A headboard is an essential decorative element for your bedroom, as it really helps showcase your bed and give it its own unique style.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, a headboard can also be very useful. Originally, headboards were designed to protect against the cold coming from the wall, but today they can serve as a replacement for a nightstand—either by providing storage or by offering a place to rest your arms while you relax, read, or watch TV while lying in bed.
But while it can be difficult to know how to choose the right bed, choosing the right headboard can be just as complicated. Are you looking for ideas and tips to make your bed stand out? If so, we invite you to keep reading.
How do you choose the right size for your headboard?
The first question to ask yourself when choosing a headboard is: What size should a headboard be? Of course, there is no standard size for a headboard, since it must, above all, fit the bed in question. If the headboard is too small, it may go unnoticed, while if it is too large, it can completely overwhelm the room.
To choose your headboard, you should start by measuring your bed. You can choose a headboard whose width matches the dimensions of the box spring exactly, or you can choose one that’s slightly wider (up to 10 centimeters on each side) to make your headboard a decorative piece in its own right.
To determine the height of your headboard, we recommend taking into account the height of the bed legs, the height of the box spring, and the thickness of the mattress. On average, a bed is between 30 and 50 cm high. To ensure your headboard is visible and you can lean against it, it should extend about 30 cm above the bedding. Of course, you can opt for a taller headboard if you want a design that stands out.
However, the height may depend on how you position the headboard. A headboard can be placed directly on the floor or even attached to the bed frame or the wall. So be sure to consider the headboard’s location when choosing the ideal height.
How do you choose the color of a headboard?
Color can also be a deciding factor when choosing a headboard. In fact, headboards come in a wide variety of colors, making them a true decorative element.
You can keep things simple by choosing a black or white headboard, like most French people do, or stand out by choosing bolder colors. Black and white add elegance and a modern touch and pair perfectly with other colors—they’re ideal if you like to change up your bedding style regularly. However, bolder colors can make your headboard the centerpiece of your decor.
What kind of upholstery should you choose for your headboard?
While the size and color of the headboard are important, it’s the upholstery that truly defines the essence of your headboard. To make the right choice among the different upholstery options we’ll present below, keep in mind the style you want to achieve with your decor. Are you leaning toward designer, baroque, contemporary, or oriental? Also, choose an upholstery that will complement the other furniture in your bedroom.
What type of wood should you choose for a headboard?
Wood is very commonly used for headboards. Solid wood, driftwood, exotic wood—it comes in a variety of styles to suit every taste. A wooden headboard is timeless and can feature different finishes (waxed, unfinished, weathered, etc.).
The advantage of a wooden headboard lies in its low-maintenance nature. Indoors, almost any type of wood can be used without requiring any special care. Depending on the type of wood chosen, there are wooden headboards to suit every budget, although particleboard is generally the most affordable option.
Decor idea: To keep the cost of a headboard even lower and create a unique wooden piece, you can choose to build your own headboard using pallets.
The main drawback of a wooden headboard is comfort, since wood is very hard and not very comfortable if you want to rest your head on it without a pillow or cushion.
What fabric should you choose for a headboard?
You can also choose a fabric headboard, which usually covers a wooden panel. By choosing this type of headboard, you can coordinate it with your decor however you like. You can even choose the same fabric for the headboard and the bedroom curtains, for example.
Velvet, cotton, linen: any type of fabric can be used to upholster a headboard. You can also choose a backrest-style headboard for added comfort.
The Upholstered Headboard: A More Luxurious Feel
To create a more grand style and go for a Baroque decor, you might want to choose an upholstered headboard. This type of headboard stands out and highlights the bed, while providing real comfort. It’s truly pleasant to lean back against an upholstered headboard to read or watch TV.
A tufted headboard adds a touch of luxury to a room. It's an ideal choice if you want to turn your bed into a true focal point in your bedroom.
Should you choose a headboard with storage?
While the upholstery, size, and color of a headboard are important, aesthetics aren't the only factor to consider. In fact, it may be a good idea to choose a headboard with storage to combine style and practicality.
A headboard with storage can, for example, eliminate the need for nightstands or even a closet. This type of product can therefore save a lot of space. We recommend a headboard with storage for smaller bedrooms—but not only for those. It can indeed be very convenient to have easy access to all your belongings right from your bed. This feature is a real advantage for people with limited mobility.