What Size Headboard Do I Need for My Bed? A Complete NZ Guide

By Amnider Grewal, Bedroom Furniture Specialist at Cambridge Beds & Furniture, 81A Queen Street, Cambridge
Reviewed for accuracy · Last updated 27 July 2026 · Sizing data verified against live in-store product listings · 9 min read

We get this question in the showroom more often than almost any other bedroom one: "What size headboard do I actually need?" People bring in a mattress size, sometimes a photo of a bed base, and want a straight answer before they commit to something that's made to order and can't easily be swapped. Whether you're in Cambridge, over in Morrinsville, or anywhere else across the Waikato, here's the straight answer, along with the reasoning behind it, based on the actual headboards we stock and measure day to day — so you can measure once and get it right.

Quick Answer

Your headboard should generally be the same width as your bed frame, or a little wider — most NZ headboards run 4 to 8 cm wider than the mattress they're paired with. A Queen bed frame (152 cm) typically takes a headboard between 156–160 cm wide, while a King (167 cm) suits one closer to 170–175 cm. Height comes down to personal taste and ceiling space: 120 cm is a common standard, with statement styles running up to 140 cm or more.

How We Verified These Measurements

Every width figure in this guide is pulled from headboards currently stocked and sold through our Cambridge showroom — not averaged from industry blogs or overseas sizing charts. We cross-checked the Albany and Newmarket ranges against their listed product specifications for Queen, King and Super King. For sizes where an exact width isn't published for every style (Single, King Single, Double), we've said so plainly rather than estimating a number that isn't backed by a real product. If a range is updated, restocked under a new name, or discontinued, this guide gets updated to match — it isn't a one-off post left to go stale.

Why Headboard Size Actually Matters

A headboard that's the wrong width is the kind of mistake you only notice once it's installed. Too narrow, and the bed frame peeks out on either side, which looks unfinished no matter how nice the fabric is. Too wide, and it can dominate a smaller room or clash with bedside tables that were positioned for a narrower profile. Because most headboards in New Zealand are made to order rather than sitting on a shelf ready to exchange, getting the sizing right before you order isn't optional — it's the difference between a headboard that looks built-in and one that always looks slightly off.

How Headboard Sizing Actually Works

In short: width should match or slightly exceed your bed frame, height is a style choice, and depth depends on padding. Here's each one in more detail.

• Width — how far the headboard spans side to side. It should match your bed base width, or sit slightly wider so the frame isn't visible past the edges.
• Height — measured from the floor (or from the top of the bed base) up to the top of the headboard. This is largely a style decision, but it also determines how much of the headboard you'll actually see once your mattress and pillows are in place.
• Depth — how far the headboard projects outward from the wall. Slim panel headboards sit close and flat; padded, tufted, and winged styles project further and need a bit more clearance.

Of the three, width is the one you really can't fudge. A headboard a couple of centimetres out on height still looks intentional. A headboard 15 cm too narrow for the bed frame just looks wrong.

NZ Headboard Width Chart by Bed Size

Direct answer: a Queen needs 156–160 cm, a King needs 170–175 cm, and a Super King needs 186–190 cm — based on our own in-stock ranges. Full breakdown below.

New Zealand uses its own bed sizing standard, which differs slightly from Australian and US sizing — always size your headboard against NZ measurements, not an imported size chart you've found online. See our full NZ bed size guide for bed frame dimensions, or if you're still deciding on the bed itself, our queen vs king bed size guide breaks down the room-size trade-offs.

Bed Size	Bed Frame / Mattress Width	Typical Headboard Width	Notes
Single	91 cm	≈100–105 cm	Confirm exact width on product page — varies by style
King Single	105 cm	≈115–120 cm	Confirm exact width on product page — varies by style
Double	139 cm	≈148–152 cm	Confirm exact width on product page — varies by style
Queen	152 cm	156–160 cm	Based on in-stock Albany (157 cm) & Newmarket (156 cm) headboards
King	167 cm	170–175 cm	Based on in-stock Albany (171 cm) & Newmarket (170 cm) headboards
Super King	180 cm	186–190 cm	Based on in-stock Albany (187 cm) & Newmarket (186 cm) headboards
California King	202 cm	Made to order	Sienna & Adobe Tufted available in this size — confirm exact width in-store

These figures are based on current in-stock headboards at Cambridge Beds & Furniture (Albany and Newmarket ranges). Exact widths vary between styles, so always check the specific product page before ordering — this is a general sizing guide, not a substitute for the listed product dimensions.

Headboard Styles and How They Affect Sizing

The style you choose changes how sizing plays out in the room, even when the width on paper is identical.

• Panel headboards (like our Sienna range) are made from solid timber with a flat, structured front. Because they don't have padding adding bulk, the stated width is the width you'll see against the wall.
• Tufted and upholstered headboards (like Adobe Tufted) have padding and fabric wrapped around a frame, so the finished piece can look and feel slightly larger than the raw dimension suggests — worth factoring in if you're working with a tight wall space.
• Winged or wrap-around headboards (like Newmarket) curve slightly around the sides of the bed, which is why their listed width tends to run a little wider than a flat panel style of the same bed size.
• Scoop-shaped headboards (like Albany) sit somewhere in between — a shaped silhouette without full wing sides, which is why their width sits close to, but not identical to, the wrap-around styles.

Showroom tip: If you're choosing between two styles in the same bed size, don't assume the widths are interchangeable — check each product page individually, since a few centimetres either way is normal between ranges.

What Headboard Height Should You Choose?

There's no single correct height — it depends on your ceiling height, your mattress thickness, and the overall look you're going for.

• Standard height (around 120 cm): the most common choice, and one that works in most bedrooms without overwhelming the space.
• Tall or statement height (140 cm and above): draws the eye upward, suits rooms with higher ceilings, and gives more usable back support if you read or watch TV in bed.
• Low-profile (under 100 cm): a minimalist look that suits smaller rooms, lower ceilings, or a more contemporary style.

Mattress thickness matters here too. A deep mattress plus a stack of pillows can cover a surprising amount of the lower headboard — if you're drawn to a design with detailing near the base (piping, buttoning, a lower panel line), that detail may end up mostly hidden once the bed is made up. Not sure which mattress thickness and feel suits you? Our mattress buying guide for different sleep positions can help you land on the right one before you size your headboard.

Wall-Mounted vs Freestanding: Does It Change the Sizing?

Most of the headboards we stock attach directly to the bed base and move with it, which is the simplest option if you ever rearrange the room. Wall-mounted headboards are fixed to the wall independently of the bed base, which gives a cleaner look and means the bed can be pulled out for cleaning without disturbing the headboard. Sizing rules stay the same either way — width should still track the bed frame — but wall-mounting adds one extra step: you'll need to measure and mark the fixing height on the wall itself, ideally before the bed is delivered so you're not measuring around a made-up bed.

How to Measure Your Bed Before Buying a Headboard

You don't need anything more than a tape measure and five minutes, but doing it in the right order saves a lot of back-and-forth later.

• Measure the width of your bed base — not the mattress — from outer edge to outer edge, since mattresses can sit slightly inset from the frame.
• Check your bed base height, since most headboards bolt on above this point and the visible height changes depending on how tall your base already is.
• Measure the wall space available, including power points, skirting boards, or windows that might restrict placement or force the headboard slightly off-centre.
• Note your bed base's mounting slot positions if you're buying a headboard separately from the base — matching bracket positions make installation far easier and avoid drilling extra holes.

Showroom tip: If you're at all unsure, bring your bed base measurements (or just a photo and a tape measure reading) into our Cambridge showroom, and our team can match you to the right size on the spot.

Common Headboard Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

• Measuring the mattress instead of the bed base — mattresses can sit inset from the frame, which throws off width calculations.
• Assuming all brands size headboards the same way — a Queen headboard from one range isn't always identical in width to another, as our own width chart above shows.
• Ignoring mounting compatibility — some headboards need specific bracket positions or a slatted base to attach to properly.
• Choosing height purely from trend photos without checking your own ceiling height and room proportions against them.
• Forgetting made-to-order lead times — several of our headboard ranges are made to order and can take up to eight weeks, so size decisions need to happen early, not the week you want it delivered.
• Not accounting for style bulk — a padded or tufted headboard can visually read wider than its listed dimension once the fabric and filling are finished.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size headboard do I need for a queen bed?

A Queen bed frame in NZ measures 152 cm wide, so look for a headboard in the 156–160 cm range. This slight extra width means the headboard sits just past the edges of the frame rather than looking undersized against it.

Should a headboard be the exact same width as the bed frame?

Not necessarily — most headboards are made a few centimetres wider than the bed frame they're designed for, so the frame isn't visible on either side. Matching or slightly wider is the general rule; going much narrower or much wider than the frame will look out of proportion.

Can I use a King headboard on a Queen bed frame?

It's not recommended as a standard swap — the extra width will overhang the frame noticeably. If you want a wider look on a Queen frame, it's better to choose a headboard specifically sized or made-to-order for that width rather than sizing up a full category.

What is the standard headboard height in NZ?

Around 120 cm is the most common standard height, though this varies by style. Statement and upholstered designs often run to 140 cm or more, while low-profile options sit under 100 cm. Height is largely a style choice rather than a fixed rule.

Does mattress thickness affect what headboard I should buy?

Yes — a thicker mattress and pillow stack will cover more of the lower portion of the headboard. If you're choosing a design with detailing near the base, factor in your mattress height so that detail remains visible once the bed is made up.

Do headboards fit all NZ bed bases?

Most headboards attach via universal bolt slots, but mounting positions can differ between brands. If you're buying a headboard separately from your bed base, it's worth checking bracket compatibility first, or visiting our Cambridge showroom so our team can confirm the fit.

Can I get a custom-sized headboard?

Yes — several of our ranges, including fabric-upholstered styles, can be customised on request. Custom and made-to-order headboards typically take longer to arrive, so it's worth allowing extra lead time compared to in-stock options.

Can I attach a headboard to the wall instead of the bed base?

Yes, many of our styles can be wall-mounted rather than bolted to the bed base. Sizing rules stay the same, but you'll need to measure and mark the fixing height on the wall before delivery, since you won't be able to measure around a made-up bed as easily afterward.

How long does a made-to-order headboard take to arrive?

Most made-to-order headboards take up to eight weeks, since they're built once your order is placed rather than held as ready stock. It's worth confirming size and fabric early if you're working toward a specific move-in or renovation date.

Where can I see and buy headboards in Cambridge, NZ?

You can browse our full range online or in person at our Cambridge showroom, 81A Queen Street. Seeing height and fabric in person is the easiest way to judge proportions before you buy, and our team can help match a headboard to your existing bed base.

Do you deliver headboards to Morrinsville and the wider Waikato?

Yes — we regularly deliver headboards and bedroom furniture to Morrinsville, Hamilton, Matamata, Te Awamutu and the wider Waikato region from our Cambridge showroom. Free delivery applies within 10 km of Cambridge; for Morrinsville and further afield, contact our team for a delivery quote before you order.

Key Takeaways

• Match your headboard width to your bed frame width, allowing a few extra centimetres either side.
• Height is a style decision — 120 cm is standard, 140 cm+ makes a statement, under 100 cm is minimalist.
• Style changes how a headboard reads in the room even at the same listed width — padded and winged styles read larger.
• Always measure your bed base (not just the mattress) before ordering.
• Check individual product pages for exact dimensions — headboard width can vary between ranges.
• Made-to-order styles need longer lead times, so size and order early.

About the Author

Amnider Grewal is Bedroom Furniture Specialist at Cambridge Beds & Furniture in Cambridge, Waikato, and helps customers fit bedroom furniture to their space every week in our showroom. This guide reflects the sizing questions our team answers in-store and is checked against our current in-stock product range.

Cambridge Beds & Furniture is a locally owned and operated bed and furniture retailer at 81A Queen Street, Cambridge, serving customers across Cambridge, Morrinsville, Hamilton, Matamata, Te Awamutu and the wider Waikato region.

Furnishing the rest of the room too? See our guide to where to buy bedroom furniture in Cambridge, NZ.

Ready to see sizes in person? Browse our headboard range or visit our Cambridge showroom.