# Headboard heights explained: 20" strutted vs 54" floor standing

Source: https://berkshirerowe.co.uk/guides/headboard-heights — updated 2026-09-25 — Berkshire & Rowe

**Quick answer:** A 20" (about 51 cm) strutted headboard bolts to the divan base on two metal struts and is the standard choice. A 54" (about 137 cm) floor-standing headboard rests on the floor behind the bed and reaches much higher up the wall for a statement look. On our beds the floor-standing upgrade is +£49.95.

## Key facts

- 20 inches ≈ 51 cm; 54 inches ≈ 137 cm.
- Strutted headboards attach to the base and move with the bed.
- Floor-standing headboards stand on the floor and suit higher ceilings.
- Headboards are made to the width of your bed size.

## Strutted or floor standing?

*Headboard types compared*

|   | 20" strutted | 54" floor standing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Height | About 51 cm panel | About 137 cm from the floor |
| Fixing | Two struts bolt to the base | Stands on the floor behind the bed |
| Look | Classic, understated | Tall, hotel-style statement |
| Best with | Standard ceilings, under windows | High ceilings, feature walls |
| Price on our beds | Included | +£49.95 |

## How do I choose the right height?

- Check what is behind the bed: windowsills, sockets, light switches and radiators.
- Sit up in bed — a headboard should be comfortable to lean against, so it should clear your shoulders.
- In rooms with sloping or low ceilings, a strutted headboard keeps the room feeling open.
- In large rooms, a floor-standing headboard anchors the bed and balances the space.

## Will a headboard fit my existing bed?

Order the same size as your bed. Strutted headboards fit divan bases with standard pre-drilled fixing points; floor-standing headboards work with most divans and many frames because they do not need fixing to the base.

## Frequently asked questions

### How tall is a 54 inch headboard in cm?

About 137 cm, measured from the floor.

### How tall is a 20 inch headboard in cm?

About 51 cm.

### Do strutted headboards fit all divan beds?

Most UK divan bases have pre-drilled fixing points for strutted headboards. Check your base has them, or choose a floor-standing headboard.

### Are floor-standing headboards stable?

Yes. They rest on the floor and sit snugly between the wall and the bed; many can also be fixed to the wall for extra security.