Elevate Your Bedroom With These Modern Headboards
Upgrade your sleeping arrangement.
A new headboard is a high-impact update that can elevate even the simplest of bed frames. In this guide, we’ve outlined the basics of buying a headboard so you can find out all you need to know about headboard designs, materials, sizing and installation types.
Types of Headboard Designs
Back in the day headboards were mounted to the tops of beds to better insulate sleepers' heads. Today, most headboards serve more of an aesthetic purpose, though they can be an excellent addition to your setup if you need a little more storage or if you like to read or watch TV comfortably in bed. Keep reading to learn which headboard is the right fit for your needs.
Panel Headboard
One of the most basic designs, a panel headboard is usually a flat, rectangular board that sits at the top of a bed. But most panel models aren’t that simple – they're available in almost any material, colour and style. Their outer edges can be ornately curved or even sloped or rimmed with crown molding, nailheads and more.
Wingback Headboard
A wingback design has two panels that jut out from either side to better enclose a bed’s headspace. The secure side panels vary in width, shape and design.
Slat Headboard
Traditional in appearance, slat headboards are made up of vertical or horizontal bars or slats made of wood or metal. The slats are encompassed by a simple outer frame that may be curved or have flat sides.
Open-Frame Headboard
Similar to slat headboards, open-frame models have simple outer borders that frame inner bars or slats, however the design of those inner bars or slats is often much more intricate or organic.
Sleigh Headboard
This elegant design slopes gently backward to imitate the classic look of a horse-drawn sleigh. Its level of ornamentation varies from simple to complex. Sleigh headboards tend to require a couple more inches of space behind the bed than flat headboards do.
Headboards with Storage
A bookcase headboard, complete with built-in shelves, cabinets or drawers, is an excellent answer to limited bedroom storage space. An added bonus: everything is within arm’s reach from the bed.
Upholstered Headboard
Covered with linen, velvet, leather and more, upholstered headboards offer padding that makes them more comfortable to lean against. The upholstery can be simple and unadorned or finished with detailing. Button tufting, nailhead trim and welting are the most common finishing touches. A padded headboard functions as fitting decor for glam or traditional-style bedrooms.
Wooden Headboard
This traditional material is a versatile win when it comes to style – it can be stained, painted or designed with classic or contemporary lines. Wood headboards are found in homes of every style, but most often in contemporary, coastal, traditional and rustic homes.
Metal Headboard
Consisting of wrought iron, brass, brushed steel and other metals, this type ranges in style from modern and industrial to vintage and farmhouse. Metal headboards are a good open alternative to more dense, solid ones. The finish of the metal, as well as the pattern the rods create, can seem country-cottage, industrial, traditional or modern.
Wicker or Rattan Headboard
This light woven material is all about texture. With a natural or painted finish, the casual beauty of wicker and rattan excels in a coastal or country-style home.
While there are no fixed standard heights, headboards’ widths are sized based on standard bed sizes: single, double, kingsize and super king. Resist the urge to size down, as those few inches make all the difference to the eye once in context with the rest of your bed.
There are three common installation options for headboards:
Wall Mounted Headboard
These headboards are drilled into the wall behind the bed, so they'll stay put no matter what.
Bed Frame Mounted Headboard
Brackets on the legs of these headboards allow them to attach directly to the back of an existing bed frame. The finished product is seamless and sturdy.
Freestanding Headboard
Freestanding headboards come without any hardware or pre-drilled holes, but can usually be easily outfitted to mount on a wall or existing bed frame.
Tip: When choosing a headboard, look at the lowest height dimension in the Weights & Dimensions tab in the product description to ensure it doesn't sit too far above your mattress.
Most headboards are about 48" high (which is the height you see above the mattress, not the height from the floor). However, if you like to sit up in bed or have lots of scatter cushions, look out for one that is closer to 52" high. If you prefer a low, streamlined look, opt for a 20" to 24" high model.
Tip: Found this article useful? Then why not also take a look at:
- Everything You've Ever Wanted to Ask About Bed Frame Types
- All the Elements That Make Up Your Bed, Explained
- 10 Canopy Bed Ideas for Every Bedroom
