How to Choose a Headboard

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.

Table of Contents Hide

What Are the Different Types of Headboards?
How to select headboard material to match my decor?
What Size Headboard Should I Buy?
DIY Headboards

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.

What Are the Different Types of Headboards?

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.

Diamond Tufting Upholstered Panel Headboard

Upholstered Panel Headboard with Diamond Tufts

Linen Upholstered Solid Wood Panel Headboard

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.

Simple Rectangular Upholstered Wingback Headboard

Upholstered Wingback Headboard with Decorations

Rectangular Upholstered Wingback Headboard

Slim Wingback Headboard with Silver Nail Head Trim

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.

Minimal Contemporary Metal Slat Headboard

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.

Ornate Metal Open Frame Headboard with Solid Wood Elements

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.

Simple Manufactured Wood Bookcase Headboard

How to select headboard material to match my decor?

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.

Cotton, soft polyesters, silk polyesters and polyester blends (any lighter fabrics) suit traditional bedrooms and children's rooms.
Linen is easy to maintain and repels allergens, contributing to a fresh, healthy sleeping environment.
Velvet headboards are luxuriously soft and glamorous.
Suede is chic and adds classic charm to your bed. It is durable, but accumulates dust, so must be brushed or hand-vacuumed regularly.
Leather is modern and dramatic. It is surprisingly easy to maintain. If leather and suede exceed the budget, there are very nice looking vinyls available.

What Size Headboard Should I Buy?

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

Make sure you have the exact measurements of your bed when you shop. If it is too narrow by only a few inches (centimeters), it will be noticeably "off." Think of back in the day when a boy wore slacks just a few inches too short. Yes, your headboard will look that "dorky." If it is a few inches too wide, it will not be a problem. The standard width is 0 - 3 inches (0 to 7.6 centimeters) wider than the bed frame.
There are situations where the headboard is ultra chic when extra wide: if it extends beyond your bedside tables, if it is twice as wide as a standard one; if the headboard spans the whole wall. Lucky you if you can manage that last one. It can be absolutely stunning. But tread carefully.

Height

Standard height ranges from 14 inches (35.5 centimeters) above the top of the mattress to 48 inches (122 centimeters) or more.
The wider the bed, the taller the headboard, but the headboard is never taller than the bed is long.
If you're tall, a taller headboard with be more comfortable when you read or watch TV.
Taller headboards add drama to the bedroom.

DIY Headboards

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.

Use reclaimed materials, such as old wooden doors, paneled room dividers, dismantled fences, or antique fireplace mantels.
Wrap a piece of plywood with polyester batting then cover in any fabric you like, such as a wildlife scene, tropical flowers or Cubist art.
Get a piece of wallpaper with a design you love and the size of the headboard you want. Paste it to the wall behind your bed, then frame it with decorative crown molding.
Put up a large piece of art or large wall accents.