Headboard Buying Guide: Sizes, Styles and Benefits Explained

A headboard is an important piece of furniture in any bedroom. It not only adds style and personality to your room, but it also serves a functional purpose.

In this headboard-buying guide, we have put together some top tips to help you choose the perfect headboard for your bedroom.

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Do I need a headboard?

Whilst there’s an argument to say that you don’t need a headboard, there are plenty of good reasons why you should.

Aesthetically pleasing: One of the biggest advantages of having a headboard is the aesthetic appeal it can add to a sleep space. Headboards come in various designs and styles that can complement any decor. They really work to complete the look of a bedroom. With the right headboard, you can achieve a harmonised balance within your bedroom design, whilst creating a stylish centrepiece for your sleep space.

Provides back support: If you like to read or sit up in bed and watch TV, having a headboard can provide you with much-needed back support. This can help decrease the strain on your back and neck, making it more comfortable to enjoy your relaxation time in bed.

Protects your wall: A headboard can be a great way to protect your walls from scuffs, marks, and dents caused by your pillows rubbing against the wall.

It brings everything together: When choosing the right style and colours, a headboard can be an effective way to tie together the different tones, shapes and textures in your bedroom. What’s more, they help to keep bedding in place, such as pillows propped and sheets tucked.

Things to consider when choosing a headboard

Size matters

The first thing to consider is the size of your bed. Before you start shopping, make sure that you know the exact dimensions of your bed frame and mattress. Headboards are designed to pair only with divans that are a compatible size and will not fit correctly to a bed that is not a match in size. For example, if you buy a double divan, you’ll need a double-size headboard. If you’re unsure about the size of your bed, make sure to measure it before making any buying decisions.

In need of a new headboard, or a new bed?

If your bed is fairly new and it’s doing all the right things to provide you with great sleep, you may only wish to swap out the headboard. It’s fairly easy to change the style of the headboard if you have a divan bed. However, this is not possible if you have a wooden, metal or upholstered bed with a pre-fitted headboard. If you’d rather choose a bedframe over a divan, you’d be much better off opting for a new bed frame with a fitted headboard in the style of your choosing.

Style and material

Once you know the size of your bed, it’s time to decide on the style and material of the headboard. Wood, metal, and upholstered headboards are the most common materials used in headboard design. Wood headboards are classic and durable, while metal headboards give a sleek, modern look. Upholstered headboards provide an extra level of comfort and are available in various colours and patterns. Because of this, they can also be chosen to match the divan, if chosen from the same brand.

Compatibility

Your new headboard should match or complement your existing furniture. If your furniture is modern, you could opt for a minimalistic headboard with a metal frame. However, if your furniture is more traditional, wooden headboards go best. While the headboard can be a statement piece in your bedroom, it should never overpower or look out of place.

Ease of maintenance

Another thing to consider is the maintenance involved in cleaning your headboard. Dust, dirt, and stains can build up on any headboard surface, but some headboard materials are easier to keep clean and dust-free than others. Hard surfaces, such as wood or metal headboards are much easier to maintain than upholstered styles.

Price and budget

Finally, the cost is always a consideration. Headboards range from affordable to luxurious prices, but there are options at every price point. Decide how much you are willing to spend before you start shopping. Remember, investing in a high-quality headboard is investing in your comfort and well-being in the long run.

The different types of headboards

Strutted headboard

Strutted headboards feature two reinforced struts that attach the headboard to a divan base.

Floor standing headboards

Floor-standing headboards slot behind your bed. They rest on the floor and also bolt onto the divan so are a sturdier option. Aesthetically, some also consider them a nicer option as you do not have a gap visible at the sides

Floating headboard

Floating headboards, or wall-mounted headboards, are fixed directly to the wall.

Styles of headboard

Upholstered headboards

The upholstered headboard has, for a long time, been one of the most popular headboard styles. Not only do they add additional comfort, but they are also particularly luxurious in their overall look and feel.

Upholstered headboards vary in design. Some are buttoned, creating a classic look. Some have winged sides, offering a cosy and encapsulating feel. Others are more minimalistic in their overall look.

Regardless of whether your bedroom interior is based on a modern or traditional look, you’ll be sure to find an upholstered headboard that matches your design ambitions. Choose from different types of fabrics including crushed velvet, linen, leather, or faux leather.

If you want to add a touch of elegance to your bedroom whilst achieving a particularly cosy ambience, then an upholstered headboard is a perfect choice.

Wooden headboards

If you love simplicity, then a wooden headboard is the right choice for you. Timeless in their design, wooden headboards work well to blend with any decor style. You can find wooden headboards in different finishes, including oak or pine. For a classic contour, opt for a slatted design, you may consider a two-tone painted wooden headboard.

Metal headboards

Metal headboards come in a variety of designs and shapes. From sleek and modern to intricate and ornate, you can choose from a variety of finishes and shapes. Chrome-style metal headboards are an ideal choice for those looking for a more modern or industrial look, whilst the classic dainty metal curvaceous designs in black, white or brass are perfect for achieving more of a vintage bedroom feel.

How high should a headboard be?

Really, there’s no definitive answer to this. It depends entirely on your personal preference, room size and headboard style. Headboards can range anywhere from 14 to 29 inches, but there’s an opportunity to go shorter or taller if you wish.

If you like to sit up in bed, we’d recommend a taller headboard, as this will provide you with the back and neck support needed to relax. However, if you have a smaller room and don’t want to feel like your bedroom is swallowed up by an overly large and bulky headboard, a shorter headboard may be an option to consider.

What size headboard do I need?

Headboards are made to standard bed sizes. For example, a double-size headboard should match a double-size bed in width. If you’re unsure as to whether your bed and headboard are compatible in size, you can get a tape measure out to check. Or, if you’re still unsure, a member of the team will be happy to help.

How do I look after my headboard?

You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to caring for your headboard, but as a general rule of thumb, you should hoover your headboard from time to time to remove any dust build-up.