Choose the Perfect Tall Queen Headboard for Your Bedroom Sanctuary
Imagine stepping into your bedroom and being enveloped in a sense of peaceful tranquility. The stresses of the day instantly slip away as you gaze at the beautiful centerpiece anchoring your bedroom--an elegantly tall, gorgeously styled queen headboard that transforms your space into a personal sanctuary. Choosing the perfect tall queen headboard can elevate your bedroom to a luxurious oasis, optimally blending aesthetics, function and your own personal taste.
But with so many options to consider, from the ideal height to pick to the style and features that best fit your life, where do you start? This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know to select a tall queen headboard that makes a majestic statement and provides a cozy place to recharge. Let's explore the considerations that go into designing your perfect bedroom retreat.
Height Considerations for a Tall Queen Headboard
First, let's define exactly what constitutes a "tall" queen headboard. Queen mattresses themselves have dimensions of 60" wide by 80" long. A traditional queen headboard tends to be around 50-54" high. Once you get over 60" in height, a headboard starts entering "tall" territory.
Standard Queen Headboard Heights
A standard queen headboard typically ranges anywhere from 28 to 36 inches in height. Many simple metal or wooden headboards are right in this range. While these shorter headboards work perfectly fine, they can sometimes feel somewhat lost or undersized if your bedroom has high ceilings.
For a queen bed placed against a wall in a room with 9 foot ceilings, a headboard height of around 32 to 36 inches tends to work well proportionally. But if you want something that makes more of an impact in the space, read on to learn why going taller is an excellent option.
Defining a "Tall" Queen Headboard
So when does a headboard qualify as "tall"? Generally speaking, queen headboards that are around 60 inches or taller fall into this category. Extra height that covers a majority of the wall behind the bed makes a significantly bolder statement and provides you with more overall decorating real estate.
Many tall queen headboards can reach heights ranging from 65 up to 70 inches or more. This allows the headboard to become a true focal point and anchor for the overall bedroom look.
Tall headboards most commonly adorn king-size and California king beds, since they naturally suit oversized mattresses best. But you can absolutely find tall queen headboards as well to create drama above your queen bed.
Measuring Your Bedroom
When debating what headboard height will work best in your specific bedroom, taking some key measurements is crucial. You'll want to measure:
- The ceiling height
- The height of your mattress off the floor
- The height of any existing headboard you may be replacing
From there, some quick math will tell you what size headboard can fit proportionally. As a general rule of thumb, your headboard should be around 2/3 to 3/4 the height of your wall to look balanced.
So for example, if you have 9 foot ceilings, that's 108 inches. Multiply that by 2/3 or .66 and you get around 71 inches for optimal headboard height. For 8 foot ceilings, 2/3 of 96 inches is 64 inches. This takes into account the additional height your mattress platform adds.
Benefits of Extra Height
What are the advantages of selecting a taller headboard for your queen bedroom?
- It creates a dramatic focal point, especially in rooms with extra high ceilings.
- The taller height draws the eye upwards, which makes ceilings appear higher.
- You get ample space to incorporate lighting sconces, shelving and other decorative elements.
- It provides enough height that you won't knock your head on the wall when sitting up in bed.
- The overall presence and grandeur can make the bed feel more elegant and substantial.
Downsides of Excessive Height
Are there any potential downsides of selecting an oversized tall queen headboard? A few to keep in mind are:
- If your bedroom has low ceilings, an extremely tall headboard can feel overpowering and disproportionate to the space.
- The taller the headboard, the less walking space you may have alongside the bed.
- A very tall headboard reduces easy access to the wall behind it for hanging artwork or other decor.
- Without an additional support brace on the back, a heavier tall headboard can potentially tip over.
- It may be harder to comfortably lean back against a very tall headboard when sitting up in bed.
The key is finding that ideal middle ground - a headboard with presence and height that enhances your space but doesn't overwhelm. unless you're deliberately wanting to make a dramatic statement.
Material Options for Durability and Style
Once you've determined the perfect height range for your bedroom, next up is selecting what material fits both your decor goals and practical needs. Queen headboards come in a diverse array of materials, each with their own aesthetic and functional perks.
Wood Headboards
For many, warm, inviting wood is the first choice for headboard material. From richly grained oak to distressed reclaimed wood, a range of styles is available. Benefits of wood headboards include:
- Natural material that adds texture and warmth
- Sturdy and structurally supportive
- Can be left unfinished, stained, painted, distressed etc.
- Classic material suitable for traditional to rustic decors
Oak and maple are perennially popular choices and provide a refined, timeless look. Weathered barn wood or reclaimed wood offer cottage charm. Work with your wood selection to complement other wood elements in the room, like dressers and nightstands.
Upholstered Headboards
For a touch of softness against your back while lounging in bed, upholstered headboards deliver on comfort. Fabrics like velvet, linen and leather can be perfectly tailored with tufted buttons and folded seams. Benefits include:
- Cushy, padded comfort to relax against
- Ability to match headboard fabric to other textiles in room
- Options like wingback profiles with extra drama
- Easily changed look with new fabrics as styles evolve
Just be sure your selected fabric is durable and designed to handle everyday use. Coordinating the headboard fabric to your bedding and draperies ties the full room together.
Metal Headboards
From sleek and modern to industrial chic, metal headboards deliver a bold style statement. Wrought iron, powder-coated steel, brass, and chrome selections make a sophisticated impact. Key traits include:
- Contemporary vibe perfect for modern spaces
- Range of metal finishes like matte black, brass, or hammered copper
- Can incorporate delicate cut-outs or strong structural shapes
- Painting metal adds personalized panache
Let metal artistry shine by keeping surrounding nightstands and other furniture powder coated or with matching metal bases. A little metallic goes a long way in the bedroom.
Comparison of Material Traits
Wood | Upholstered | Metal | |
Durability | Excellent | Varies by fabric | Very high |
Texture | Natural grain | Smooth or tufted | Sleek yet strong |
Warmth | Cozy and inviting | Depends on fill | Tends to feel cooler |
Installation | Mid-range complexity | Relatively easy | More complex |
Keep these core differences in mind as you evaluate options. Your climate, degree of DIY skills and overall room ambiance will help determine the best fit.
Design Styles to Match Your Decor
Now that you've explored both ideal sizing and materials, it's time to look at headboard designs aligned with your chosen decor. Narrow down general styles you're attracted to, then look for tall queen renditions.
Modern and Contemporary
For a sleek, pared-down look, modern headboards focus on clean lines and geometric shapes. You'll find many molded plastic and metal options here. Key features include:
- Sparse ornamentation for minimalist style
- Bold colors and materials
- May incorporate LED light strips
- Looks best with platform bed base
Aim for crisp-edged and linear versus curvy profiles. Pair with bedding showcasing solid blocks of color and pattern for a chic designer aesthetic.
Traditional
At the other end of the decor spectrum, traditional headboard styles reflect classic elegance perfect for formal bedrooms. Timeless details include:
- Ornate wood carvings and turned posts
- Tufted upholstery with nailhead trim accents
- Matching nightstands and dressers
- Elegant lines and carved profiles
Look for inspiration from French Country to Victorian era style. Floral bedding, ruffled pillows and chandelier lighting complete the look.
Rustic and Farmhouse
Channel cozy cottage charm with a rustic tall headboard. Consider these nature-inspired finishes:
- Unfinished, distressed or whitewashed wood
- Woven wicker and natural fiber
- Wrought iron or hammered metal
- Barn wood plank construction
Accent with gauzy curtains, woven throws, and antique-style lighting for a comfy, welcoming feel. Extend rustic elements like wrought iron finishes throughout the space for harmony.
Tips for Styling Your Headboard
How you accessorize and layer in decor around your tall headboard completes its polished look. Some style tips include:
- Select bedding that incorporates headboard colors and materials
- Hang artwork 6-12 inches above the headboard to integrate it
- Add tall floor lamps and layered side tables next to bed
- Incorporate plush pillows and throws at the foot of the bed
- Repeat headboard fabric textures in window treatments
Frame your tall headboard with decor that enhances its finest features. Soon it will blend seamlessly into a well-curated slumber sanctuary.
Functional Features to Consider
Beyond its aesthetic impact, don't overlook the opportunity for your tall queen headboard to deliver form and function through smart extras.
Built-In Shelving
Open shelving integrated right into the top portion of your headboard provides a convenient spot for books, reading glasses or your bedside teapot. You can find headboards with:
- Floating open shelves
- Enclosed cabinetry with doors
- Cubbies of various sizes
- Coordinated hooks or racks
Look for shelving tall enough not to interfere with pillows. Wired shelves with lighting built in double as elegant accent lighting.
Lighting
Speaking of lighting, having illumination anchored right into your tall headboard is brilliant for late-night reading or mood lighting. Options include:
- Attached swing arm sconces
- LED strips concealed under shelving
- Reading lights mounted on top
- Ambient inner lighting that creates glow
Back-lit headboards give off an attractive soft glow and can be controlled by remote or voice command. Who needs bedside lamps when your headboard sparkles?
Power Outlets
For our tech-driven world, having conveniently located power outlets in your tall headboard solves messy cord challenges. Look for:
- USB ports for direct device charging
- Traditional 110-volt outlets
- Full power strip with surge protection
- Controlled inner wiring for safety
With your device charging cables neatly plugged in up top, no more cords snake under the bed collecting dust bunnies.
Comparison of Functional Features
Shelving | Lighting | Outlets | |
Needs Met | Storage, display | Ambiance, reading | Device charging |
Installation | Mid complexity | Varies by type | Complex wiring |
Cost Impact | Mid-range | Higher price | Higher price |
Factor in your own needs to pick functionality that best serves your lifestyle. Trading some design simplicity for integrated features may be worth the perks.
Creating a peaceful bedroom sanctuary starts with picking a tall queen headboard tailored exactly to your space and style. By measuring your room, evaluating height options, selecting durable materials and thinking through useful features, you're sure to find your perfect dreamy retreat.
While the process involves some careful consideration, the impacts are enormous. Your gorgeous statement headboard will become a beloved bedroom centerpiece for years to come. Whenever life feels overwhelming, your new cozy nest waits welcomingly to wrap you in tranquility.