Best 10 Headboards For Beds

Does your bed look too plain and you’re looking for ways to spice it up? Have you replaced your pillows, added silk pillowcases and new duvets? There are other ways that you can bump up your room’s style with a sleek yet minimal permanent fixture. A headboard is your best bet to add some aesthetic statement to not just your bed but your room as well. If you are looking to replace an old one or buy one to compliment your new bed, read on to know how to get the best headboard.

Why do you need a headboard for your bed?

A headboard signifies luxury and wealth and serves as insulated support for sleepers. Some consider it a splurge that adds up the costs to your single, double, or king frame. Nonetheless, there are a few reasons that we recommend you should invest in a headboard.

1. They offer head & back support. 

Are you a habitual bedtime reader? Do you spend time working on your laptop while on your bed, or even have breakfast in bed regularly? A headboard will provide the necessary support for your head and back while you’re engaging in your favourite pastimes. 

In this case, an upholstered or padded headboard will be ideal because you can sit comfortably without resting your back against the hard wall. In turn, this will help you maintain a good posture, eliminating the chances of neck and back pains.

2. They keep your bedroom wall clean.

Changing your deep fitted sheets regularly because of the stains caused by the sweat, dirt, and excess grease that you release at night causes more upkeep if the bed is directly touching the wall. A headboard can help prevent such stains from getting on your wall, especially if you usually lie with your head close to the wall.

If there's a hard stain on the wall that you can't seem to get rid of, a headboard will help you cover it up. However, depending on what side of your room the stain is, covering it with a headboard may require changing the position of your bed.

3. They are easy to maintain.

Upkeep on a headboard is no serious task; so, you don't have to worry about the grease, dirt, and stains that accumulate on it. For padded or upholstered headboards, use a damp cloth to wipe them, baking soda, and water to spot clean it for a fresh surface afterwards. 

Leather wipes will do the cleaning tricks for a leather headboard. A soft brush will easily remove dust and hair particles from wooden and metal headboards, followed by a soft and damp padded and non-abrasive cloth to wipe it afterwards.

4. They add stability to your bed.

If you want a good night's sleep, a frame that shakes or moves may not be the most comfortable to rest on. However, a headboard will add extra weight to your simple metal or wood frame to prevent wobbles each time you move, get in, or out of bed. It also gives you peace of mind that the entire frame structure has better support from head to toe so that sitting upright is safe and secure.

5. They add a touch of luxury to your space.

A headboard automatically changes a divan bed into luxury room furniture and adds a clean styling to your space with little effort. So, if you want a simple upgrade in your room and to make a bold statement without changing your entire bedroom decor, a headboard would be a great focal point to make this happen. Multiple colour options can blend nicely with any aesthetic and personal taste.

6. They keep your pillow in place.

If there is a space between your bed and wall, there is a high possibility that your pillow will fall off at least once in the night. You can prevent this from happening by investing in a headboard. Having your pillows land on the floor can be unsanitary and may even cause skin irritations if you have sensitive skin. The accumulated dust can lead to breakouts, so investing in a headboard and eliminating the added stress is best.

7. They keep you warmer at night.

Headboards with padding or plush velvet give off warmth, which is why many people position them against a wall. So, if your walls are poorly insulated or your bed is positioned against a window, an upholstered, leather, or wood headboard will help minimise cold draughts from interfering with your night's rest.

8. They are money-saving. 

For someone with an ever-evolving or changing taste in their room decor, buying a headboard will be more cost-effective than changing your entire bed each time you feel a need for an upgrade.

Also, you can simply change the faded upholstery on your headboard instead of buying a new one entirely. Unless you go for a premium model, the budget-friendly ones can be more efficient ways of redecorating your room. 

What to look for when buying a headboard for your bed

Now that you know why investing in a headboard is important toward improving your life, what should you consider before swiping your card for that headboard? Check below some of the top things to consider to make the best purchase possible. 

1. Size

Based on the size of your mattress, it is better to buy a headboard that is wider than one that is smaller. If you own a double or full mattress, a double headboard should be your target. The same applies to a king-size headboard, twin, and others. However, the trick is that these headboards extend wider by a few centimetres to the sides. So, measure your space to know if it will accommodate a headboard the size of your mattress and if there will be space for the extra width.

2. Aesthetics & Functionality

Your reason for buying a headboard should influence your choice, and because there are different types, you will find one to suit your needs. For instance, a storage headboard is functional for someone who needs a storage unit but has minimal space. A solid wood option is ideal if you are thinking of durability.

If you want to upgrade the outlook of your space, any stylish headboard can help you achieve this. However, if you are looking for comfort, a padded or upholstered headboard will be ideal. Opt for a faux leather model if you want to add a statement piece to your modern bedroom. 

3. Material

There are several types of headboards made from different materials. Wooden headboards are mainly made from plywood and are the most common material. Rattan headboard is derived from a vine-like plant that looks like tropical palms. This headboard is weaved in a pattern called 'wicker' and has durable fibres. Metal headboards are made of cast iron, wrought iron, aluminium, brushed steel, or brass.  Fabric or upholstery headboard cuts across velvet headboard, tufted, and linen headboard, with different designs, textures, patterns, and styles. 

A leather headboard screams luxury in any space. It is the second most popular option after wood and comes in four categories with different quality, price tag, and durability levels. These are full grain, split leather, faux leather, and corrected grain. The metal options integrate perfectly into spaces with minimal, urban, and chic decor. Wood headboards, on the other hand, are great for rooms with retro or boho schemes.

4. Design

Choosing the best headboard for your master bedroom or guest room is always fun when it comes to finding out which design best suits your needs. The following are the most popular styles: 

• Wingback headboards: They have a protrusion on both sides that looks like the arm of a fireside chair. These protrusions cover the bed's head-space to shield you from cold air drafts.
• Panel headboards: They are usually a flat rectangular wood board that sits on top of the bed frame. They have plain, rimmed, or sloped edges with nailheads, crown moulding, or other details. 
• Slatted headboards:  They have a traditional look and feature vertical or horizontal slats made from wood or metal. These slats, depending on their placement, make the headboards look tall or wide.

What is the ideal size of headboard for your bed?

It is true that when buying a frame for your bed, you need to consider the size of your mattress to make the right choice. That is, a king-size frame for a king-size mattress, a super king frame for a super king mattress, and so on (well, unless you decide to opt for an adjustable bed). 

Every bed has a headboard that will fit perfectly, but you have to consider the size of your frame, mattress, and room first. For the width, it should be 8 to 10cm wider than the frame. The standard height for headboards is from 36 to 122cm. You can go for more height if you wish but ensure that it does not exceed the length of the bed (to maintain balance).

Additionally, you can get a headboard with adjustable height to suit your preference or use a normal one on an adjustable bed since it has provisions for attaching a headboard and footboard.

Is a free-standing or detached headboard better for you?

Choosing a headboard and whether or not you can get the job done yourself depends on the type of installation required. Let's take a look at the different installation types available and which is better for you.

• Wall-mounted

This type requires you to drill holes into the wall behind the bed for firm installation. Unless you are a handy person, it will be best to allow a professional to handle this to get the best result possible and ensure that the headboard stays firm on the wall.

• Free-standing 

As the name implies, it does not require mounting on the wall or bed. With this, you get a flexible option of placing it wherever you like because they stand on their own, resting between the bed and wall. The mounting mechanism is the most straightforward, and even someone who’s never assembled something before can get the job done independently.

• Bed frame-mounted

They feature brackets on the legs, which allow you to attach them directly to the back of your bed. If you want a flexible option that you can change often, a free-standing headboard will be ideal, especially if you own a divan. However, if you want to buy an entirely new frame with an attached headboard, it will be cost-efficient for you but can limit your options as it won't be easy to switch to something new.

How much should you spend on a headboard?

There are many options to match any pocket without compromising on quality, style or functionality. You can pick the one that suits your wants, needs and budget, from affordable to high-end options. 

Affordable

At a price range from £30 to £200, you can get an upholstered panel, slat, or tufted headboard. Remember that just because they are budget-friendly doesn't mean they are not of a reputable quality. These are recommended for anyone who likes to switch things up in their bedroom’s interior design frequently.

High-End

For a high-quality and durable headboard, your budget should be from £500 to £1500. This price can get an upholstered winged or panel headboard, a luxury leather headboard, and other quality options. If you want something more permanent, premium that you won’t be replacing soon, this range is for you.

Closure

The ideal headboard is there to improve the quality of your space and your bedtime routine. We are optimistic that using the information in this buying guide, you’ll be able to make the right choice that suits your needs.

Take some time to review our selection of the best 10 headboards out there before picking the one for you. So, are you interested in adding some stability to your bed, an aesthetic upgrade to your room, and enjoy the comfort of a headboard?