---
title: "Headboard Types and Installation"
description: "Simple guide to upholstered, wooden and metal headboards. Strutted, floor- standing and wall-mounted fixing explained."
url: "https://bedguide.co.uk/beds/headboards/"
category: "beds"
primary_entity: "bed headboard"
date_published: 2026-08-03
date_modified: 2026-08-03
---

# Headboard Types and Installation

> A headboard is an upright panel at the head of the bed. It adds comfort, protects the wall and finishes the look. Common materials are padded fabric, wood and metal. You can bolt it to a divan, stand it on the floor or fix it to the wall. Height and fixing method decide whether it clears pillows and wall fittings.

Structural components: panel or padded face, struts or wall brackets, fixing hardware, optional legs for floor-standing units.

## Material types

| Material | Typical traits |
| --- | --- |
| Upholstered | Soft padded surface; fabric or leather cover over foam or fibre |
| Wooden | Rigid panel or plank design; shows grain and joinery |
| Metal | Frame or panel in steel or iron; often looks lighter |

Upholstered boards use the same fabric families as divans. That includes plush
velvet, crushed velvet, chenille, linen-look and faux leather. Decode colour
names in
[bed upholstery fabrics and colours](/beds/bed-upholstery-fabrics-and-colours).

## Face styles (shape language)

| Style | What it is |
| --- | --- |
| Panel / plain | Smooth padded rectangle — the usual standard strutted board |
| Deep-buttoned / Chesterfield | Dimpled tufted face; see [Chesterfield guide](/beds/chesterfield-and-buttoned-beds) |
| Winged | Side panels stick out forward around the pillows |
| Tall floor-standing | Often around 54″ (≈137 cm) retail height — check exact cm |

Model names on shop sites are usually **shape labels**, not different
mechanisms.

## Installation types

1. **Strutted** — bolts into [divan](/beds/divan-platform-vs-sprung) or bed frame
   sockets; moves with the bed when you reposition it. Common with divan bed
   sets (often about 20″ / 50 cm strut boards before upgrades).
2. **Floor-standing** — stands on legs; often sits between wall and mattress;
   may need spacer blocks for mattress clearance.
3. **Wall-mounted** — fixed to the wall, not the base; useful with [ottoman](/beds/ottoman-mechanics)
   or [adjustable](/beds/adjustable-beds) platforms that move.

## Height and mattress stack

Pillow height, [toppers](/bedding/mattress-toppers) and deep mattresses change
how much board shows above the sleep surface. Measure the finished stack depth
before choosing a low decorative board.

## Related BedGuide entries

- [Bed upholstery fabrics and colours](/beds/bed-upholstery-fabrics-and-colours)
- [Chesterfield and buttoned beds](/beds/chesterfield-and-buttoned-beds)
- [Divan storage drawer layouts](/beds/divan-storage-drawer-layouts)

- [Bed footprint and access](/sizing/bed-footprint-and-access)
- [Divan bases](/beds/divan-platform-vs-sprung)
- [Sleigh beds](/beds/sleigh-beds)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is a strutted headboard?

A strutted headboard has vertical struts made of wood or metal. They bolt into sockets on a divan or compatible bed frame. The board moves with the bed instead of fixing only to the wall.

### Can any headboard fit any bed?

No. Width must match the bed size from Single through Super King. Strut spacing or wall-mount geometry must match the base or wall design. Always check fixing centres in centimetres before you buy.

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Source: https://bedguide.co.uk/beds/headboards/ · BedGuide — educational encyclopedia, no affiliate commission. Facts checked against official sources where possible; see https://bedguide.co.uk/editorial-policy. Report an error: https://bedguide.co.uk/corrections.