Posted by Natalia Kolomiets
on June 12, 2026
The headboard is the piece that defines the bedroom: it sets the tone for the room, protects the wall, and makes the bed the focal point of the space. But choosing the right one requires some know-how: the correct size for your bed, the right height, the style, and the type of installation. This buying guide explains everything you need to know so you can get it right the first time.
Quick response
When choosing a wooden headboard, start with the dimensions: it should be the same width as the bed or extend 5 to 10 cm beyond each side (for a 150-cm bed, a headboard measuring 150 to 160 cm). The standard height is 110 to 130 cm from the floor, with at least 50–60 cm visible above the mattress. In terms of style, slatted and lattice headboards dominate modern bedrooms; rustic styles bring traditional warmth. Solid wood is the most durable option and allows for mounting to the wall or the bed frame.
Dimensions: Which headboard You Need Based on Your Bed
The general rule is simple: the headboard should be the same width as the bed or extend 5 to 10 cm beyond each side. A headboard that’s narrower than the mattress throws the bed off balance visually; one that’s much wider only works if you’re going for a deliberate paneled effect.
| Bed | Mattress width | Recommended headboard |
|---|---|---|
| Single (90) | 90 cm | 90–100 cm |
| Small double (135) | 135 cm | 135–145 cm |
| Marriage (150) | 150 cm | 150–160 cm |
| King (180) | 180 cm | 180–200 cm |
Two things to check before buying: measure the actual width of your bed, including the bed base or box spring (some bed bases extend beyond the mattress), and check the available wall space, especially if there are tall nightstands or wall sconces on either side.
Tip: If you're torn between two sizes, go with the larger one. A headboard that's slightly wider than the bed frames the whole look better and leaves room if you ever switch to a larger mattress.
The correct height of the headboard
The standard height of a headboard ranges from 110 to 130 cm above the floor. What matters is the visible portion: at least 50–60 cm of the headboard should extend above the mattress so that it serves both an aesthetic and practical purpose (supporting your back while reading and protecting the wall).
- Standard ceilings (250 cm): A headboard with a total height of 110–120 cm is the classic proportion.
- High ceilings or large bedrooms: headboards measuring 140–160 cm create a very modern panel-headboard effect.
- Loft beds with storage: subtract the height of the mattress and storage unit when calculating the visible portion. A loft bed with a low headboard gets "swallowed up."
Styles of wooden headboards: slatted, wicker, rustic, and modern
Wooden slat headboard
Horizontal or vertical wooden slats spaced evenly apart. It’s the most versatile style right now: it adds texture and visual rhythm without feeling cluttered, and works equally well in Nordic, Japandi, or contemporary bedrooms.
Headboard made of wood
A variation on slatted headboards featuring thin, closely spaced slats, inspired by Mediterranean and artisanal styles. Slatted headboards have become one of the most sought-after designs due to their balance of craftsmanship and modernity. Crafted from solid oak, they create a particularly warm effect.
Rustic headboard
Wood with a distinct grain, natural or distressed finishes, and a robust look. It works well in bedrooms with a rustic feel, but also serves as a warm contrast in very minimalist spaces.
Modern / plain headboard
A clean, unadorned wooden panel, sometimes featuring built-in floating side tables. The grain takes center stage. Ideal if you’re looking for visual serenity and want the wood to speak for itself.
No matter the style, the material matters just as much as the design: a solid oak headboard will last for decades without warping, while those made of plywood or MDF lose their rigidity over time. If you want to understand the difference in depth, read our MDF vs. solid wood comparison.
Recommended by Roble.Store
For a bedroom that will stand the test of time, choose a headboard and nightstands made from the same wood with the same finish. Solid oak with a natural finish creates a cohesive look that ages well and never goes out of style.
Wood vs. Upholstery: Which Should You Choose?
Choose a wooden headboard if you prioritize durability, easy cleaning (just a cloth—no dust mites or fabrics to vacuum), and a timeless style. Solid wood can also be sanded down and refinished if you ever want to change the finish.
Choose an upholstered headboard if you value plush comfort for reading while reclining in bed and a softer look. On the downside, it collects dust, requires more maintenance, and light-colored fabrics get dirty from daily wear and tear.
The middle ground: a wooden headboard with large back cushions. It combines the durability of wood with the comfort of fabric, and you can swap out the cushions whenever you want to refresh the bedroom without changing the furniture.
Installation: on the wall or on the bed frame
There are two ways to install a wooden headboard, and it’s best to decide which one you want before you buy:
- Mounted to the wall: The headboard is hung like a panel, separate from the bed. Advantages: It stays perfectly secure, doesn't wobble, and allows you to position the bed at exactly the height you want. This is the recommended option for wide or heavy headboards.
- Attached to the frame: The headboard is screwed to the bed base or slatted frame. Advantage: You can move the bed without any construction work. Disadvantage: On beds with lightweight slatted frames, it may shift with use.
Always check what mounting system the headboard comes with and whether your wall (drywall vs. brick) is suitable for anchoring. For drywall, use specialized anchors and distribute the weight across multiple points.
How to coordinate it with the rest of the bedroom
The headboard is the focal point of the bedroom, so the other pieces should complement it:
- Nightstands: made from the same wood and finish for a cohesive look, or in a deliberate contrast (natural oak headboard + lacquered nightstands) for a more eclectic feel.
- Bedding: Paired with a wooden headboard featuring a visible grain, plain textiles in natural tones (linen, off-white, sage green, terracotta) allow the wood to shine through.
- Walls: Warm neutral tones bring out the best in oak. If you want to know which colors work best, check out our guide to the best colors to pair with oak furniture.
- Headboard decoration: If you want to take it a step further, we have a comprehensive guide on how to decorate a wooden headboard.
And if you're still wondering whether you really need one, in this article we'll discuss the importance of headboards in the bedroom.
Browse our solid wood headboards and beds
Frequently Asked Questions About Wooden Headboards
What size headboard do I need for a 150-cm bed?
For a 150-cm bed, the headboard should be between 150 and 160 cm wide: the same width as the bed or extending up to 5 cm on each side. The same applies to other sizes: 135-cm bed → 135–145-cm headboard; 180-cm bed → 180–200-cm headboard.
How tall should a wooden headboard be?
The standard height is 110 to 130 cm from the floor, leaving at least 50–60 cm of the headboard visible above the mattress. In bedrooms with high ceilings, headboards measuring 140–160 cm create a very modern paneled effect.
What is a wicker headboard?
This headboard features thin wooden slats arranged vertically at regular intervals, with a Mediterranean-inspired, handcrafted design. It is currently one of the most sought-after styles due to its balance of craftsmanship and modernity.
Is a wooden headboard better, or an upholstered one?
The wooden one is more durable, easier to clean, and doesn't attract dust mites; the upholstered one is softer and more comfortable to lean against while reading. A compromise is a wooden headboard with large back cushions: durability and comfort in one.
How do you attach a wooden headboard to the wall?
Wall-mounted headboards are hung using hardware or battens anchored with anchors appropriate for the type of wall. For brick walls, standard anchors are sufficient; for drywall, use anchors specifically designed for drywall and distribute the weight across several mounting points.
Does the headboard have to be made of the same wood as the rest of the bedroom?
It's not a must, but matching the headboard and nightstands in the same wood and finish creates a cohesive look. Deliberate contrast works well too: a natural wood headboard paired with nightstands in a different shade or material.
What kinds of wooden headboards does Roble.Store sell?
At Roble.Store solid oak headboards in all standard sizes (90, 135, 150, and 180 cm), featuring natural finishes and options for slatted or solid panels, as well as solid wood beds. You can view them at our showrooms in Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, or request wood samples before making your decision.
Closing
Choosing the right wooden headboard starts with the technical details—the dimensions based on your bed, the visible height, and the mounting system—and then letting the style take center stage: slats or latticework for a modern look, rustic for traditional warmth, or smooth panels to let the wood grain shine. Made of solid wood, any of these will last for decades.
At Roble.Store solid oak headboards designed to be the centerpiece of your bedroom for years to come. Come see them at one of our showrooms or request samples to compare wood types and finishes before making your decision.
Find the perfect headboard for your bedroom
Browse our collection of solid oak headboards, available in all sizes, with natural finishes and made in Europe.
