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Design 101
The Ultimate Headboards Buying Guide
September 26, 2024
A complete bedroom requires, of course, a bed — and the perfect bed usually has a headboard. Whether it's for added beauty or comfort, a headboard is an essential decor consideration. Check out our guide for an overview of your options and tips for easy installation.
Why Do You Need a Headboard?
A headboard adds and aesthetic touch to your decor that elevates your bedroom's unique style. A headboard is also functional. It provides a barrier between the bed and the wall, protecting both against damage.
Depending on how you sleep, a headboard can also make your bed more comfortable. If your walls tend to be drafty and cool, the headboard acts as an extra layer of insulation. If you're the type who enjoys sitting up with a book or tablet before getting some shuteye, the headboard can be a convenient backrest.
Some headboards also serve dual functions as an extra set of shelves or cabinets, giving you room for storage and decor touches like knick-knacks and books. All in all, the headboard is another avenue for you to bring your distinct style to your bed.
Covered or Not: Material Options
Headboards can be upholstered or not, depending on your style and preference for upkeep. Wooden and metal headboards offer design and function, while headboards covered in fabric or other materials give a sense of comfort.
Many upholstered headboards have material that covers a padded interior to make them easy to lean up against. Options include leather, cotton, vinyl, linen, acrylic, and polyester. Each fabric comes with its own cleaning regimen. Leather might need just a quick wipe-down or dusting, while other materials might trap dust over time and need more robust maintenance.
Metal and wooden headboards are often easy to maintain but might lack the sense of coziness of a fully padded option where you can curl up with a book. It comes down to your sense of style and what you need to feel at home at the end of the day.
Right Size of Your Headboard
As much as your headboard can bring a dramatic look to your bedroom, you might want to exercise caution so it doesn't dominate the room. High headboards tend to work best in rooms with high ceilings, while a high headboard in a small bedroom can make the room fell cramped. If you're in a smaller space, consider a shorter or metal frame headboard where you can still see a bit of the wall coming through.
Keep in mind that headboards are sometimes wider than the mattress and bed frame. If you have a wider headboard, try to eyeball the wall space behind your bed to see how the new addition will change your overall bedroom layout.
Headboard Shapes, Styles, and Types
Headboards are as varied as beds, but most are variations on a few models. Panel headboards are typically flat, rectangular pieces; a wingback is a variation of this style, with two panels that extend on either side.
Slat and open-frame headboards have a basic frame with an intricate design on the inside. This can take the form of vertical wooden slats or thin metal bars curved into spirals or other designs.
You can also choose a headboard with a distinct shape, like a sleigh headboard, which slopes to resemble the back of a seat in a sleigh or horse-drawn carriage. If it's storage you're looking for, a bookcase/storage headboard is another option.
Tips To Keep In Mind
When you're ready to order a headboard, there are a few practical considerations. It's a good idea to have a look at your bed and consider how you'll secure the headboard. Although some headboards attach to the walls, others screw into the bedframe. Take a look at your bed and assess whether it's easy to secure.
Have a look at the sizing of the new headboard and plan out how to get it into the room. In a small or awkward space, you might have to rearrange the furniture to place the headboard. The board is going to add about two to four inches to the length of your bed, so pull out a measuring tape to make sure it fits.
How to choose the best headboard for an adjustable bed
For adjustable beds, the best headboards are those designed for both flexibility and style. These headboards feature several adjustable levels, allowing you to move the headboard up and down during installation. They’re also exceptionally sturdy, which is key when you’re moving the bed up and down regularly.
Find the Best Headboards
Whatever style you choose, it’s important to choose a high-quality headboard. A designer headboard not only adds a touch of sophistication and style, but also ensures superior craftsmanship and durability. It’s all about investing in something that enhances your space and stands up to daily use, making your bedroom a personal retreat you’ll love to come home to every day.
To help you narrow down your choice, we’ve compiled a list of trendy and highly-rated headboards.
Best bed frames with headboards
If you want to skip the hassle of buying a separate headboard, there’s an easy way to simplify your setup. A bedframe with a built-in headboard combines convenience and style in one simple package. This design integrates a headboard right into the frame, offering a seamless and cohesive look. It’s an effortless way to get a stylish and comfortable bed without any fuss.
Best upholstered & cushioned headboards
Upholstered headboards are wrapped in a soft, plush fabric that feels amazing against your back as you relax against the headboard. With a padded surface and a chic, modern design, a well-upholstered headboard adds a touch of luxury to your everyday routine. Plus, it’s available in a variety of fabrics and colors, so you can easily find an option that complements your decor.
A cushioned headboard puts comfort first to create a cozy retreat in your bedroom. With a plush, padded surface upholstered in a soft fabric like velvet or microfiber, the cushioned feel of this headboard is perfect for leaning back with a book or catching up on your favorite shows. The added padding offers more than comfort and support — it also gives the headboard a rounded, soft, and modern look that stands out from the crowd.
Best metal headboards
The best metal headboards bring durability and a timeless charm to the table. With a sleek, sturdy metal frame and ornate design, this headboard can add a touch of classic elegance to your bedroom. Whether it’s a matte black or warm bronze, a metal headboard can complement any decor style, from modern to traditional. It’s the perfect way to make a bold statement while keeping things practical and polished.
Best wood headboards
The best wood headboards can bring a warm, natural charm to your bedroom. Wood has a classic appeal, beautifully crafted with rich tones and a polished finish. A wooden headboard adds texture and depth to your space, making the bed feel both inviting and grounded. Whether it features ornate carvings or a simple, smooth finish, wood headboards can suit a bedroom in any style, from rustic cottagecore to modern farmhouse
Best traditional headboards
Whether you’re incorporating it into a fully vintage-inspired room or just love to add a touch of classic style, a traditional headboard effortlessly anchors your space with a refined, enduring beauty. Beautifully crafted with intricate details, these headboards are often in rich wood finishes like mahogany or oak. With elegant, rounded edges, a gracefully arched design, and upholstery with classic tufting, this headboard style is all about sophistication and class.
Best modern headboards
A modern headboard features clean lines, a minimalist design, and an overall sleek and understated look. With a simple, geometric shape in textured linen or smooth leather, these headboards come in low-profile styles to keep the room looking fresh and uncluttered. Subtle details, like discreet hardware and integrated lighting, add a touch of sophistication. The streamlined elegance of this headboard effortlessly updates your space, making it feel both contemporary and inviting.
Best boho headboards
The bohemian style brings a vibrant, eclectic flair to your bedroom with its laid-back, artsy vibe. This style of headboard typically features natural materials like rattan, bamboo, woven fabric, or reclaimed wood. With layered textures, colors, and other intricate details like hand-painted designs or embroidered fabric, the boho headboard infuses any space with personality and creativity. An added touch like macramé knots or a decorative fringe can complete the free-spirited look.
Best headboards for a kid's room
For kids, the best headboards are all about balancing fun with functionality. Whether it features whimsical patterns, vibrant colors, or cool shapes, a kid’s headboard should create a space that feels uniquely theirs, while still being a practical fit for their lifestyle. Made from durable, kid-friendly materials, like stain-resistant fabric or painted wood, these headboards are made to withstand the bumps and spills of daily life. Look for functional options with built-in storage or shelves for books and toys, as well as padding or upholstery for added comfort.
The Best Headboard Designs for a Restful Retreat
A headboard is more than the finishing touch in your bedroom. A stylish headboard can set the tone for the entire room, making it feel polished and put together. Whether you’re after a sleek, modern look or something more cozy and upholstered, the right headboard can make your bed a standout feature.
So if you’re in need of a room refresh — or want a comfier place to lean back and relax — it takes the right headboard to get the job done. Ready to find the ideal match for your bedroom makeover? Explore our selection of headboards to find the perfect fit for your aesthetic.
Buy the Right Headboard for Your Space
Your headboard is a reflection of your distinct style. Think about how you want to sleep and the functionality you need the headboard to have. Then match that perfect style to your overall bedroom aesthetic.
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