A headboard cover is sized by the width of the bed, not by the height of the headboard. Match your mattress size to the table below.
Size chart
| Bed size |
Headboard width (inches) |
Size to select |
| Twin |
38 to 47 in |
120 cm |
| Full / Double |
53 to 59 in |
150 cm |
| Queen |
60 to 71 in |
180 cm |
| King |
76 to 79 in |
200 cm |
| California King / Super King |
80 to 87 in |
220 cm |
How to measure
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Width. Measure across the headboard at its widest point, not the mattress.
-
Height. Measure from the top of the mattress to the top of the headboard.
-
Thickness. Measure front to back. An upholstered headboard is often 4 to 6 inches thick and needs the extra depth.
A note on units. Measure your furniture in inches, then use the table above to find the size to select. Our size selector shows centimetres, because that is how covers are manufactured, so the table gives you both.
Common measuring mistakes
- Measuring the mattress instead of the headboard. Headboards are usually wider.
- Ignoring the thickness. An upholstered panel is often 4 to 6 inches deep.
- Using a UK bed size chart for a US bed. A US King is 76 inches, a UK King is 60.
Why cover a headboard
An upholstered headboard collects hair oils and marks exactly where people lean to read. A removable cover washes, the headboard does not. It is also the quickest way to change the look of a bedroom without replacing the bed.
Shaped and winged headboards
Covers are cut for a straight or gently curved top. A deeply scalloped or winged headboard will not sit smoothly, and a slipcover cut to shape is the better option.
Choosing the right fabric
| If your priority is |
Look for |
Why it matters |
| Reading in bed |
Brushed cotton or velvet |
Comfortable against the back and shoulders. |
| Hair oils and marks |
Machine-washable cover |
The reason to cover a headboard in the first place. |
| Changing the room |
Solid neutral |
Shifts the look of the bedroom without replacing the bed. |
Frequently asked questions
My bed is a US King. Which size?
Select 200 cm, which covers 76 to 79 inches. A US King headboard is typically 78 inches wide.
Does it work with a divan base?
Yes, as long as the headboard is a separate panel. Measure the panel itself.
Will it slip down at night?
Covers with an elasticated hem stay in place. On a very thick headboard, choose the next size up so there is enough depth to grip.
Shop the right cover
Still not sure?
Send us your measurements at support@frenchcovers.com and we will tell you which size to order. Include the width across the arms, the depth of the seat and a photo of the piece if you can. It takes us a minute and saves you a return.
