In the past, headboards were necessary in homes that were poorly insulated or not insulated at all. They were made of wood and built to create space between the wall and the bed so that the cold air would sank to the floor rather than onto the sleeper.
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Today, our bedrooms are comfortably heated, even toasty, but, along the way, the headboard became an ordinary part of the bedroom suite. It adds greatly to the overall décor and keeps our pillows propped up when we read or watch television in bed.
A headboard is an important element in the well-appointed bedroom and could influence other design decisions, so choose carefully. We have here a "primer" on headboards to help you make an informed decision.
Panel
This is your basic headboard. It is flat and rectangular and so-named because it features panels of wood. But not all of the time these days. Panel headboards now come in every style, from minimalist to ornate, and every material. No matter what your décor, you will find a suitable panel headboard. It's one of the easiest ways to upgrade and update your plain bedroom and give a bit of a boutique-hotel vibe.
Wingback
The wingback headboard gives a fresh, feminine look to any bedroom décor. You can easily update a bedroom without doing major renovations. The headboard has two panels (wings) that jut out on either side of the bed's headspace. Most wingbacks are upholstered, and tufted upholstery has become a hallmark of this style of headboard.
Slat (Mission Style)
Also called Mission Style, the slat headboard has vertical or horizontal slats made of wood, metal or natural fibers. A simple outer frame may be curved or have flat sides. There are countless versions, including French country, rustic, traditional, contemporary, Shaker and coastal.
Open-Frame
An open-frame headboard brings a casual elegance to the bedroom. It has a simple outer frame, same as the slat headboard, but the inner bars or slats are elaborately intricate. Usually the open-frame is made of metal, but when fashioned from natural fibers, it has a definite coastal vibe. When made of wood with a design of geometric shapes, it works well in contemporary décor. It also makes a fun transition headboard when toddler Johnny grows into his "big boy" bed.
If your bed is in front of a recessed window, the open-frame will not obstruct the outdoor view.
Sleigh
The sleigh headboard is definitely elegant, with a gentle backward slope such as a horse-drawn sleigh has. May be simple or elaborate. Simple for a farmhouse décor; elaborate for traditional European, such as French Provincial. Upholstered sleigh headboards provide extra comfort when you read in bed. Faux leather sleighs are ideal for modern decors. Carvings at the top of the sleigh, particularly open carvings with metal accents, "punch up" a rustic décor.
Bookcase/Storage
This headboard has built-in shelves, cabinets or small cubicles. Perfect if you need additional storage in the bedroom or if you simply want things handy while you are in bed. There are many configurations in all (or most) furniture styles. There are even ones with tall side posts with hooks for your robe.
Use a bookcase headboard in a rich wood such as oak or cherry for traditional décor. A headboard painted glossy white or black is ultra-modern.
The newest bookcase headboards come with built-in lights, electric plugs and USB ports.
Headboards are available in all sorts of materials; you will find a selection no matter what décor you are out to match. Just keep in mind that the headboard can complement your décor without matching it exactly.
Wood
Wood is the classic choice for a headboard. It is versatile enough for any décor, depending on the type of wood. In addition, it can be stained, painted or carved. A headboard distressed and painted white suits a country or beach cottage. Glossy black is the ultimate in urban chic. A carved wooden headboard can transform a room into your personal statement.
Metal
A metal headboard can have a regal flair or a mellow warmth. Metal comes is a wide range of finishes: iron, wrought iron, brushed steel, aluminum, brass, bronze, silver, and gold. It also comes in fabulous colors. Metal headboards span all furniture styles. You can add "bling" to a boho space; add artistry with open-frame flourishes; add femininity with white metal ornamental scrolling and twists; and add to the purity of a Scandinavian aesthetic with a plain iron or brass slat headboard.
⇨ If you care, metal headboards create bad feng shui. Metal is cold to the touch and exerts negative energy. If you do not care, enjoy the beauty of a metal headboard!
Natural Fiber
The use of natural fibers reflects a growing trend of returning to nature and our concern about the sustainability of the materials we use. The casual beauty of wicker, rattan, abaca and bamboo is most at home in a country, tropic or coastal décor. Or you may be drawn to the more exotic with a wingback headboard made from banana leaf and hardwood or a panel headboard with braided seagrass on a wood frame.
These headboards are sometimes grouped together with wood frames.
Upholstery
Upholstered headboards can bring elegance, wow or pow to your bedroom, while giving you the utmost comfort as a backrest while you read in bed. The variety is near limitless due to the selection of fabric you will have.
No matter what fabric you choose, it must be durable and stain resistant. Among the most durable are leather, suede, vinyl, cotton duck and heavy polyester blends. The most stain resistant include vinyl and leather. But most all fabrics can be treated with a fabric and upholstery protector.
The size of your room must be factored into the size of the headboard. If you have a large room, especially one with a high ceiling, you can go as large as you wish. If you have a small room, a large headboard would overwhelm the room.
Width
Height
You do not need to be a carpenter to make your own headboard. In fact, you can do it even if you have never made anything before. Not only is it immensely satisfying, but you will also have a headboard like no other - one that reflects your style and personality. It is also a budget-friendly way to go.
King Size Headboard With Shelves
Tall King Headboard
Wood And Wrought Iron Headboards
Wrought Iron Headboards Queen
Wood Headboards For King Size Beds
Wrought Iron King Size Headboards
Iron Headboards King Size
Cast Iron Headboards
King Size Leather Headboards
Storage Headboards
Full Size Iron Headboard
Craftsman Style Headboard
Wood Frame Upholstered Headboard
Low Headboard Queen Bed
Rattan Headboards
Pine Headboards
Ikea Headboards
Wall Mounted Headboard
Bamboo Headboards
Wrought Iron Twin Headboard
Headboards For Girls
Wall Mounted Upholstered Headboard
Wicker Rattan Headboards
Wall Mount Headboard
Tufted Headboard With Wood Frame
Custom Metal Headboards
Cedar Headboards
Wrought Iron Headboard Full
Wicker Headboards
Headboards That Attach To Wall
Mission Style Queen Headboard
Mission Style Headboard King
Upholstered Headboards King Size Bed
Bookshelf Headboard King
Silver Upholstered Headboard
White Wood Headboard
Leather And Wood Headboard
Iron Bed Headboard
Cherry Headboard Queen
Shaker Style Headboard
White Leather Headboard King Size
Wicker King Size Headboard
Queen Size Leather Headboard
Wooden King Size Headboard
Birch Headboards
Cal King Leather Headboard
Willow Headboards
Black Tufted Headboards
