Create Your Dream Bedroom: Best Upholstered Fabric Headboards

Upholstered headboards are a relatively affordable way to add serious impact to the bedroom. They make a room softer and more inviting and can be a more affordable style statement than buying a complete new bed. Here are some of our favorites on the market right now.

This is as basic as it gets with upholstered headboards, but if you’re looking for a no-frills option, this is it. At $72 for a queen, it’s comparable in price to a simple DIY when you factor in plywood, padding, fabric, staples and hanging hardware. Plus, the free shipping straight to your home will save you the trouble of transporting a big piece of wood or particle board from the hardware store!

Adjustable: There’s a term you don’t often see associated with headboards. You can adjust the height up or down to be used with a low-profile or platform bed. With a solid 4.5-star rating, some reviewers note, however, that they wish the headboard were taller, and others point out that there were some issues with install and the provided hardware.

Although a lot of these headboards are lovely, it’s also nice to see a basic headboard that still looks nice, but doesn’t have nailhead trim, tufting or other noticeable details. This one from Skyline (available in linen, twill and velvet in several standard sizes) also gets great reviews about quality and affordability.

Project’s Editor Dabney can speak to this headboard because she owns it herself (in a taupe color not currently in stock). From Dabney: “In terms of value, it’s excellent (especially when on sale). If it’s in stock (and they do get sold out periodically), then Target’s swift delivery is an added bonus for the impatient customer like myself.” Available in three solid colors and two subtle prints

The Martinique is one of Amazon’s best-selling headboards and reviews speak to its quality and price. One word of concern: the deep tufting might trap dust and hair however, so if you have pets or prone to bad allergies, this might not be the best option.

Slipcovered furniture is always a good idea if you get the option since you can swiftly remove and launder. On top of being functional, I also like the simplicity of this headboard. It gives off a very coastal vibe, like something that would be spotted at a cozy B&B on the shore or a beach bungalow. No reviews on any of the colorways, unfortunately, but Skyline Furniture products tend to get the thumbs up from reviewers.

Loving the Memphis trend? The oversize windowpane plaid is a standout of the updated style, but would also add a graphic punch to a bedroom of just about any other style!

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If you love the look of an upholstered bed but think you’re likely to get it dirty, consider a slipcover headboard. You can take this cover on and off to launder and keep it squeaky clean.

Another tufted headboard is Ballard’s top-rated Giselle headboard, which is available in queen and kind, and comes in a large range of fabric options. If you need more flexibility in the design, this is a great option to explore. I suggest ordering a swatch in advance if you are worried about color or fabric choice.

This substantial headboard is a nice modern take on upholstery vs. typical tufting and/or nailhead trim. It’s available in the usual neutrals but also has some nice, brighter fabric choices (like the linen weave regal blue or mustard velvet) for bolder designs. Just remember, if you choose one of the “special order” fabrics, delivery will take between 8-10 weeks. There are no reviews on the website however, so I’m curious as to what people think of their headboards. This headboard is also currently on sale, making it cheaper than the price above.

A well-reviewed product, this Skyline headboard is a very handsome piece that goes all the way down to the floor, and has the added upholstered wings. Read the reviews about fabric color, as there is some question about photos vs. real life. All in all, this seems to be a really good buy for the money.

Aren’t you instantly transported to Paris when you look at this black-and-white striped headboard? It may have a French vibe, but it’s made in the good ol’ U.S. of A. This striped dream is made to order, so allow a few extra weeks for delivery.

The wingback feature works supremely well for headboards since the wings go all the way down to the floor, making for a much more expensive look. Plus, you get the added benefit of feeling cocooned, because who doesn’t want that? This pick comes in 2 neutrals and 3 bold colors (we love the navy and coral!) A quick note on Skyline Furniture: Many retailers, including flash-sale sites, carry its pieces, so, as previously mentioned for another headboard, googling will be your friend for getting the best pricing!

Turn your bedroom into a regal boudoir with this ornate headboard from Urban Outfitters. Make sure to read through the comments on this one, as some reviewers mention the color is actually more like lilac than pink.

This stately headboard is offered in three other solid colors in rich velvet, which highlights the extra deep tufting (though note that there are some reviews that mention the gray, shown, is much darker in person than it shows online).

Another deep-tufted option. From Anthropologie, this sturdy, beautiful headboard comes in 15 different delicious colors!

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This headboard looks elegant and European, and reviews suggest it’s solidly made. The wood detailing sets it apart from other upholstered headboards out there, giving it more of an antique feel while retaining comfort. It’s available as a queen or king size from a range of stores, so Google it first to get the best deal.

Several years ago, when we posted the first iteration of this upholstered headboard roundup, a reader commented the following: “I can’t believe this list doesn’t have Crate & Barrel’s Colette bed. It’s pricey, yes, but it’s a modern classic among designers.” Well, we simply couldn’t update this story without including the Colette! Though the headboard doesn’t have many reviews yet on the Crate & Barrel website (though the five it does have are all 5 stars), the bed has a nearly perfect rating over 160-plus reviews, so chances are, it’s a winner.

Another European-style headboard for the books. This headboard comes in three sizes (twin, queen and king) and 11 finishes/stains with the options to add metallic accents. Though certainly pricier than some other of our picks, TLF Furniture offers free shipping, which would save you, in some cases, a few hundred dollars!

Definitely the most unusual shape of the bunch, the Bihar headboard by John Robshaw is handmade in North Carolina and comes in 12 stunning block-print fabrics. The added welting along the perimeter subtly amps up the exotic silhouette. The price shown is for a queen, though this also comes in king.

One last note on price: since headboards are over-sized items, be sure to factor in shipping costs when making your final decision.

*Re-edited from a post originally published 6.23.2016 – AH