knitted throws, and velvet cushions for depth.

Hotel-luxury look

Symmetry, tall lamps, and a neat cushion stack. Calm, curated, complete.

Small rooms, smart picks

Slim wing profiles

Keep the footprint tight while holding the wingback look.

Vertical lines trick

Fluted or panelled styles stretch the eye upward.

Light tones and mirrors

Soft colours and a mirror above a console bounce light and open the space.

Family and pets

Durable fabrics

Look for high-rub counts and tight weaves.

Stain-resistant options

Performance fabrics and faux leather make wipe-downs easy.

Removable covers

Zip-off slipcovers keep life simple on wash day. 

Care and cleaning

Weekly dust and vacuum

Use a soft brush attachment. Gentle sweeps protect fibres.

Spot-clean routine

Blot, don't rub—mild soap. Test on a hidden area first.

Deep clean schedule

Every 6–12 months, refresh with a Pro clean or fabric-safe product.

Simple care matrix

Material	Weekly care	Spills	Deep clean
Velvet	Light vacuum	Blot, steam lightly	Pro clean preferred
Linen/Cotton	Vacuum, lint roll	Mild soap, blot	Low-moisture clean
Leather/Faux	Dust, wipe	Wipe dry	Conditioner as advised

Allergy-friendly choices

Low-VOC materials

Ask for low-emission finishes and glues.

Washable upholstery

Removable covers help keep dust down.

Hypoallergenic fills

Foams and fibre fills that resist allergens are a smart pick.

Acoustic and comfort perks

Sound dampening

Upholstery absorbs echoes. Rooms feel calmer.

Draft shielding

Tall wings soften draughts near windows.

Cosy head support

Extra height supports the shoulders and neck when you sit up.

Sustainability checks

FSC wood and PEFC

Choose certified wood for responsible sourcing.

Recycled textiles

Look for fabrics using recycled yarns.

Repairable design

Replaceable panels and covers extend life and cut waste.

Budget and price bands

Entry level

Great value. Lighter frames. Simple fabrics. £

Mid range

Richer fabrics, deeper padding, stronger frames. ££

Luxury bespoke

Custom heights, fabrics, and details. Hotel-grade comfort. £££

Value snapshot

Band	What you get	Best for
£	Style on a budget	Guest rooms, first flats
££	Comfort + durability	Main bedrooms
£££	Made-to-measure	Design-led homes

Lead times and delivery

Made-to-order timing

Custom pieces can take longer. Plan for move-in dates.

Access and stairways

Measure doorways, halls, lifts, and tight turns.

Room of choice setup

Ask for packaging removal and assembly to save time.

Assembly and safety

·          Fixings and brackets

Use the hardware supplied by the maker.

·          Wall type and anchors

Match fixings to plasterboard, brick, or timber stud.

·          Tip-prevention checks

Ensure solid fixings and a stable base. Safety first.

Matching the rest

Bedside heights

Align bedside tables with the mattress height for a clean line.

Wall art spacing

Leave a small gap above the High headboard bed. Let it breathe.

Curtain and blind clearance

Avoid fabric bunching behind wings or tall frames.

Colour playbook

·          Neutrals that calm

Greige, stone, and oat keep things serene.

·          Bold tones that pop

Forest, ink, or berry add drama without noise.

·          Metallic accents   

Soft brass or black metal finishes ground the look.

Texture playbook

Soft vs structured

Pair plush headboards with crisp cotton for balance.

Mixed materials

Blend wood, fabric, and metal for depth.

Seasonal swaps

Change throws and cushions with the weather for a fresh feel.

High headboard bed extras

USB and lights

Built-in ports and reading lights keep cables tidy.

Slipcovers

Refresh the look without buying new.

Integrated storage

Slim shelves or hidden pockets for bedtime bits.

Common mistakes to avoid

Oversizing the width

There are too vast crowds, side tables, and blocks of drawers.

Ignoring mattress height

Thick mattresses can hide half your High headboard bed.

Blocking windows or vents

Plan for airflow and light. Mark everything first.

Quick buying checklist

1.    Measure wall height, High headboard bed width, and room clearances

2.    Pick a style: wingback, panel, or tufted

3.    Choose a fabric that fits life at home

4.    Confirm mount type and fixings

5.    Check storage bed clearance

6.    Plan delivery and access

7.    Schedule care and cleaning

Glossary

Wingback

A headboard with side "wings" that frame the bed.

Pillow stop

A small ledge or lip that stops pillows from slipping down the back.

Struts and slots

Slim supports that bolt to the base using pre-cut slots.

Extended thinking

Want a sure-thing result? Do this:

1.    Measure the High headboard bed wall and note every socket and radiator.

2.    Decide on height first, then Style.

3.    Choose fabric to match your lifestyle, not just the look.

4.    Confirm fixings and delivery path.

5.    Style with symmetry, lighting, and texture.

A note from FamayaLuxuryBeds

We design tall and extra-tall headboards for UK homes, with fabrics and finishes tested for daily life. If you'd like tailored advice or a fabric sample pack, our team is ready to help you create that calm, hotel-luxury look—without the guesswork.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you style a bed with a tall headboard?

Keep bedding layered and straightforward: crisp sheets, textured throws, two cushion sizes. Use symmetry with lamps and side tables to balance the height. Choose calm tones or tonal colour blocking; anchor with a bench or rug.

How high should my bed headboard be?

For most UK rooms, aim for 120–150 cm total height. Keep 60–90 cm visible above the mattress for a balanced look. Leave 30–40 cm space to the ceiling so it can breathe.

Is a high or low headboard better?

High suits larger rooms, hotel style, and comfy sit-up support. Low works in small spaces, under windows, and in minimalist schemes. Choose by ceiling height, bed size, and how you use the bed.

What are the rules for headboards?

Match headboard width to bed width, with only a small overhang. Plan clearance: 60–90 cm walkway and no blocked sockets or vents. Fix securely for your wall type; check anchors and brackets.

Is my High headboard bed too tall?

Yes, if the top sits within 30 cm of the ceiling or dwarfs side tables. Yes, if your mattress hides more than half of the design. Yes, if wings block drawers, switches, or curtains.

When should you not use a bed riser?

Avoid with heavy frames, ottomans, or divans that need complete stability. Skip on uneven floors or deep carpets where risers can wobble. Do not use if the ceiling height is tight, as it voids the bed warranty.