UK Headboard Size Guide & Calculator
Choosing the correct headboard size is important for both appearance and compatibility with your divan bed base.
This guide explains standard UK headboard sizes, bed dimensions and divan fixing measurements to help you choose the correct size headboard for your bedroom.
Use our simple size guide and headboard size calculator below to find the correct headboard size for your bed.
Choosing the correct headboard size is important for both appearance and compatibility with your divan bed base.
Use our simple UK headboard size guide and calculator below to find the correct headboard size for your bed.
Not sure which size headboard you need? Select your UK bed size below to view the correct headboard dimensions and compatibility information.
Our headboard size guide is based on standard UK divan bed sizes and fixing measurements. If you are unsure about compatibility, our team is always happy to help.
Understanding UK Headboard Sizes
Most UK headboards are designed to fit standard UK divan bed sizes including Single, Small Double, Double, King Size and Super King beds.
Headboard widths can vary slightly depending on the design and style. Upholstered floorstanding headboards are often wider than traditional strutted metal or wooden headboards to create a more decorative appearance.
If you are replacing an existing headboard, we always recommend checking your bed size and fixing hole measurements before ordering.
UK Headboard & Bed Sizes Explained
Single Bed Headboards (3ft / 90cm)
A standard UK single bed measures 3ft wide (90cm) and is commonly used in children’s bedrooms, guest rooms and smaller spaces.
Single headboards are available in a wide range of styles including upholstered, wooden and metal headboards designed to fit standard UK divan beds.
Typical single headboard widths include:
- 75cm – Small Single (2ft 6″)
- 90cm – Standard Single (3ft)
- 100cm – Large Single (3ft 3″)
- 107cm – Extra Large Single (3ft 6″)
Most standard UK single divan bases use fixing holes positioned approximately 61cm (24 inches) apart.
Many customers choose wider floorstanding upholstered headboards to create a larger visual statement, even when using a standard single bed base.
Small Double Headboards (4ft / 120cm)
A standard UK small double bed measures 4ft wide (120cm) and is a popular choice for smaller bedrooms, guest rooms and compact living spaces where extra sleeping space is needed without taking up as much room as a standard double bed.
Small double headboards are available in a wide range of styles including upholstered, wooden and metal headboards designed to fit standard UK divan beds.
Typical small double headboard width:
- 120cm – Standard Small Double (4ft)
Most standard UK small double divan bases use fixing holes positioned approximately 91cm (36 inches) apart.
Small double beds are often chosen for second bedrooms, studio apartments and modern homes where space efficiency is important while still providing more room than a standard single bed.
Double Headboards (4ft 6" / 135cm)
A standard UK double bed measures 4ft 6″ wide (135cm) and is one of the most popular bed sizes for master bedrooms, guest rooms and everyday family use.
Double headboards are available in a wide range of styles including upholstered, wooden, metal and floorstanding headboards designed to fit standard UK divan beds.
Typical double headboard widths include:
- 135cm – Standard Double
- 140cm – Slightly Wider Double
Most standard UK double divan bases use fixing holes positioned approximately 106cm (42 inches) apart.
Many customers choose upholstered floorstanding double headboards slightly wider than the mattress to create a more luxurious and decorative bedroom focal point.
King Size Headboards (5ft / 150cm)
A standard UK king size bed measures 5ft wide (150cm) and is a popular choice for larger bedrooms, offering extra sleeping space and a more luxurious feel than a standard double bed.
King size headboards are available in a wide range of styles including upholstered, wooden, metal and floorstanding headboards designed to fit standard UK divan beds.
Typical king size headboard widths include:
- 150cm – Standard King Size
- 165cm – Large King Size (5ft 6″)
Most standard UK king size divan bases use fixing holes positioned approximately 121cm (48 inches) apart.
Many customers choose wider upholstered floorstanding king size headboards to create a striking focal point and a more hotel-style bedroom appearance.
Super King Headboards (6ft / 180cm)
A standard UK super king size bed measures 6ft wide (180cm) and offers the largest standard UK sleeping area, making it ideal for spacious master bedrooms and luxury interiors.
Super king headboards are available in a wide range of styles including upholstered, wooden, metal and oversized floorstanding headboards designed to fit standard UK divan beds.
Typical super king headboard widths include:
- 180cm – Standard Super King
- 200cm – Oversized Super King
Most standard UK super king divan bases use fixing holes positioned approximately 152cm (60 inches) apart.
Many customers choose oversized upholstered super king headboards to create a dramatic hotel-style focal point and a more luxurious bedroom appearance.
Emperor Size Headboards (7ft)
Emperor beds are an oversized luxury bed size measuring approximately 7ft wide, offering an exceptionally spacious sleeping area ideal for large master bedrooms and premium interiors.
Emperor headboards are typically available as bespoke upholstered or oversized floorstanding designs created to complement larger divan and bed frame sizes.
Typical emperor headboard width:
- 215cm – Emperor Size
Because emperor size beds and fixing systems can vary between manufacturers, we recommend contacting us before ordering to confirm compatibility, sizing and available options.
Many emperor headboards are made to order and are available in a wide range of fabrics, finishes and custom styles.
Please contact us for availability and advice.
Headboard Fixing Hole Measurements
The distance between the fixing bolt holes on your divan base can help confirm the correct headboard size and compatibility.
Most standard UK divan beds use fixed bolt positions designed to match standard UK headboard sizes.
Typical UK divan headboard fixing hole measurements are:
- 3ft Single – 610mm (24″)
- 4ft Small Double – 915mm (36″)
- 4ft 6″ Double – 1067mm (42″)
- 5ft King Size – 1219mm (48″)
- 6ft Super King – 1524mm (60″)
Measurements should always be taken between the centre points of the fixing holes at the head end of the divan base.
If your measurements differ from standard UK fixing positions, or if you have a European bed frame or bespoke base, we recommend contacting us before ordering to confirm compatibility.
Many upholstered, floorstanding and bespoke headboards may also use wider decorative panels while still fitting standard UK divan fixing positions.
European & British Bed Size Comparison
European bed sizes can differ slightly from standard UK bed sizes, particularly in both width and length.
If you have a European bed frame, imported divan base or continental mattress, we recommend checking all measurements carefully before ordering a headboard.
Common European bed sizes include:
- EU Single / Twin – 90 × 200 cm
- EU Single Extra Long – 90 × 210 cm
- EU Small Double – 120 × 200 cm
- EU Double – 140 × 200 cm
- EU King – 160 × 200 cm
- EU Grand King – 180 × 200 cm
Many European beds use different fixing systems and dimensions compared to standard UK divan beds, so headboard compatibility may vary depending on the manufacturer and bed style.
If you are unsure about compatibility, we recommend measuring the fixing hole distance on your bed base or contacting us before ordering for advice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Headboard Sizes
What size headboard do I need for a single bed?
A standard UK single bed normally requires a 3ft (90cm) headboard designed to fit a standard UK divan base with fixing holes approximately 61cm apart.
What size headboard fits a small double bed?
A standard UK small double bed normally requires a 4ft (120cm) headboard designed to fit standard UK small double divan bases.
What size headboard fits a double bed?
A standard UK double bed normally requires a 4ft 6″ (135cm) headboard. Some upholstered and floorstanding designs may be slightly wider for a more decorative appearance.
What size headboard fits a king size bed?
A standard UK king size bed normally requires a 5ft (150cm) headboard with fixing holes approximately 1219mm (48 inches) apart.
What size headboard fits a super king bed?
A standard UK super king bed normally requires a 6ft (180cm) headboard designed to fit standard UK super king divan bases.
Are UK and European bed sizes the same?
No. European bed sizes can differ slightly from standard UK bed sizes, particularly in width and length. We recommend checking measurements carefully before ordering a headboard for a European bed frame or divan base.
How do I measure headboard fixing holes?
Measure the distance between the centre points of the fixing bolt holes at the head end of your divan base. This can help confirm the correct headboard size and compatibility.
Do all headboards fit standard UK divan beds?
Most strutted headboards are designed to fit standard UK divan bases. However, fixing positions and widths can vary between manufacturers and some bespoke or European beds may require additional checks.
Can I use a wider headboard than my bed?
Yes. Many upholstered and floorstanding headboards are intentionally made wider than the mattress to create a larger visual statement and a more luxurious appearance.
What is the difference between floorstanding and strutted headboards?
Strutted headboards attach directly to the divan base using wooden or metal fixing struts. Floorstanding headboards extend to the floor behind the bed and are often taller and wider for a more decorative appearance.
Are headboard fixing hole measurements standard?
Most standard UK divan beds use common fixing hole positions based on bed size, although measurements can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and bed style.
Can I fit a headboard to any divan bed?
Most divan beds are designed to accept a standard headboard, but we always recommend checking fixing positions, measurements and compatibility before ordering.