Buying a custom bed is one of the most rewarding home decisions you can make — but it is also one where the questions pile up fast. What size do I need? How tall should the headboard be? Which fabric will last? How long will it take? What does White Glove delivery actually mean?
We have answered these questions thousands of times at The Custom Bed Company. This guide puts all the answers in one place so you can order with confidence.
Step 1: Get the Size Right First
Size is the first and most load-bearing decision. Getting it wrong is the most common mistake buyers make when ordering any bed — custom or otherwise.
Standard US bed sizes:
- Twin (38" × 75") — single sleeper; good for kids rooms and guest rooms
- Twin XL (38" × 80") — 5 inches longer than Twin; popular for taller teenagers and college dorms
- Full / Double (54" × 75") — comfortable for a single adult; tight for two
- Queen (60" × 80") — the most popular size for couples; works in most master bedrooms
- King (76" × 80") — maximum width; suits larger master bedrooms; needs at least 12 feet of room width to feel right
- California King (72" × 84") — narrower than King but 4 inches longer; best for taller sleepers in rooms that are longer than they are wide
The room test: Before committing to a size, tape out the bed footprint on your bedroom floor. Include the frame width — which on an upholstered bed is typically 4–6 inches wider than the mattress on each side. You want at least 24 inches of walking space on either side of the bed and at the foot.
One of the advantages of a custom bed is that we can adjust the external frame dimensions to suit unusual room layouts. If you are working with an awkward alcove or a specific space constraint, talk to us — non-standard external dimensions are something we handle regularly.
Step 2: Choose Your Headboard Height
Headboard height has more impact on a bedroom than almost any other single design decision. Here is a practical guide:
- Up to 48" — low profile; suits rooms with low ceilings or minimal-style schemes where the bed should sit quietly in the space
- 48–60" — standard range for most master bedrooms; provides presence without overwhelming the room
- 60–72" — statement height; best in rooms with 9'+ ceilings or where the bed is the primary design feature
- Floor to ceiling — the most dramatic option; typically achieved by combining a tall headboard with a coordinating upholstered wall panel above
Our most common recommendation for a standard master bedroom with an 8-foot ceiling is a 60–66 inch headboard — tall enough to read as a statement without crowding the room. For rooms with 9-foot or higher ceilings, we always suggest going to 72 inches as a minimum.
Step 3: Pick Your Headboard Style
The headboard style sets the personality of the bed. The main options we offer:
- Wingback — wings extend forward on either side of the headboard; formal, elegant, suits both classic and contemporary rooms
- Panelled — geometric panels divided by channels or borders; architectural and modern; works in any room
- Tufted — buttons pulled through the upholstery in diamond or square patterns; glamorous and classic; pairs especially well with velvet
- Plain upholstered — clean and smooth; versatile; lets the fabric and colour make the statement
- Layered or stepped — stacked planes of upholstery create depth and shadow; contemporary and distinctive
If you are unsure which style to choose, send us photos of your bedroom — walls, flooring, any existing furniture — and we will advise on what will work best in the space.
Step 4: Choose Your Fabric
Fabric is the most personal decision in a custom bed order and the one where physical samples make the biggest difference. A colour that looks perfect on screen can read very differently under your bedroom lighting — always request samples before committing.
The main fabric categories:
- Luxury velvet — the most popular choice; rich, warm, and tactile; available in 30+ colours; best for statement bedrooms
- Performance velvet — same appearance as standard velvet but engineered to resist wear, fading, and minor moisture; ideal for everyday use, families, or pets
- Boucle — looped texture; warm and contemporary; available in neutral tones; currently the most requested fabric for new custom beds
- Linen — natural, relaxed, breathable; best for coastal, country, or Scandinavian-inspired rooms
- Faux leather — sleek and easy to clean; suits minimal, modern, or industrial aesthetics
We offer over 100 fabric options across these categories. Order your fabric sample pack before placing your bed order — samples are free and posted directly to you.
Step 5: Decide on Optional Upgrades
Once the core specification is confirmed, consider whether any of these upgrades belong in your design:
- Ottoman storage base — gas-assisted lift reveals a large storage cavity underneath the mattress; adds significant practical value to any custom bed frame
- TV lift mechanism — a motorised lift built into the footboard raises your TV on command and lowers it out of sight; compatible with screens up to 65"; see our TV lift bed range
- Matching wall panel — extending the headboard upholstery onto the wall above creates a seamless, designed look and reduces echo in the room; see our wall panels collection
- Non-standard sizing — if your room requires a custom external width or an unusual mattress size, we accommodate bespoke dimensions at no additional design fee
Step 6: Understand the Timeline
Every bed we make is built from scratch after your order is confirmed. Here is what to expect:
- Order confirmation to production start: 1–3 business days (fabric sourcing and specification sign-off)
- Production time: 3–5 weeks in our New Jersey workshop
- Delivery scheduling: Our White Glove team contacts you to arrange a delivery window once the bed is complete
- Total lead time: Typically 4–6 weeks from order confirmation to delivery
If you have a firm move-in date or an event you are working toward, let us know at the time of ordering and we will do our best to accommodate your timeline.
Step 7: What White Glove Delivery Means
Free White Glove delivery is included on every custom bed we make. Here is exactly what that covers:
- Delivery to your room of choice (not just the kerb or front door)
- Full assembly of the bed frame, headboard, and any storage or lift mechanism
- Removal of all packaging materials
- A final check that everything is correctly positioned and assembled before the team leaves
White Glove delivery is available across the continental United States. We do not deliver to Alaska or Hawaii at this time.
Ready to Order?
The best way to start a custom bed order is with a conversation. Browse our luxury bed collection to find a style you love, then contact us to discuss sizing, fabric, and specification. We will guide you through every step and confirm the full specification before anything goes into production.
If you are not sure where to start, order a fabric sample pack first — holding the fabrics in your own bedroom is always the best starting point.
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