Highboards for the Bedroom — Dimensions, Solutions, Ideas
A highboard is a piece of furniture with a typical height of 100 cm to 130 cm that makes optimal use of vertical space in the bedroom, offering more storage capacity than a classic chest of drawers without occupying the footprint of a wardrobe.
In bedrooms, floor space is often strictly limited by the bed and the main wardrobe. When the space for a large wardrobe for 2 people is already allocated, there is frequently a lack of storage surfaces for laundry, socks, or bedding. This is where the highboard comes in. A highboard functions in a room much like a well-organised toolbox: it stacks contents neatly upwards rather than expanding across the width.
Dimensions and Room Planning in the Bedroom
The most crucial factor when selecting and positioning the unit is its depth. Between the edge of the bed and the cabinet carcass, at least 60 cm to 80 cm of clearance must remain free so that doors and drawers can open smoothly without blocking the walkway.
Standard depths for highboards range between 30 cm and 40 cm. A model that is only 30 cm or 35 cm deep is well-suited to narrow room layouts. Here, T-shirts, underwear, and smaller accessories can be stored flat. Anyone needing to accommodate bulkier textiles such as winter duvets or thick jumpers requires a carcass depth of 50 cm.
The width usually varies between 80 cm and 120 cm. By comparison, a wide bedroom chest of drawers can easily measure 200 cm in width, which can quickly feel overpowering in small rooms and takes up a large amount of wall space. The highboard builds narrower and expands upwards instead.
Construction, Material and Self-Assembly
When assembling bedroom furniture, chipboard and MDF (medium-density fibreboard) dominate, often finished with a scratch-resistant melamine coating. These engineered wood materials remain dimensionally stable and simplify flat-pack assembly thanks to pre-drilled holes.
The following standard tools are required for assembly:
- Cordless screwdriver with matching bits (usually PZ or TX for wood screws)
- Spirit level for precise alignment of the carcass
- Wooden mallet for knocking in wooden dowels
- Hand screwdriver for fine adjustment of the fittings
For models fitted with doors, pay close attention to the installed concealed hinge. A standard hinge with an opening angle of 110° is generally sufficient for bedroom furniture. If the furniture piece features multiple drawers, the type of runner is decisive. A full-extension runner enables the drawer to be pulled out 100%, ensuring direct access to garments stored right at the back, especially in deep 50 cm carcasses. Integrated damping (soft-close) cushions the drawer front before closing to prevent slamming — an essential technical detail for bedroom acoustics.
Colour Schemes and Visual Impact
Colour significantly influences the feel of a room. White furniture reflects light and makes compact rooms appear visually more open. In contrast, a highboard in black or anthracite models creates sharp, architectural accents. However, dark surfaces absorb light and require sufficient daylight or targeted interior lighting to prevent the piece from looking like a solid, heavy block. Wood finishes such as Sonoma oak or Wotan oak integrate neutrally into existing interior schemes.
Distinction: Sideboard vs Chest of Drawers
These terms are often used interchangeably in interior planning, yet they refer to structurally different solutions. A sideboard is typically wider than it is tall and often serves as a waist-height surface, for instance for decorative items or a television. A chest of drawers traditionally consists almost exclusively of drawers.
If you are specifically seeking pure drawer storage, classic bedroom chests of drawers are the most direct choice. A highboard, on the other hand, usually combines drawers in the lower section with cupboard doors and internal shelves in the upper third. The shelves rest on metal or plastic shelf supports that are easily adjusted in height using the System 32 hole grid. This allows the compartment height to be tailored precisely to the respective stack of clothing.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Bedroom Highboards
What depth is sensible for a bedroom highboard?
For tight spaces and narrow walkways alongside the bed, depths of 30 cm to 35 cm are practical. For thick jumpers, towels, or bedding, a carcass depth of at least 40 cm to 50 cm is required.
How long does it take to assemble a highboard?
An experienced DIYer typically requires around 1.5 to 2 hours for an average engineered wood model. Aligning the doors using the three-dimensional adjustment screws on the concealed hinge and fine-tuning the drawer fronts takes roughly 20 minutes of this time.
Drawers or doors – which offers more storage space?
A combination proves to be the most versatile in day-to-day use. Drawers equipped with full-extension runners are ideal for socks and underwear, as contents are fully visible from above. Folded T-shirts or trousers can be stacked neatly behind doors on height-adjustable shelves.
Does a highboard need to be fixed to the wall?
Yes. With a height of around 100 cm or more, the centre of gravity shifts upwards, particularly when upper doors are opened or heavy items are placed on the top panel. Secure wall mounting using appropriate wall plugs and screws prevents the carcass from tipping forward.