Headboards

A good headboard anchors the whole bedroom. It gives the bed presence, adds softness to the wall behind it, and provides something comfortable to lean against when you are reading or watching television. We make every headboard to order in our Central London workshop, which means you are not limited to whatever sizes and shapes happen to be in stock at a furniture shop.

You choose the size, the shape, the fabric, and the finish. We build it. The result is a headboard that fits your bed perfectly, matches your room exactly, and lasts for years.

Standard UK Bed Sizes

Most headboards are made to match standard UK bed widths. Here are the sizes we work with most often:

A single bed is 90cm wide. A small double (sometimes called a three-quarter) is 120cm. A standard double is 135cm. A king size is 150cm. A super king is 180cm. And an emperor is 200cm wide.

These are the mattress widths. The headboard itself is typically made a few centimetres wider on each side so it sits flush with or just proud of the bed frame. We will confirm the exact finished width with you before we start.

If your bed is a non-standard size, perhaps an antique frame, a custom divan, or a European import with metric dimensions that do not match UK standards, that is no problem at all. We make headboards to any width. Just give us the measurements.

Headboard Shapes and Styles

The shape of a headboard sets the tone for the whole piece. A flat top with clean square corners looks modern and architectural. A gently curved top softens the line and suits traditional and transitional rooms. A deep curve or arched top adds height and drama, particularly in rooms with tall ceilings.

Winged headboards have panels that angle forward on each side, creating a sense of enclosure around the bed. They are popular in larger bedrooms where the bed sits away from side walls. The wings frame the pillows and give a cosy, sheltered feel.

Scrolled headboards feature a rolled top edge, a detail borrowed from traditional sofa and chair design. This works particularly well in deep buttoned designs.

If you have a specific shape in mind that does not fit neatly into any of these categories, bring us a sketch or a photo. We can reproduce almost any profile.

Buttoning Options Explained

The surface treatment of a headboard makes as much difference as the shape. There are three main approaches, and each creates a very different look.

Deep buttoning is the classic upholstered finish. Buttons are set into the padding at regular intervals, pulling the fabric into a pattern of diamond-shaped folds. It looks rich, textured, and traditional. Deep buttoning works best with fabrics that have some give, like velvet or soft linen, because the fabric needs to fold neatly between the buttons. It uses more fabric than a plain headboard, so expect a slightly higher material cost. The trade-off is a finish with real depth and character.

Fluted or channel-tufted headboards have vertical lines of stitching running from top to bottom, creating a ribbed effect. This is a more contemporary look. Fluting is clean and structured, and it works well with both velvet and firmer fabrics. It adds visual interest without the ornate quality of deep buttoning.

Plain headboards have a smooth, uninterrupted surface. The padding is even and the fabric is pulled tight. This is the simplest look and the most versatile. A plain headboard in a bold fabric makes the fabric the star. In a neutral fabric, it recedes and lets the bed linen do the talking. You can add detail with piping along the edges, a row of decorative studs, or a contrast border panel.

Bordered Headboard→

Wall Mounting vs Freestanding

There are two ways to fit a headboard: bolt it to the wall, or attach it to the bed frame so it stands on its own.

Wall-mounted headboards are fixed directly to the wall using concealed brackets or a French cleat system. The advantage is stability. The headboard does not move when you lean against it, and there is no gap between the headboard and the wall for pillows to fall behind. The downside is that you need solid walls. Plaster over brick or block is fine. Plasterboard partition walls need proper fixings into the studs, or a timber batten across the wall behind the headboard. We can advise on what your walls need.

Freestanding headboards attach to the bed base using bolts or struts that slot into the divan. This is easier to fit and means you can take the headboard with you if you move. It also works well if you are renting and cannot drill into the walls. The headboard may shift very slightly when pushed against, though a heavy divan base usually holds it firmly enough.

How to Measure for a Headboard

Measuring is straightforward. You need two numbers: the width of your mattress (or bed frame, if you want the headboard wider) and the height you want the headboard to be above the mattress top.

For width, measure the mattress from side to side. We will add a small overhang on each side, typically 2 to 5cm, so the headboard does not look too narrow against the bed.

For height, think about how you use the bed. If you sit up to read, you want the headboard tall enough to support your head and shoulders. For most people, 60 to 70cm above the mattress top is comfortable. Statement headboards can go much taller, up to 120cm or more, for a dramatic wall of fabric.

If you are wall-mounting, measure the distance from the floor to the top of your mattress as well. This helps us position the brackets correctly so the headboard sits at the right height. Send us your measurements when you request a quote and we will confirm everything before we start making.