Headboard Buying Guide: How to Choose a Headboard

Did you know that the use of headboards dates back to ancient times? In Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece, headboards were a sign of status. In the medieval era, headboards were used to block drafts in cold homes. Today, headboards are neither a luxury nor a necessity, but a choice. Some people choose not to have them, but for many people, the right headboard is an aesthetic piece that can complete the look of the bed and elevate the look of the bedroom. They do serve some functional purposes too, like protecting your bedroom wall from sweat and oil, and supporting your back when you are sitting up in bed. Choosing the right headboard can get complicated, though, with so many options available. Here, we offer a headboard guide, to make the decision a little bit easier. 

Types of Headboards

Headboards come in a variety of materials, and choosing between them is a matter of considering aesthetics and function.

• Wooden headboards are one of the most common types of headboards, and for good reason. They are versatile, coming in many different styles, and can complement many diverse types of décor. Wood offers a beautiful backdrop for a bed, whether stained or painted. They are sturdy, lasting for decades, and work best in contemporary, coastal, rustic, or traditional homes.

• Metal headboards are low-maintenance and easy to clean. Types of metal used in headboards include wrought iron, brass, and brushed steel, and these headboards can vary in style, ranging from modern to industrial to vintage to farmhouse. Some metal headboards are open, while others are dense and solid, and the pattern, combined with the finish of the metal, can change the style of the headboard. It is important to note that metal headboards are sensitive to temperature, so they can sometimes be uncomfortably cold or warm to the touch.

• Upholstered headboards have a luxurious appeal. They are also comfortable to lean against, made of padding covered by fabrics like linen, velvet, wool, chenille, or leather. Some upholstered headboards are simple and sleek, while others have intricate details. Some common finishing touches are button tufting, nailhead trim, and welting. If you are considering an upholstered headboard, be aware that fabric upholstery can be challenging to keep clean. Additionally, an upholstered headboard might not be the right choice for you if you have a dust mite allergy.

• Wicker or rattan headboards give good texture. They can be painted or left with a natural finish, and they give a coastal or country-style feeling to a room.

Finding the Right Size and Fit

Of course, the first thing to consider in terms of size is the size of your bed. Headboards are made to match bed sizes, like single, double, or king. Additionally, you will want to measure your room, and compare it with the headboard size. Headboards take up additional bedroom space, typically adding two to four inches to the overall length of the bed, and sometimes extending beyond the sides of the bed, too. You will need to make sure that you can walk around the bed once the headboard is attached. It is also important to measure doorways, hallways, ceiling heights, staircases, and any other areas that the headboard will have to be carried through during the delivery process. When you are shopping for headboards, take care to look at the height of the headboard, so that you do not choose one that sits too high above your mattress. Headboards can range from 20 inches to 52 inches, and the height you choose will depend on how you want the bed to look and function. A lower headboard will give a streamlined look to your bed, while a headboard that sits higher will give you room to sit up in bed or have plenty of scatter cushions.

Mounting Options

There are a few different options when it comes to mounting a headboard, and understanding the mounting options is crucial for both style and stability. Strutted headboards are a popular choice, featuring reinforced struts that attach securely to the back of the bed. They are easy to install, with holes in the mounts that line up with pre-drilled holes in the top of the bed, and they offer adjustable height, allowing you to customise the position to suit your needs. Floor-standing headboards, on the other hand, stand on the floor behind the bed and attach directly to the bed frame. While sturdy, they have a fixed height, so selecting the right size is essential. Wall-mounted headboards are another option, ideal for those with fitted wardrobes. These headboards attach directly to the wall, providing a sleek, space-saving solution.

Style and Design

In addition to the different materials used in headboards, there are also many different styles of headboards from which to choose.

• Panel headboards are made with a basic design. Essentially, a panel headboard has a rectangular frame and sits at the top of the bed. This does not mean that they are simple or plain, though. They can consist of two, three, or more panels within the frame, and can be made of just about any material, colour, and style. The edges can be curved or sloped, intricate designs can be carved into them, and they can be trimmed with crown moulding, nailheads, or some other ornamentation. Panel headboards can also be upholstered.

• Wingback headboards enclose the bed’s space. This type of headboard has two panels that jut out from either side of the bed, to make it a cosy nook. These panels can vary in size, shape, and design.

• Slat headboards have a very traditional appearance. Made of vertical or horizontal metal or wooden slats, these headboards can add a sense of depth to a small space. The slats are encompassed by a simple outer frame, either curved or with flat sides, and can be an equal distance apart or arranged artistically.

• Open-frame headboards are similar to slat headboards. Like slat headboards, open-frame headboards have an outer frame bordering inner slats or bars. In an open-frame headboard, however, the design of the interior bars or slats is organic or intricate.

• Sleigh headboards have a classic look. Mimicking the look of a horse-drawn sleigh, this elegant headboard style slopes gently backward. Sleigh beds can be simple or complex in ornamentation, and require a few more inches of space behind the bed than traditional, flat headboards.

• Storage headboards combine style with function. Headboards that also serve as bookcases, with built-in shelves, cabinets, or drawers, provide additional bedroom storage and allow you to keep necessary items within arm’s reach.

Tips for Choosing a Headboard

When you are looking for a headboard, consider the style of your existing décor. Is it traditional or more contemporary? Country chic or industrial? What is your existing colour scheme? You will want to choose a headboard that works well with the other elements of your bedroom, without presenting a jarring contrast. Consider textures, and choose colours that give the room your desired ambiance. Remember that lighter colours give a feeling of spaciousness to a small room, and darker colours can make a large room feel more intimate.

Budget Considerations

Of course, as with any type of furniture shopping, budgetary considerations play a significant role. Solid wood and upholstered designs offer an elevated aesthetic, but they also tend to come with a higher price tag than options like metal, rattan, or engineered wood. Additionally, the mounting style you choose can make an impact on the price, strutted headboards typically offering a more affordable option than floor-standing or wall-mounted headboards. The important thing is to balance quality with cost, looking for a durable headboard in a timeless design that will enhance your space while also staying within budget.

Follow This Headboard Guide and Visit Carters Furniture

When you are ready to find your perfect headboard, trust Carters Furniture, where for over 47 years our family-run business has provided not only a vast selection of furniture, but also professional service and highly trained staff. Our stores are open 7 days a week, and our associates are happy to provide you with advice and information to help you choose the right furniture for your home. Even when our doors are shut, we provide customer service through online chat and an email system monitored 24/7 for urgent enquiries. At Carters, we have close business relationships with suppliers, allowing us to source furniture from around the world as well as locally manufactured pieces. From smaller local suppliers to big-name brands, the prices at Carters cannot be beaten; our low price guarantee states that we will match or beat any competitors’ price on identical pieces. Shop with us online, or visit our two large showrooms, where large free car parks and customer-friendly lifts make shopping convenient. For more information, contact us through our website.