A headboard on a bed is an elevated mattress. Your bedroom is a large space. A headboard can make your bedroom look beautiful and bring together the design elements.
A headboard is considered an accessory to the bed. There are many options for headboards. They come in different sizes and shapes. A headboard can be simple or functional, and it will reflect your style. This guide will help you choose the right headboard.
The Best Headboards
While the most important factor in choosing a headboard is its aesthetic appeal, there are other things you need to consider. A headboard that fits your space, matches your decor and is easy to put in, will last a lifetime, and won’t need much maintenance. These are the criteria that will help you choose the right headboard.
Type
Most headboards can be freestanding or mounted on a wall, as well as wall panels.
- The Freestanding Headboards can be placed between the bed and wall with no mounting hardware. Many headboards that are freestanding have predrilled holes in their legs. This allows you to mount the headboard to your bed.
- Headboards that attach to a bed frame can be bolted directly to the headboard. It should be noted on the headboard specifications which bed frame it will work with (standard metal bed frames).
- Headboards that attach to a wall are wall-mounted. Wall-mounted headboards do not bolt to a bed frame.
- Wall panels can also be attached to the wall. These upholstered panels can transform a wall or a large portion of it into a headboard or accent wall behind the Wingback beds.
- There are many types of headboards that can be wall-mounted or freestanding can be found here: https://www.hugoandsons.co.uk/beds/wingback-beds/. To store books or other items, storage headboards can be fitted with shelves or small cabinets.
Material
There are many options for headboard frames and upholstery materials. Metal and wood are the most common frame materials.
- Wood can be carved easily and is compatible with many design styles. Wood is a popular material that lasts for a long time and is timeless.
- Metal is stronger than wood and lighter than metal. Metal materials are well-suited for modern, minimal aesthetics with clean lines.
- You can choose from a variety of materials for headboard upholstery, such as faux leather, polyester and linen.
- Faux Leather is synthetic leather. It is waterproof, hypoallergenic and easy to clean. This material can crack over time due to UV exposure or wear.
- Polyester synthetic fabric is durable, soft, and resistant to stains. You can reduce oily stains by covering the upholstery with a stain-resistant material.
- Lining is an antimicrobial natural material. This soft fabric is available in many colors and patterns, and it’s durable enough to last for years. It is more difficult to clean than other materials.
Style and Accents
The headboard should match your bedroom decor. There are many styles of headboards available, including industrial, traditional, and modern.
- Modern design relies on clean lines and simple forms, made with metal or fabric.
- The Traditional style is all about the details. It features ornate constructions and wood elements.
- Rustic is a style inspired by nature. These pieces are usually made from wood or other “worn”.
- Industrial design uses exposed or raw materials such as worn metals in its design.
- Design elements like wings, tufted headboards and nailhead trim can be used to add style.
- Tufted Headboards feature buttoned upholstery that is stapled in various shapes such as squares or diamonds.
- Wings can be found on the wingback style, with two walls at each end. These “wings”, which were originally meant to trap heat, are now part of the design.
- Nailhead Trim is a studded design that’s usually placed around furniture’s edges.
Comfort
Upholstered headboards can have a soft, cushion-like feel. They are also very comfortable and strong. Foam padding on a headboard gives you a layer of comfort for lying in bed, rather than having to pile up pillows. If you plan to lean on the headboard, consider the material. Metal and wood are stiff, making it difficult to recline. Some upholstery can also be uncomfortable or scratchy. While some materials like polyurethane may feel comfortable, this type of use could cause damage and reduce the lifespan of your headboard.
Height and Size
The headboard size you choose will depend on the size of your bed. There are many sizes for beds: single, twin, full and queen. A headboard that is too big for a king-size bed will not fit a twin. For bed-mounted headboards to function properly, they must fit the frame. Wall-mounted and freestanding beds frames have more flexibility than those that attach to a particular-sized frame. You should make sure the headboard fits the frame of your bed so that it looks good.
There are a few things that affect the height of a headboard. Taller headboards might be a good fit if you have high ceilings. A headboard with a lower height allows for more space for art, photos, and shelves to be placed above it. Many headboards are adjustable in height for wall-mounted headboards and bed-mounted headboards.
Easy Cleaning
Although you may not think about cleaning a headboard after it is purchased, this should be considered when making your decision. How it should be cleaned depends on the material. Cleansing your headboard will make it look better and keep dust and allergens away from building up.
The construction of your headboard will determine which tools you use to clean it. You can wipe off metal, wood, leather and faux leather with a damp cloth. You can clean upholstered headboards with an upholstery brush, a steamer, or a lint roll. To make upholstery last longer and keep it clean, you will need to take a little more care. Fabrics can absorb oils from your hair, skin, sweat, and moisture from any spills. You may need to deep clean it or spot clean it to restore its original beauty.
Scotchgard is a fabric protector that can be used to protect panel headboards and other upholstery.
Installation
Mounted headboards often come with all the hardware and tools required to complete the task.
The wall-mounted headrest attaches to the wall and doesn’t connect with the bed. The headboard must be securely attached to the wall in places that can support its weight. This could be done either by anchoring it to the wall or using wall studs.
The bed-mounted headboard bolts to the frame. These headboards are usually predrilled with holes that align with the connections of the bed frame. The headboard can be mounted at different heights if there are multiple holes in its legs. Mounted headboards don’t need to be installed if they are used as freestanding headboards. A freestanding headboard can be converted into a bed-mounted headboard simply by drilling holes in the legs of your bed frame.
Our Top Picks
These are the top choices based on what makes a headboard the best. Each bedroom is unique and each person will decide what visual appeal looks best.
The Andover Mills Dax Upholstered Headboard is available with 11 colors and in sizes to fit twin, full, queen and king beds. The headboard is 38 inches high and the legs are 29 inches high. This totals to a height of 5.5 feet. The legs can be adjusted to adjust the height of the headboard for a bed frame. This bed is made from eco-friendly solid maple frames with a camel-shaped design for aesthetic value. It offers stability and visual appeal.
This headboard is padded with 100 percent linen-covered foam upholstery and a tufted diamond design. It’s a timeless style that works with smaller budgets. Mounting hardware for the Andover Mills headboard is not provided. However, it can be attached to a bed frame. It can be easily cleaned with a cloth and a fabric protector.
The Mason & Marbles Upholstered Headboard is a great combination of modest style and charming charm. This stylish headboard is available in three colors: brown, black/brown and cream. It has a tall, classy design. This headboard is elegant and more affordable than comparable products due to its diamond-tufted upholstery. This headboard measures 52 inches in height and can be used with twin, full, queen, or king-size beds. This headboard is simple and elegant. It has a wood frame with foam fill for comfort. The faux leather or fabric upholstery covers it well. The headboard has predrilled holes that can be attached to a bed frame.
The Xochitl Panel Headboard has a simple design that suits many tastes. This headboard is designed to fit a queen or king-sized bed. It measures 48 inches in height and allows you to hang photos or art above the bed. This design is available in four colors to suit your decor and style. This simple design is made of composite wood, particleboard, and medium density fiberboard. It has a timeless appearance. It has a rectangular shape with straight legs and straight moldings that can be propped up against the wall. The legs have predrilled holes that allow you to attach the headboard to any standard metal bed frame to make adjustable beds.
The Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse Harlow Slat headboard has a dramatic yet lighter impact on a space. Its vintage-style vertical steel columns are well-spaced to let you see the wall between them. This vintage metal style can be used for twin-, full, queen- and king-sized beds. It measures 54 inches high. This minimalist-style headboard pairs well with photos or art on the wall as the headboard does not compete for visual attention. This modern farmhouse design is available in white or dark bronze and is made from steel. You can clean metal headboards with a damp cloth or a duster. This headboard is compliant with the Consumer Product Safety Commission standards, which adds an additional layer of confidence to your purchase. This headboard, like many others, has predrilled holes to attach to a bed frame or can be propped between the wall and your bed.
Zipcode Design’s Francis Upholstered Headboard is a simple headboard that offers elegance and simplicity. This design is a versatile rectangular silhouette and comes in seven colors. Panel headboards are made from a solid and machined wood frame, foam padding to provide support and comfort, as well as easy-to clean faux leather and linen. Biscuit tufting is used to create a square-shaped design in the upholstery. This headboard is made from eco-friendly materials and has an overall height height of 52.5 inches. It also has a leg height height of 30.5 inches. These two legs can be freestanding between the wall and bed, but they also come with predrilled holes that can be used to attach to standard bed frames.
The Camptown Open-Frame headboard by Charlton Home is a striking piece that evokes traditional style. It features scrollwork details and is sure to grab attention. The headboard height depends on whether you choose full- or queen-size beds. It is either 62 inches (or 66 inches) tall. This makes it an ideal piece for bedrooms with high ceilings or master bedrooms. The cinnamon cherry-colored finish is applied to the solid wood legs with traditional finials. Natural factors in wood such as wood grain and knots will make your headboard unique. To add depth and richness to the straight lines and curves, the metalwork is finished with an aged gold finish. This headboard is freestanding and can be attached to either a metal frame or an adjustable bed.
Orren Ellis Sevenoaks Upholstered panel Headboard offers a modern twist on a traditional look. The modern design is subtle and elegant thanks to channel tufting, soft texture and a squared profile. It is covered with soft performance velvet, made of polyester. This covers both solid wood and particle board constructions. The fabric keeps it soft and sturdy. These materials offer a long-lasting, stain-resistant, and durable option in a panel design. This headboard is comfortable to lean on because it’s stuffed with dense foam padding.
You can choose from six different colors to match your room’s color scheme. This budget-friendly option makes it easy to update your headboard without breaking the bank. It is available in full, queen, and twin sizes. This headboard is adjustable and has a height of 55.5 inches. The headboard is supplied with hardware to mount it to a wall or bed frame. It can also be left freestanding between your bed, wall and wall.
The Three Posts Achenbach Upholstered Wingback Chairboard is a beautiful design that can be used for twin, queen and king size beds. The wingback silhouette is classic with button tufting giving it texture and nailhead trim at the sides. This headboard is suitable for many bedrooms. It measures in at 53.25 inches overall and 23 inches in height. This headboard is made of solid wood and foam, with padding and linen-blend upholstery. It’s sturdy and easy to lean on. It can be used with standard metal beds frames, or it can be used as a standalone headboard. However, you will need to strengthen the base with additional wood. There are three neutral-tone options that can be used with your existing bedroom colors.
Vant Upholstered Panels for Walls are suitable for any size and style of bed and come in six different fabric options and 31 colors. You can make a headboard panel that suits your space, style and needs with so many options. Each panel is 30 inches wide by 39 inches long and 11.5 inches high. There are many fabric options, including PU leather, velvet, and a blend of cotton and linen. Some panels such as velvet, velvet and cotton weave have a 0.95 NRC rating, which makes them soundproof acoustic panel. You can buy four panels per box, along with all the necessary mounting hardware. This allows you to choose the wall configuration you want so that you only need to purchase what you need. The panels are equipped with a unique mounting system that doesn’t require anchors or studs. If you don’t wish to drill into walls, you can use strong adhesive strips to mount the panels.
The Edmont Bookcase Headboard blends the functionality of a bookcase with the design aesthetic. This modern accent piece can be used with twin-, full- or queen-size beds. This headboard comes in five colors and is made with eco-friendly plastic, metal, and manufactured wood. It can be used as a storage solution for books and decorative objects. This freestanding headboard measures 43 inches high and can be attached to any bed or wall. It is a strong, standalone unit. You will need to drill holes in the headboard to attach it to an adjustable or metal bed frame. This headboard is easy to clean. You can wipe it with a damp cloth, and then dry with a clean cloth.
FAQs about Headboards
You may have questions about the function, selection, and placement of the headboard. These are the most frequently asked questions about choosing the best headboard.
Q. How do I choose the right headboard?
Consider the size of your bed, the design of your headboard, the ease of cleaning, and any additional features you may like. Your comforter and sheets should look good together.
Q. Can you place a headboard on any type of bed?
Some beds, like adjustable beds, don’t need a headboard. A headboard that is wall-mounted or freestanding can be used on any bed, provided it is the right size.
Q. Should a headboard touch a floor?
Some headboards do not touch the floor. Some headboards, including those mounted on the walls or in panels, and others that are attached to headboards on headboards attached to headboards, do not touch floor.
Q. How thick should a headboard need to be?
It all depends on what you need from a headboard, and the style that you prefer. You can find bed-mounting headboards that are thin or headboards that have storage. Stability is more important that the headboard’s thickness.
